It's a timeless look—black and white—that some would call safe or boring. But when done like this, it has the power to really make your place look modern and cool. The dark onyx seagrass wallpaper used only on one side of the room adds an extra layer of dimension (and fakes some architecture), but the same effect can be done with simple paint.

The idea is to take this timeless pairing of neutral colors and liven it up with a combination of old and new pieces—mixing graphic prints with clean lines and a smattering of bold, artistic finds. A marble-topped table offers a natural element yet retains clean lines while reclaimed oil drum lids leafed in gold make for a textural art statement. A rich, blue velvet couch (which might come off as too flashy in another space) is grounded by the room's limited color scheme.

There are a few pieces here to take this place from standard to lust-worthy. And they're the touches that often come when working with an interior designer—tricks of the trade, you might call them. Like gold foil-lined black lampshades. They cast a warm glow and keep the light contained to a small area. Or a small ottoman (upholstered in an interesting fabric), tucked into a corner of the main seating area that works to accent the room. Or a unique bar cart that can house your booze and double as a defacto entry or console table.