As a celebrity style editor, I take joy in observing evolving color trends, from butter yellow to pistachio green. However, in all their fun and vibrancy, there's an argument to be had in defence of the classics. Arguably, no color combination is as timeless as black and white – the timeless duo that celebrities return to time and time again. Cardi B is the latest example of this, courtesy of her monochromatic entryway.
While some are quick to label black and white rooms as boring, Cardi B's space makes a fresh case for this combination. I admit that these colors are frequently used, but there's a reason they're so relied upon: they're effortlessly luxurious, stylish, and always timeless.
In Cardi B's instance, the majority of her entryway is white, but she introduces black through her stunning structural staircase railing. The result is bright but perfectly balanced – the perfect base for introducing pockets of vibrant colors through textures and accessories. Cardi has done so with a statement flower arrangement, but you don't need a structure as impressive as hers for a similar impact.
Shop black and white entryway essentials
Store dried flowers in this beautiful vase that would perfectly beautify an entryway. I love the look of a vase like this on a narrow console table in a foyer.
If you prefer to decorate without color in your entryway, this charcoal rug will make just as much of a statement and bring the drama to the room where impressions count the most.
With top notes of rose petals and base notes of birch tree and ebony woods, this blend of natural scents is loved by the likes of Jennifer Aniston (and it's a celeb favorite for a reason).
Unsurprisingly, black and white is one of the most beloved color combinations among designers, including Lisa Hensby of Lisa Hensby Design & Build Studio. She emphasizes its longevity while sharing more styling tips to ensure it never feels vanilla.
'Black and white might seem like the simplest color palette, but in reality, it’s one of the most nuanced and rewarding to work with – when done well. It’s classic, timeless, and inherently elegant, but making it feel considered rather than clinical takes more thought than you might expect,' Lisa says.
'Entryways, in particular, are the perfect place to embrace a black-and-white scheme. Why? Because they’re transitional spaces – areas we pass through rather than linger in. That gives you permission to be a bit bolder and more graphic in your choices. Black and white delivers instant drama and contrast, helping a hallway feel intentional, designed, and full of character, even if it’s short on square footage.'
As Lisa explains, one of the main challenges with this combination is preventing it from feeling 'flat, stark or overly severe'. This is where textures come into play.
'The key to getting it right is layering: mixing textures, finishes, and tones to create depth and warmth. Think glossy versus matte, natural materials like wood or stone paired with metal, ceramic, or glass,' she says.
'Even the pattern on a floor tile or the weave of a runner can make all the difference. In hallways, where there may not be much furniture or decorative clutter, these subtle shifts in surface and material do a lot of heavy lifting.'
We've bookmarked Cardi B's space as a reminder of just how chic this color combination can be, no matter how many years it serves the first room of your home.
