The black and white color scheme in website design often refers to the use of predominantly black and white colors to create a clean, minimalist aesthetic. It is popular due to its simplicity and versatility, allowing for easy readability and focus on content. This design approach can convey a sense of sophistication and professionalism, but may also be perceived as cold or sterile. It is important to balance the use of black and white with other elements like typography and imagery to create a visually appealing and engaging website.