For the color-challenged among us, black and white seems like the best decor combination. It matches, it’s classic, it’s sophisticated- can’t go wrong, right?

While those reasons are certainly valid, black and white is not always the way to go. The stark contrast tends to be very severe unless done expertly (and even then it can flop drastically). Don’t despair – you can still have your black/white color scheme. You just need to lighten and brighten it up a bit.

A shock of any color can bring life into a black and white bathroom, but some can and often do come across as too bright, too dull, or too juvenile. The nearly foolproof choice is red. Red is perfect for adding drama and flair without clashing, and the classic black, white and red combination works for all styles.

Here’s how you can apply the dramatic scheme in your bathroom:

If you’re not crazy about red or not ready for a commitment, add it in small accents such as towels, accessories, and even light fixtures to a black and white bathroom.