How To Create a Monochromatic Colour Scheme

Creating a monochromatic colour scheme in your home is a great way to ensure a more cohesive design style. Even though monochromatic colour schemes are trending amongst amateur and professional interior designers, there are still some misconceptions when it comes to creating this colour scheme in your space.

The word monochrome literally means “one colour”, which can cause some confusion when it comes to monochrome colour schemes in design. 

In interior design, monochromatic style can be split into four different categories: 

• Hue
• Tone
• Shade
• Tint

These four-colour variations are the key to creating a dynamic monochromatic colour scheme, rather than a single hue room which can make your space feel stiff or visually boring. To avoid a flat, single-colour space that leaves you feeling overwhelmed, we’ve broken down the process of creating a dimensional monochromatic colour scheme into two easy steps. 

1. Choose Your Monochromatic Colour 

Design by WILLIAM MACDONALD  Photography by STEPHANI BUCHMAN          

The most crucial part of establishing a monochromatic colour scheme is choosing your base colour. The most popular base colours are typically neutrals, as they are the easiest to match and can make your space appear larger. Of course, that’s not to say that a brighter hue is impossible to use as a base. One of the best things about creating a monochromatic colour scheme is that it can be applied to virtually any design style or aesthetic, so if your taste runs more towards the colourful side, don’t be afraid to bring that into your space. 

Before deciding on your colour scheme, it’s important to consider the elements that are already in the space that you don’t intend to change. Do you have warm-toned hardwood floors? Consider choosing a warm beige or another neutral tone as your base. Or maybe you have a grey bed frame you plan to keep – consider building your colour scheme around it for a more cohesive design. 

Design by SARA BEDERMAN  Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

Once you consider the elements that you plan to keep in your space and use them to choose your base colour, it’s time to find the various shades, tones, and tints that will help you bring your monochromatic colour scheme to life. The easiest way to identify those colours is by going through each of the colour variation categories with your base colour in mind. These categories are: 

• Hue. Hue is your base colour. This is the colour you will build your monochrome scheme around. 
• Tone. Tone is your base colour after grey has been added. The value of your base colour will become more muted with the addition of grey. 
• Shade. Shade is your base colour after black has been added. The value of the base colour will be darkened with the addition of black. 
• Tint. Tint is your base colour after white has been added. The value of your base colour will be lighter with the addition of white. 

2. Use Textures and Patterns to Create Dimension

Design by CATHERINE LUCIE-HORBER

While establishing your colour scheme is certainly the most important part of creating a monochrome colour palette, ensuring that your space has dimension and is visually interesting is also crucial. To avoid a flat-feeling room, be sure to utilize the different shades, tones, and tints associated with your base colour. While incorporating your colour scale, consider using different patterns, textures, and prints to help you create an even more visually dynamic design. 

Design by EVELYN ESHUN

Introduce Textures

There are several ways to introduce patterns, textures, and prints to your space. How you utilize these options will depend upon your personal taste and your chosen colour scheme, but some ways to incorporate pattern and texture are: 

• Wallpaper. Wallpaper is an easy way to add pattern and even texture to your monochrome design. Consider doing a metallic print to move light around your space, or a large, printed pattern that utilizes different shades, tints, and tones of your base colour. 

• Wall or Floor Tile. Tile is an excellent way to add some different textures to your space, whether it’s on the floor or the walls. Consider using an interesting pattern as a backsplash above the kitchen sink or a herringbone pattern on your floors to bring even more dimension to the room. 

• Pillows, Blankets, and other linens. Pillows, blankets, and other linens are a great way to add different shades, tones, and tints while also adding in some new textures or patterns. Look for patterns within your colour arrangement and elements like fringe or beads for an added element of interest. 

• Visually interesting décor. Whatever your style, adding decor pieces like vases, lamps, statues or other important collectibles is a good way of not only showing your personality but adding an extra visual element to your monochrome design. 

Perfect Flooring for Monochromatic Interiors

For an entire room, where the colour palette primarily consists of different shades and tones of a single colour, the choice of flooring can play a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetics and cohesiveness of the space. The flooring should complement the chosen monochromatic colour scheme while adding texture and visual appeal. Here are some excellent types of flooring options for your own home design:

1. Hardwood Flooring: Hardwood floors, particularly in lighter or darker shades that match the monochromatic colour scheme, can add warmth and elegance to the room. The natural grain patterns and variations in wood contribute to the visual appeal without introducing contrasting colours. This oak floor ties in perfectly with the natural tones of this monochromatic room.

   

2. Light-Coloured Carpet: A plush, light-coloured carpet in the same colour family as the monochromatic scheme can create a soft and comfortable feel in the room. A pale neutral carpet or one that closely matches the dominant hue can work well. Combine beige tones with a soft beige carpet like this one and you'll have a bedroom that is calm and relaxing.

   

3. Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles: Tiles in shades that align with the monochromatic colour palette offer a smooth and clean look. They can be used in various finishes, such as matte or glossy, to add subtle texture to the floor. Tile floors work in kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms and other spaces that get a lot of moisture.

4. Natural Stone Flooring: Stone floors, like marble, travertine, or slate, can add sophistication and a touch of luxury to a monochromatic room. Opt for stone tiles that are within the same colour family as the chosen hue.

5. Laminate Flooring: Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, including options that can mimic the look of hardwood, stone, or tile. Choose a laminate flooring that aligns with the monochromatic colour palette.

   

6. Vinyl Flooring: Vinyl flooring offers versatility and affordability. It is available in various colours and patterns, making it easy to find one that fits the monochromatic scheme. Try luxury vinyl floors in an eye catching herringbone pattern to add a bold statement to your monochromatic colour scheme interior design.

   

When selecting the flooring, consider the overall style and theme of the room. Additionally, pay attention to how the flooring interacts with the walls, furniture, and other elements in the space. The goal is to create a harmonious and visually balanced environment where the monochromatic colour scheme is enhanced rather than overshadowed by the flooring choice.

Looking for more interior design inspiration? Check out our latest blogs from Beautiful Design Made Simple to explore more trending design styles and learn about the latest in flooring technology.