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Just like the impact a slick of lipstick can have on your mood, the same applies to updating your home. If you’re a decorating novice, monochrome styling is the anxiety-free way to freshen up your interiors, especially when softened with cool grey.

The simple two-tone colour base allows you to play with pattern, shape and texture, the secret to an elegant home. Here, exactly how a minimal colour palette can create bold interiors.
 

Follow the 70/30 rule

Start with a blank canvas. That means white walls, floors and your key furniture like a coffee table or couch. Then add contrasting black accents like layered throws, cushions, candles and vases. Country Road’s home collection has you covered with the Petje cushion ($79), a wool knit pillow with a boucle finish, available in charcoal and marshmallow. To keep things fresh, a good rule of thumb is 70 per cent white to 30 per cent black.
 

Soft serve

With this black and white trend, there is a grey area – which can soften the starkness of a black and white palette. Try soft furnishings like throws and blankets (we love Country Road’s Jeorg throw ($179), a graphic pattern with fringed edges) and consider refreshing your furniture on the cheap, with a fabric occasional chair (Kmart has modern upholstered designs for $49) and ottoman. Smooth.
 

Picture this

Go all out with grouping your favourite art and photos printed in black and white. Curate an eclectic gallery wall mixing and matching picture frames in various sizes (you can buy separately or in packs. Target has black and white wooden frames that can be mounted vertically or horizontally, starting from $5). Then add a few quirky finds to showcase your personality (hello sketches, motivational quotes and graphic prints).
 

Into the woods

Still too harsh? Working in natural wood will instantly add warmth and a nod to the industrial trend. Try Kmart’s industrial ladder bookshelf ($49) as a stylish display for your cookbooks, indoor plants and monochrome candle selection (splurge on Jo Malone at Myer, or if you’re after a steal, try SOHUM at Myer). Welcome to your New York-style new home.
 

Don’t be afraid of the dark

Extend your black and white palette to your kitchen for an easy style win. Monochrome tea towels, placemats, dinnerware and appliances make instant updates. Salt&Pepper at Myer have an on point 16-piece paint dinner set for $179.95, while SodaStream at Myer offer a wooden and white version of their cult sparkling water dispenser ($169.95). Because life’s flat without bubbles. 
 

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