3 steps to pull off a monochromatic interior

They say that the human eye can distinguish around seven million colours. Yep, you read that right. Seven million! It’s no wonder then, that everything in our lives – from our clothing to our homes – is steeped in colour. And while there is a lot to love about colour, the constant bombardment of visual noise can start to get a little overwhelming.

Enter monochrome.

Contrary to popular belief, monochromatic colour schemes do not just refer to black and white interiors. The word monochrome is made up of two words; the word mono, which means single, and the word chrome, which means colour, or coloured matter. So, essentially, monochromatic palettes are those that utilise varying tones of a single colour.

Why do monochromatic colour schemes work?

Monochrome colour schemes work because they help prevent visual overwhelm. This is particularly important in your home interior. Life is chaotic enough – a home should be a sanctuary, a refuge from the outside world. A monochromatic palette is perfect for creating a calm and cohesive design.

Psychologically, whenever we enter a new space, our brains rely on pattern recognition to give the room context. To put this in design terms, repeating elements like patterns and colours make it easier for our brains to comprehend, and thus enjoy.

So, how do you achieve this harmony and cohesion in your own home?

Pick your colour

If the word monochrome is synonymous with a single colour, then it stands to reason that colour should be your first consideration when it comes to planning out of a monochromatic interior. With the entire scheme relying on this colour decision, there can be a lot of pressure to choose the “perfect” colour. Our advice? Avoid trends and choose a colour that you are naturally drawn to.

You’ll need to consider the current lighting situation, as well as the overall atmosphere you’re aiming to create. And if you really can’t decide between a few different colours, we would suggest creating a couple of mood boards to see which overall picture works better for you. Once you start playing with different shades and hues, you will be able to see which colour works best.

Don’t think that a monochromatic colour scheme must involve a bold colour statement; a dash of colour against an otherwise neutral palette can be all that is required to tie a room together. Similarly, a muted palette of homogenous neutrals may be the perfect solution for creating a visually stunning monochrome space.

Add pattern and texture

Once you have decided on your base colour (and accompanying hues), you can move forward to materials. The monochromatic colour palette help set parameters to work within and allow a foundation for building a cohesive interior.

While this can be great for creating harmony and reducing visual noise, a monochromatic interior can also run the risk of being too simple. If the design elements in your space are too alike, they can inadvertently make the room appear lacklustre and boring. This is where pattern and texture come into play.

By utilising a variety of different patterns and textures, you not only help break up the monotony of a monochromatic interior, but also add visual interest to the space. We suggest doing this through a contrast of textures – such as pairing soft with hard and smooth with rough. Likewise, patterns – whether it be through wall art, rugs or cushions – can also elevate a monochromatic interior.

Finish with accents

As with any great outfit, no look is complete without a finishing accent or accessory. The exact same rules apply to interiors – particularly monochromatic ones. Once you have your overall room laid out with its colours, patterns and textures, those finishing accents will help make the room feel whole. And this is the part where you get to colour outside the lines, so to speak.

While the majority of elements in a monochromatic interior should align with the overall scheme, accents are allowed to break the rules. In fact, accents that contrast with the monochromatic colour scheme can offer an extra layer of visual interest and reduce the risk of a boring interior.

Accents should be just that – small, finishing touches that help make the room feel complete. We’d generally advise against any large statement pieces, as these may create too much of a visual burden. Choose accents that are complementary in their colour palettes, and you will be well on your way to a beautiful and harmonious monochromatic interior.