Simpson
Monochromatic spaces are a popular (and ever-growing) trend in interior design, and with damn good reason too. Layering different shades of single colour not only creates a stunning look but is also incredibly easy to do even if you’re not a professional interior designer. Monochromatic interiors have long been used by designers to add drama and impact to homes and can result in a space that is bold, elegant, and absolutely unforgettable.
If you are considering revamping your home with a monochromatic flair, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we look at 6 expert tips and tricks for designing monochromatic interiors, regardless of what your budget or experience level is. Read on to find out more!
1. Consider The Mood You Are Going For
A room bursting in different shades of yellow is always going to feel different to a room full of greys, so considering the mood and feel you are trying to express is the first and most important step when designing a monochromatic interior. A living room in all-black tones with chic metallic furnishings might feel bold and glamorous; meanwhile doing the same in a bedroom might feel more dark and dramatic.
For example, if you’re aiming for a bright and airy feel in your lounge room, you may want to consider layering different shades of white – starting with white linen curtains and an ivory sofa to bookshelves and TV units made of milky pine timber. The options are truly endless when it comes to colour psychology, so doing a little bit of research and matching colours to emotions is the best way to create the exact ambience you are going for.
2. Texture Is Key
One of the biggest mistakes that many people make when they embrace monochromatic interiors is a lack of texture. When done wrongly, monochrome design can come with the possibility of looking a little flat and boring. If you are concerned your room is looking a little uninteresting, be sure to mix it up with texture.
For a bedroom, consider introducing a textured headboard for your bed, or large throw pillows in different types of fabric. When it comes to areas such as the living room, be sure to use a mix of textiles in everything from rugs to window treatments, throw pillows, blankets and furniture upholstery.
3. The 60-30-10 Rule
Monochrome design spans far beyond just sticking to one colour. In fact, a general rule of thumb is to narrow it down to a total of three hues and stick to them. Next up, let’s talk about the 60-30-10 rule. This popular design trick is a great way to keep your space looking balanced. It dictates that 60% of your interiors should be made up of your dominant hue (walls, sofas, area rugs), 30% with the secondary colour (bed linens, drapes, accent walls), and the remaining 10% in your accent colour (accessories, throw pillows etc).
Using the 60-30-10 rule can make choosing colour simple and will help you achieve balance in decorating.
4. Create Contrast With Hardware
When filling a room with a variety of similar colours, there is a chance that you run the risk of the room merging into one, without much in the way of definition. This is where creating a bold contrast with your fixtures and fittings can come in handy. For example, in areas such as the kitchen, we encourage you to consider choosing taps and hardware in contrasting shades to offset a monochromatic design. They don’t have to be crazy bright colours, but choosing something with a slightly different tone that stands out against a monochrome palette will make a world of difference.
Tip: Consider brass, copper or polished nickel fixtures and fittings to work with your colour scheme of choice.
5. Be Sure To Utilise Patterns
Another fantastic way to really personalise your monochromatic space is to include patterns. A simple way to incorporate a pattern is in the form of coordinating wallpaper. Wallpaper has come a long way since its inception, with a multitude of stylish and modern options now available on the market. Patterned wallpaper can tie in your colour scheme and make even the most simple tones a lot more fun.
For a more dramatic change, you could even incorporate a pattern into your kitchen backsplash or flooring with the help of inexpensive tiles. Looking for an easy DIY backsplash upgrade? Be sure to check out this article
6. Start Small
Last but not least, if transforming your entire living room or bedroom seems like an overwhelming task, we urge you to take it a step back and start small. For monochromatic newcomers, a small space — like a bathroom or study — can be an ideal starting ground. Practice makes perfect, and once you feel a little more confident, you can take on bigger projects in the form of your bedroom, lounge room or kitchen.
Expert tip: When working with a tiny space, be sure to stick to one colour. Incorporating too many other colours can make a small space feel incredibly busy and cluttered.
You might think decorating a monochrome room is just another passing colour trend, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether you’re aiming for a space that is calm and subtle or something wild and ultra-saturated, these 6 tips are sure to come in handy during your next interior design upgrade.
