Architecture Adrenaline
Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Monochrome interiors might appear restrictive at first, but with proper planning they offer endless opportunities for depth and visual interest. Since monochromatic hues tend to blend together, texture and pattern can often provide easy ways - and economical ways - of adding visual interest.
Monochromatic interior design makes choosing a color scheme simple. By employing variations of one hue across floor, walls and soft furnishings a sense of unity and equilibrium is created.
Success with a monochromatic palette lies in making sure that its shades are subtle enough not to look flat and monotone. Begin on the floor, gradually covering more surface areas until you find one with interesting tints, tones and shades of your base color that bring life and dimension to the space.
For help finding the ideal hues, visit a paint strip and select several shades close to your chosen base color - these should ideally include lighter and darker versions of it. Keeping texture in mind - such as with woven rugs, coarse natural fibres or art - adds another welcome element of contrast into any monochrome space.
Monochromatic schemes can be extremely flexible. No longer confined to blacks and whites alone, using just one base color combined with principles of color theory to generate tints, tones and shades you can create an entire palette from eggshell tones to rich burgundies all the way to graphite and steel grey hues.
Monochromatic palettes make creating an effortlessly classic aesthetic effortless, thanks to their combination of tones and shades, which can highlight architectural features while adding depth and intrigue. This is especially effective with natural or neutral hues such as wood flooring or subway tile.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try your hand at monochromatic palette in your own home, we suggest starting small: starting with your bathroom is an ideal place for experimentation! In here, bold styles won't commit you to an entire room design project!
Pattern plays an integral part in creating an appealing monochrome space, whether that's through wallpaper textures, coarse natural fibres, patterned rugs or art pieces - any form of pattern adds depth and interest to a monochromatic scheme.
Bolder colors also lend themselves well to monochrome interior design, as demonstrated by blogger Kristy Wicks' stunning dining room featuring blue accents throughout its walls, light fixtures, glass centerpiece and upholstery fabric.
Monochromatic rooms may appear stark at first, yet they actually boast an elegant appearance. Instead of opting for high contrast designs which can sometimes feel too stark and clinical, go for a softer approach by mixing in textures such as velvet, leather and woven materials to create warmth and depth. Metallic tones such as copper or brass tones add luxury while wood paneling or hanging up plants like ferns add natural elements for warmth and energy to bring life and energy into a scheme.
When creating a monochromatic scheme, it's crucial to keep its look dynamic. A palette that doesn't include any contrastive elements quickly becomes dull and lifeless.
Accent colors can help bring balance and contrast into a room. Accent colours can be used on walls and furniture, artworks and accessories or rugs/flooring; they're even effective at adding textural interest in monochrome rooms! A great way to use accent colours effectively in this way is with throw pillows with patterns or button trims on curtains as another simple method for doing just this.
Textures add depth and character to a monochromatic interior design by breaking up its monotony, providing depth and dimension. From rough natural wood paneling, coarse woollen rugs or marble surfaces glimmering in the light to metallics for warming the room up further - lampshades, mirror frames or drawer pulls with metallic accents work great to add drama or warmth respectively; adding organic elements such as hanging ferns or driftwood will further elevate its overall aesthetic value.
