As a celebrity style editor, I've seen entryways play with almost every tone under the sun.
From pistachio green to dusty pinks and grays, the world's most famous figures are not shy of experimenting with color in the first rooms of their home. With that in mind, however, I admit, I was previously quick to overlook the power of a black and white entryway. That was, at least, until I saw LeBron and Savannah James's monochromatic space.
With black and white hallway ideas being so classic, I often categorized this color combination as chic but safe, meaning that while they always look good, they risk feeling slightly vanilla. In the case of Savannah and LeBron James, however, this combination exudes luxury in ways I have not seen before.
Designed by Tiffany Harris (of Tiffany Harris Design), every detail, from the checkered flooring to the crittall doors, creates a dramatic contrast that creates a dramatic impression in the first room of the home. It's made me realize that the best entryway colors are those that are utterly timeless, and I'm not alone in my observations.
Shop the black and white entryway edit
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).
'I have spent many years helping clients shape rooms that feel stylish and welcoming, and a black-and-white palette remains one of the most dependable ways to achieve that goal,' comments Eric Bramlett, a realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate.
'This simple colour pair brings a strong contrast that looks polished yet never feels dated. Because the scheme relies on light and dark rather than fashion colors, it can stay in place while tastes shift around it.'
Savannah James first shared this entryway in 2024, and the fact that it still looks as beautiful today is a testament to its enduring power. According to Eric, this timelessness is one of its most attractive qualities.
'People choose black and white for three main reasons. The first is timeless elegance. The crisp separation between the two shades suits homes that are modern and filled with classic details. The second is versatility. The neutral background lets artwork, throw pillows, or a single bright chair make a clear statement without the need to change the whole room,' he says.
Lastly, people choose this entryway color for its focus on form and texture. 'When color steps back, the eye notices the curve of an armchair, the grain of a wood side table, or the weave of a rug,' he says.
'By paying attention to balance, texture, and a few thoughtful accents, anyone can create a black and white room that feels fresh today and will still feel right tomorrow. The result is a space that looks collected rather than crowded and serves as a flexible stage for personal style.'
