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Monochromatic scheme interior design


How to Create a Monochromatic Color Scheme

The Spruce / Jessica Lombardi 

One of the simplest ways to create a harmonious look at home is with a monochromatic color scheme. This is also a commonly misunderstood term in decorating. Once you know the basics of using monochromatic color and the secrets to using it right, you can create gorgeous rooms easily. 

What Is a Monochromatic Color Scheme?

Based on a single color, monochromatic color schemes use various shades and tones to add a sense of differentiation within a space. There are no additional hues in a monochromatic color scheme.

What a Monochromatic Scheme is Not

In the world of interior decorating, monochromatic does not mean one color in one value used throughout a room. While the word monochromatic literally means one color, in decorating, it actually means that the color will be refined in a few ways to create a livable space. Neutral color schemes can also be monochromatic, with variations of a neutral color.  

Basic Color Terms You Should Know

Monochromatic Color Scheme Make Decorating Simple

If a monochromatic scheme relies on one color, how do you keep it from overwhelming the room? By choosing one color and using tones, shades, and tints, of that same color. Using variations of the same color can make a room look larger, so it's great for decorating small spaces.

When you vary your colors using tone, shades, and tints, you keep your new color scheme from becoming monotonous. Did you know that the term ‘monotonous’ is quite literally derived from two Greek words meaning “one tone?” You can see how a monochromatic color scheme can become monotonous without the variation of tone, shade, and tint. 

Textures and Patterns - Your Secret to the Perfect Monochromatic Color Scheme

The most attractive and enjoyable way to complete your color scheme is with texture and print. Texture adds interest to the room through the uneven surface that varies how light hits the surface. A texture can appear light and dark, even when created with the same color. Throw pillows, rugs, and window treatments, are beautiful ways to create texture. 

Using monochromatic prints can add visual interest without sacrificing your monochromatic look. Since a neutral color or two can be added as accents to a non-neutral scheme, fabric patterns containing white or black with your main color can liven up a room even more. Patterns are a great way to add depth to your monochromatic color palette but should be used sparingly if your goal is a simple and harmonious style. 

How to Create a Neutral Monochromatic Color Scheme

Most rooms can't handle blue or red wall-to-wall flooring material, or wall trim, or fireplace mantel. so neutrals make the best monochromatic schemes.

When planning your color palette, consider the neutrals that are already in place and will not be changed. If you will be adding neutral colors in your palette,  build on the ones that already exist in the space. By unifying your neutrals, and using the same monochromatic principles on them, the result will be more cohesive. 

If you’re designing a monochromatic color scheme based on neutrals only, then the same guidelines about value and textures, apply. You will want to be careful with the neutral colors that exist in the room already, and tailor your neutral scheme to harmonize with them. Being able to identify warm versus cool colors is important when working with any neutral color scheme. If your space is predominantly filled with warm neutral surfaces, your main neutral color for your monochromatic scheme should also be warm. 

Why Monochromatic Color Schemes Work

Using light and dark variations of one color is creates harmony and a relaxing room. As a background for artwork and collectibles, monochromatic color is the perfect partner, allowing the artwork to shine. 

20 Chic Monochromatic Color Schemes

Osklo Studio

When you have a favorite color, decorating a room (or even a whole home), is infinitely easier. Why force yourself to branch out when a room dipped in a single color is visually captivating and very, very chic? Sure, variation is important, but you can inject personality and intrigue with textural contrast and tonal nuances. And aside from looking stylish, going monochrome makes it infinitely easier to come up with a color scheme, thus making the entire design process much less stressful. To give you a taste of the trend's beguiling effect, we rounded up nineteen monochromatic rooms, from neutral to vibrant, minimalist to maximalist, and everything in between. So keep reading for designer spaces that'll inspire you to commit to a monochromatic color scheme and never look back.

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1

Clay Tones

PHILLIP NGUYEN

French & French Interiors gave this adobe revival home a fitting monochromatic color scheme of terra cotta, deep brown, cinnamon red, and clay for a rich and earthy atmosphere.

2

Soft Blue

Barry Dixon

Everything in this soothing sitting room designed by Barry Dixon is cast in a heavenly glow, thanks to the soft sky blue paint color. It brings out the blues in the chrome, glass, and mirrored accents, while also cooling off the wood frames of the armchairs.

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3

Leather Yellow

Annie Schlechter

Every day is sunny in this bedroom designed by Anik Pearson. Babouche by Farrow & Ball, a yellow paint color that's both intense and mellow at once, is largely to thank.

4

Cream Variations

Kevin Scott

Designed by Studio Diaa, this open-concept room is light and airy. Whitewashed oak wood flooring pairs with white pine tongue & groove walls and sheer curtains for a minimalist and monochromatic base.

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5

Bubblegum and Mauve

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

In the Amsterdam home of actor Carice van Houten, designer Nicole Dohmen of Atelier ND was tasked with incorporating pink—and lots of it. She introduced a ruddy mauve tone and blonde wood flooring with matching chair frames to bring in just a touch of contrast.

6

Moody Nuetrals

Osklo Studio

If you think crisp, all-white interiors look too stark but still like the look and feel of light neutrals, opt for warm oat-y creams or layers of soft, smokey grays. The results are edgy and industrial yet gentle and understated. Antique furnishings and classic moldings will also ensure that it feels timeless instead of overtly modern, as exemplified by this space designed by Osklo Studio.

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7

Mint Green and Teal

William Abranowicz

Mint green and teal steal the show in Sean Scherer's antique-filled living room. "We have six months of winter up here," he says, of his Upstate New York home, and "bright colors are a way to warm up your spirit." This color scheme does the trick.

8

Chocolate Brown

Lesley Unruh

Chocolate brown takes the cake in this dining room designed CeCe Barfield Thompson. High gloss walls in Benjamin Moore's Van Buren Brown and a coordinating Schumacher fabric set a sophisticated scene.

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9

Pinks, Creams, and a Touch of Red

HB

While some monochromatic color schemes mean dipping everything in the exact same color, it can also be achieved by using varying tones within the same color family. For example, in this living room nook designed by Janie Molster, we see splashes of magenta and bubblegum pink in the carpet, a background of high gloss salmon on the wall, and bold lipstick red stripes in the settee. The creamy white details throughout create both contrast and consistency.

10

Periwinkle Squared

Crosby Studios

Periwinkle, everything. In this space designed by Crosby Studio, the calming, powdery blue hue stains every inch, from the curtains to the trims, ceilings, furniture, and counters. There's something undeniable modern about using one specific color, and a pastel or neon shade delivers a great sense of bold quirkiness that doesn't take itself too seriously.

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11

Black With Splashes of Brown and Gold

Farrow & Ball

Contrary to popular belief, painting your walls an inky black hue won't necessarily make it feel smaller. Indeed, it usually has the opposite effect, making it feel larger. Here, the soft black paint makes it feel special and intimate in ways you'd never be able to achieve with a lighter hue (this specific shade is Farrow & Ball Railings No. 31). The charcoal bedding and velvet pillows along with the black painted picture frame, door, and bed frame contribute to the black-out effect while the bronze accents and wooden furniture brings in just a touch of contrast. The eclectic non-black pieces also assert a more lived-in, homey feel.

12

Cheerful Yellow and Mellow Gray

HB

From the cheery yellow stripes on the ceiling to the marigold coverlet and the buttercream and amber throw pillows, this room designed by Juan Carretero is a successful experiment in tonal decorating with the sunniest color of the rainbow. And while it's the sunniest, it isn't necessarily the easiest to match with in interiors. When in doubt, pair it with gray. Here, the gray touches cool things down without taking away from the all-yellow bliss.

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13

Bright White and Silver

Studio Razavi

All white interiors have infinite iterations, from the bohemian, texture-rich end of the spectrum to classic, coastal spins on the trend. And then there's this ultra-modern take by Studio Razavi, which punctuates white pieces with icy metallic accents.

14

Pale Pink and Cream

GTR Architects

A light, delicate pink that provides just a touch of oomph looks undeniably stylish when paired with more modern, streamlined, and geometric pieces. In this kitchen designed by GRT Architects, the clean linear cabinetry and island complement the tonal palette in unexpected ways. It feels fresh and modern while the pink color makes it feel open and bright.

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15

White, Blue, and Everything In Between

Bjorn Wallander

In this bedroom designed by Alisa Bloom, the rich, liquidy sheen of a lacquer-like finish bounces light around a dark room. Bloom used Fine Paints of Europe’s Delft Blue 4003 in Hollandlac Brilliant to illuminate this bedroom, while the painting on the wall along with the trimming on the bedding and the wallpaper on the ceiling bring in more shades of blue.

16

Black and White Spectrum

Fantastic Frank

Bold graphic black and white stripes create a fun house effect in this dining nook, which is extenuated by the trippy zebra decor adorning the tilting table top. The gray furniture lightens the intensity of the graphic black and white strips while the gilt mirror introduces just a touch of warmth.

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17

Warm Light Brown Neutrals

Nicole Franzen

These light walls create the perfect backdrop with various shades of warm caramels and creams throughout the space. The architectural elements, like the sconces, corner fan, built-in sectional, ceiling, and coffee table, bring nature-inspired personality to the monochrome living room.

18

All White With a Pop

Reid Rolls

With light blond stained hardwood floors and a bright white painted framework, the chrome chair upholstered in a vibrant print is a welcome accent. Leanne Ford Interiors is the master of all-white decorating with unexpected pops that really shake things up.

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19

Soft Blue-Gray

Mikael Axelsson

Enveloped in a soothing soft blue, this bedroom promises rest and relaxation (plus style). Even the floors are stained in a blue-gray tone to enhance the walls, bedding, and side chair. This is the perfect monochromatic color scheme for an ethereal, dreamy quality. The linen bedding and makeshift side table accent chair contribute to that easy, undone elegance.

20

Brown, Yellow, and Cream

Fantastic Frank

Pale yellow walls on the upper half of the wall complement the geometric mustard and white tiles framing the bathtub. The terra cotta herringbone floor tiles are a nice transition. They feel subtle and "accidental," yet match nicely—perfect for a lived in country chic vibe.

Monochrome interior | Basic rules and cool colors

Monochrome interior is one in which color solution is built on the basis of any one color, but in different shades. It is believed that such an interior is the prerogative of expensive boutiques, prestigious restaurants and other elite establishments.

When many of us hear the phrase " monochrome interior ", they associate with a boring interior. The reason for this reaction can be called stereotypes, due to which interiors made using the same color, seem uninteresting and quickly get bored. But this is not so at all. The interior in this style can be made on the basis of absolutely any color. To date, the combination in black and white is popular. Such a design can certainly be attributed to the classic style. In other words, a monochrome interior is an interior that is built on a combination of many shades of the same color. But it should be noted that the living room or bedroom will not look dull and dull. The interior will become original in case of correct subordination of many shades of the same color scheme. Whereas, by applying the wrong color combinations, you can completely destroy sophistication monochrome interior and in that case you will be upset.

Many people prefer to use only one color in their interiors. Creating such an interior, which is based on one dominant color, is an easy task for color scheme . It can be performed by absolutely anyone, whether it be a designer or the owner of the house. If you have a desire, then you can easily embody such an interior based on shades of one color scheme.

A designer does not need to use the entire palette to create an unsurpassed interior. With the help of a subtle play of colors and shades, halftones, he can create a more spectacular result, than a combination of contrasting colors or a colorful set of colors. Monochrome environments are eye-relaxing, calm and comfortable. Often monochrome interior is preferred by people who appreciate calm colors or give their preference to one color solution . Such a style decision will not look boring if it is combined correctly. shades and competent selection of textures. And, moreover, such an interior can carry elegance and sophistication of taste.

Below I would like to consider how it is necessary to correctly distribute shades of the same color in the interior to create an original room solution in terms of color. Elements of large size should be light. And pieces of furniture should be dark, accessories - even darker. If your interior is dominated by light colors, then the walls should be dark and the furniture should be light. You can also choose a dark color, but for such a solution it will be more difficult to select a combination of shades. It is necessary to remember an important detail, namely? the presence of a light carpet, which can make the room light, and at the same time neutralize the dark tone of the walls.

In order to achieve the expected result, you must follow some important rules.

First, colors play an important role, namely, you should pay attention to the main color and the secondary one. At the heart of the above style, one color should always dominate in addition to others. The colors of white, grey, black, silver and gold can be helpful colors. Mentioning the main color, you should pay attention to the following: so that the interior does not become boring and monotonous, you should apply different shades of the same color scheme. Let's say the whole gamut is suitable for blue, from sky blue to rich dark blue.

Secondly, you need to pay attention to the invoice. One shade of the same color can be perceived differently and it will depend on the texture. The surface of the same color will go well with the image, different patterns that can be used in the design of wallpaper or other decor. Professionals advise using glossy and matte surfaces. Such surfaces are suitable in the design of walls, columns, the surface of tables and chests of drawers. Such surfaces should not be abused so that the decorative beauty does not dazzle the eyes. You can also apply the use of volumetric elements in combination with smooth ones. Stone masonry, slabs, panels and many similar materials can help dilute the color as well as highlight different areas.

Thirdly, lighting solution plays an important role. With the original lighting design solution , you can easily enliven any interior. For example, you can create an interesting lighting effect , use a multi-level ceiling, spotlights and strip lights. But also the traditional chandelier, which is made in the original design, can become a decoration of the room and give the design a "zest".

If you follow these simple rules, you will be able to create the monochrome interior in your favorite color scheme.

Read also

Interior furniture - Wikipedia

There is an opinion that a monochrome interior is boring and dreary. But stereotypes are created to destroy them.

Understanding how to create a spectacular, expressive and stylish space, using the game of halftones and combining shades of the same color.

Base selection

When choosing a base color, you need to decide what effect you want to achieve.

To create a discreet light interior, white, beige, brown or gray colors are usually used. This is always relevant. Such shades are easy to compose and balance, it is easy and comfortable to be among them. Ideal for a room with insufficient lighting.

Calm and elegant bright spaces will appeal to conservative people, adherents of traditional values, for whom the main thing is comfort and stability.

Decorated in green, blue or purple for an unusual and expressive look. A deep juicy interior is preferred by creative and extraordinary natures.

An interesting effect can be achieved if a bright or dark room is adjacent to a bright, spacious room. It feels like you are looking into a secret room. For the role of such a room, small spaces are perfect: a bathroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, an office or a dressing room. A living room made in rich colors can quickly tire, although it looks impressive.

Balancing

There are a few rules that can help reduce visual noise and achieve harmony.

The simplest option is when a light color is chosen for the background, and dark shades are used for furniture, textiles and accessories.

The reverse version with dark walls and whitewashed furniture looks solemn and spectacular, but it is much more difficult to achieve the integrity and harmony of the composition.

Adding color

Universal helper colors - white, gray, silver, black and gold - are not forbidden to add to a monochrome interior.

The brightness of the yellow kitchen is easily subdued with gray details. Black-and-white tiles and snow-white furniture will make cool blue or serious green interiors softer and more delicate.

Architectural features

The specific geometry of the room serves as the basis for choosing the color scheme of a monochrome interior.

You can visually lengthen a square room by choosing a dark shade for two walls, and decorating the floor, ceiling and other two walls in light colors.

Dark floors and ceilings combined with neutral walls will reduce the height of a small room and visually "push" the walls. Dark floors and walls with a traditionally light ceiling will make a spacious room more compact.

Ceiling, walls and floor, painted in one rich color, visually blur the boundaries and give the interior extravagance.

Game of textures

One color on matte and glossy surfaces will be perceived completely differently. Using about five shades, it is easy to achieve the effect of depth and versatility.

Combinations of textured textiles, metal and wood surfaces, the use of three-dimensional finishing elements, unusual decor add color nuances and expressiveness, and get rid of monotony.

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