How do you create a monochromatic color scheme?

One of the simplest ways to create a harmonious look at home is to adopt a monochromatic color scheme. Once you know the basics of using monochromatic color and the secrets to using it correctly, you can create beautiful rooms with ease.

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 to a space.

Why adopt a monochromatic color scheme?

If you're looking for an elegant, easy-to-adopt style, monochromatic interior design is a good direction to take. Whether it's furniture, accessories or paint, a monochromatic color scheme is perfect if you're looking to draw attention to the parts of the room you want to stand out. Monochromatic color schemes are also harmonious and relaxing, and will suit any room whose purpose is to relax.

Secrets to successful monochromatic decorating

Monochromatic color schemes simplify decorating

If a monochromatic scheme relies on a single color, how do you keep it from dominating the room? By choosing one color and using shades of that same color. Using variations of the same color can make a room appear larger, which is ideal for decorating small spaces. When you vary your colors by using different shades, you prevent your rooms from looking "monotonous".

Choosing colors

When considering monochromatic colors, our interior designers suggest using three shades of a single color. Select your main color and choose a range of three shades, one dark, one light and one in between. This will help you create a coherent style.

Start small

If you're not sure whether to opt for a completely monochromatic interior, start with your smallest room. This is usually the bathroom, as bathrooms lend themselves perfectly to monochrome color schemes. The bathroom is a place to relax and unwind.

Add texture

Monochrome design can be a bit boring for some people. If this is the case for you, mix your monochromatic color scheme with texture. For example, for a bedroom, consider introducing a textured headboard for your bed, textured rugs or even textured bed linen. Another example, in your living room, opt for a coffee table in colored marble or noble wood.

A soft, subtle monochromatic color scheme

You don't need to choose shades at opposite ends of a color to adopt a monochromatic decor. Instead, select a few hues close to each other on a color chart to achieve a soft, subtle version of a monochromatic scheme. Take grey, for example: a mix of dark and light greys is not optimal, especially in a small room. By choosing shades of grey that are closer together, you'll achieve a much more soothing ambience.

How do I create a neutral monochrome color scheme?

Neutral colors make the best monochromatic schemes. When planning your monochromatic color scheme, think about the neutral colors that are already in place in your rooms and that you won't be changing. If you're planning to To add neutral colors to your palette, use those that already exist in the space as a basis for choosing new ones. By unifying your neutral colors, and using the same monochromatic principles on them, the result will be more consistent.

If you're designing a monochromatic color scheme based solely on neutrals, the same guidelines regarding value and textures apply. You'll need to pay attention to the neutrals that already exist in the room and adapt your neutral scheme to work with them. It's important to be able to identify warm and cool colors when working with a neutral color scheme. If your space is mainly filled with warm neutral surfaces, your main neutral color for your monochromatic scheme should also be warm.

Why are monochromatic color schemes so appealing?

The use of light and dark variations of the same color creates harmony and a relaxing room. As a background for wall decorations and other decorative accessories, monochromatic color is the perfect partner, allowing other elements to shine.