How to Design a Black-and-White Bathroom

Paint your bathroom walls white, if they aren't already. Black trim can liven things up and set the backdrop for your bathroom. Use a semigloss paint, which is easy to wipe clean. You can go even further by painting bold stripes on your walls, stenciling a delicate design or painting freehand swirls and dots.

Select a shower curtain with a black-and-white pattern or go with a solid white for a strong look. Choose a toile pattern for a country touch, bold abstracts for a modern or sophisticated style, or a lacy or eyelet fabric if you prefer a feminine, delicate appearance.

Purchase new towels and bath rug, looking for white with black trim, a patterned design, or solid white or black. Remember that black towels and rugs do fade and show dust more easily than other colors.

Choose bathroom accessories in black and white. Your toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, tissue-box cover and bathroom trash basket can make a bold statement in a modern design, add a touch of whimsy or provide country flair, depending on what you select. You can find entire bathroom accessory sets at any discount department store or bed-and-bath shop.

Hang a picture or two on your bathroom walls to liven things up. Continue your color scheme with black-and-white photos or go with something that has a touch of color to break up the monotony.

Cover your windows with blinds or drapes in white with black trim or a subtle pattern.

Change your toilet seat to a black model and your towel rack and toilet paper holder to white ceramic -- or chrome to really set things off.