How To Create a Monochromatic Color Scheme

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

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

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

• Hue
• Tone
• Shade
• Tint

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

1. Choose Your Monochromatic Color 

Design by WILLIAM MACDONALD  Photography by STEPHANI BUCHMAN          

The most crucial part of establishing a monochromatic color scheme is choosing your base color. The most popular base colors 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 color scheme is that it can be applied to virtually any design style or aesthetic, so if your taste runs more towards the colorful side, don’t be afraid to bring that into your space. 

Before deciding on your color 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 color 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 color, it’s time to find the various shades, tones, and tints that will help you bring your monochromatic color scheme to life. The easiest way to identify those colors is by going through each of the color variation categories with your base color in mind. These categories are: 

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

2. Use Textures and Patterns to Create Dimension

Design by CATHERINE LUCIE-HORBER

While establishing your color scheme is certainly the most important part of creating a monochrome color 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 color. While incorporating your color scale, consider using different patterns, textures, and prints to help you create an even more visually dynamic design. 

Design by EVELYN ESHUN

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 color 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 color. 
• 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 color scheme 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. 

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.