READING TIME: 6 MINS
MONOCHROME HOME
“Black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.”
A monochrome interior design theme is a minimalist choice. Simplicity is key in this theme.
Monochrome is a theme that is beautifully elegant, versatile, timeless and classic.
Monochromatic means that you take one base colour and apply colour theory to create a range of hues by applying various tones, shades, and tints that can be created from the original base colour.
Monochromatic – using a tint, tone or shade of just one colour. The term monochrome comes from the Ancient Greek: μονόχρωμος, romanised: monochromos, lit. 'having one colour'.
Achromatic – colourless scheme (no hue) using black, white and grey only (literally, shy away from colour).
Monochrome is one of the most timeless colour schemes. Creating a monochromatic interior means to have the creative freedom to choose a stunning colour, but also to use different shades of the same colour throughout.
The Monochrome Home
When it comes to interior design, monochromatic does not strictly mean ‘only one colour’ is used throughout a space. The word monochromatic might mean one colour, but in the world of interiors it speaks about one colour refined to be used in so many ways… And trust me, monochrome is anything but monotonous!
The most popular and obvious of the monochrome theme is the most simple of all — the classic and much beloved black and white look. It is a beautiful play of utter contrast. It is a sophisticated and timeless colour combination that has stood the test of time. The beauty is that using black and white really lends itself to creating an either very classic way of decorating or a more edgy contemporary look. Black and white works with pretty much any interior style. I really like a touch of black and white in the coastal style, it adds sophistication, coastal elegance and an upmarket feel.
Or you might simply use darker shades of grey and black for your scheme which really creates an entirely different mood; with a different design statement. A monochromatic colour scheme means using varying shades of one colour. A recent newcomer to the ‘trend’ is warm monochrome. It is a much softer variation over monochrome’s innate starkness both in terms of colour temperature as well as character. Instead of true black, you would see slate or charcoal grey.
“Whilst black and white is the best example of a monochromatic colour scheme, any colour has the ability to be used in monochrome design, yet the most popular seem to be neutral tones. I feel these work beautifully in a very harmonious and calming way.”
monochrome design
A monochrome design is aesthetically pleasing and can make a space feel luxurious, minimal, or contemporary. This theme creates harmony since it is based on one colour.
Monochrome designs tend to have a relaxing effect, therefore, this theme is often utilised in spaces that need a little boost of calm. Bedrooms are, of course, an excellent option, or bathrooms to create a spa-like feel, as are home offices to create a very well balanced and coordinated look.
Texture and pattern are the easiest ways to add visual interest to a monochrome theme. It is important to choose design elements and materials that will bring personality into the space, and ultimately pull everything together seamlessly.
“Monochrome is a classic palette. And, when put together, black and white convey an abundance of confidence, elegance and truly effortless chic.”
Why a Monochrome Home Works
__
It is Timeless
When put together, black and white convey confidence, elegance and a sophisticated look and feel, making them great options for interior spaces with an effortlessly stylish flair that won’t go out of style.
__
It is Versatile
When paired with considered style elements, a monochrome scheme lends itself to a variety of décor styles – be it classic/traditional, contemporary, mid-century or otherwise.
__
It is Refreshing
Spaces with crisp white walls tend to appear brighter and bigger than those painted in darker colours; while dark accessories and fittings are often used to break up washed-out spaces, adding a refreshing vibe.
__
It creates Harmony
Monochrome creates harmony because it is really all one base colour that naturally creates a sense of simplicity.
Monochromatic Colour Scheme
I actually believe that the successful combination of colours is more important than the individual colours you select. The key is to create balance among all the components. A monochromatic colour scheme is one of the best ways to create a stylish neutral colour palette…
Choose a design aesthetic
The monochromatic colour scheme all starts with a colour that you truly love…. Think of a colour swatch paint strip: the colours on a strip are simply variations of lighter and darker shades of the same colour. To keep a monochrome scheme balanced, use a mix of shades from the paint strip; and consider warmer or cooler shades as a variant in the same design.
Simply put, choose one colour and use tones, shades and tints of that same colour (see examples on the right). By using varying tones, shades, and tints, you keep your scheme from becoming monotonous.
If you choose a black and white colour scheme, you can carefully break the rules by adding just a touch of an accent colour. This is really the beauty of a monochromatic black and white scheme, it is very much the basis for so many other colours and styles.
But, keep it simple… Don’t use too many variations in shade as you want your colours to be visually distinguishable. I recommend to create a vision board to visualise your desired theme.
Consider the Mood
Tonal variation can create very different moods in a space. For example, a colour scheme that is predominantly white with just a few light shades of grey creates a very bright and airy feel; on the other hand, if you include bolder and darker tones and black elements in the scheme, the mood created is quite different. Once you decide on the overall mood you wish to accomplish, it will be easier to ‘set the tone’ of the scheme.
Create Contrast
Be mindful of things looking ‘too flat’. Textures and patterns are the secret ingredient to the perfect monochromatic colour scheme.
Layering textures provides light and shade, and visual comfort — and in a way it lets you feel the colour as you see it. Throw pillows, blankets, rugs and window treatments with fabric patterns are beautiful ways to add texture. But remember, the aim is to create a harmonious style.
Further add a layer of interest and warmth by incorporating natural materials or a neutral colour, for example honey-coloured wood. Invest in luxe materials, such as marble, and keep surfaces clutter-free to give this look its elegance and simplicity.
Metallic shades create subtle accents. For example, brass, copper or silver work well with a black and white colour palette.
BiophiliC Design
Monochrome interiors also work well with the green living trend.
“The term monochrome comes from the Ancient Greek: μονόχρωμος, romanised: monochromos, lit. ‘having one colour’.”
I find that monochromatic styling works rather well to achieve a stylish and classic look as the variation in colour tones provides a striking contrast between the individual styling elements.
If you are designing a monochromatic colour scheme based on the neutral colour palette only, then the same guidelines apply. In my opinion, the neutral home or the white home are very elegant monochromatic colour scheme.