Decorating
How to Make a Monotone Room Interesting
Are you brave enough to commit to a single colour? Here are seven ways to liven it up while sticking to your guns
Tackling a monotone theme is not the easiest of options, but it is possible to produce striking and unique rooms if done correctly. Often when we hear the word ‘monotone’, we automatically think boring or unattractive, but used in the right way, a single toned room can be stylish and interesting. What is monotone? Monotone interiors focus on a single colour with little variation. If done properly, it can make a room feel open and calm, but if done poorly, the space can look drab and sterile. Texture, contrast, pattern and elements that add warmth all contribute to making a monotone colour scheme work. Try incorporating some of the tips below to make your monotone room stylish and interesting.
Add plants
I love monotone bathrooms! They always feel fresh and clean, which is in keeping with their purpose. You can bring a monotone bathroom to life by including some timber accents and also by adding some plant life. Here, the floor, ceiling and fixtures are all white, but with the addition of some greenery, the space is fresh and inviting.
This stylish bathroom ticks a lot of the boxes for making monotone colour schemes work – texture and mixed patterns found in the tiles has also aided in making this space interesting and easy on the eye.
I love monotone bathrooms! They always feel fresh and clean, which is in keeping with their purpose. You can bring a monotone bathroom to life by including some timber accents and also by adding some plant life. Here, the floor, ceiling and fixtures are all white, but with the addition of some greenery, the space is fresh and inviting.
This stylish bathroom ticks a lot of the boxes for making monotone colour schemes work – texture and mixed patterns found in the tiles has also aided in making this space interesting and easy on the eye.
Use contrast
Contrast can be simply defined as opposing elements such as colour, pattern or texture, placed side by side. It is an effective strategy when adding interest to interiors, but it needs to be used carefully, so as not to disorientate the viewer.
A little bit of contrast goes a long way in a monotone space. In this laundry, the contrast of the white tub is visually startling and enlivens the nook. The tub automatically become the focal point.
This is a great example of how monotone can be used to make a special piece of furniture or decor the focal point of the room.
Contrast can be simply defined as opposing elements such as colour, pattern or texture, placed side by side. It is an effective strategy when adding interest to interiors, but it needs to be used carefully, so as not to disorientate the viewer.
A little bit of contrast goes a long way in a monotone space. In this laundry, the contrast of the white tub is visually startling and enlivens the nook. The tub automatically become the focal point.
This is a great example of how monotone can be used to make a special piece of furniture or decor the focal point of the room.
The amount of contrast used in this bright, white kitchen is in perfect proportion. The black kickback under the bench, a small grouping of black objects in the corner of the kitchen bench and the black appliances break up the monotony of white, but is not overdone.
In a monotone setting, sometimes a dramatically different shade of the same colour can constitute a contrast.
This little area features a single tone of silvery grey found on the wall, power points and in the picture frame. The much darker shade of grey found on the bag, boots and stool legs provide the contrast necessary to make this space beautiful. And once again, the warmth of timber has been added to help bring life into the vignette.
More on how to style vignettes
This little area features a single tone of silvery grey found on the wall, power points and in the picture frame. The much darker shade of grey found on the bag, boots and stool legs provide the contrast necessary to make this space beautiful. And once again, the warmth of timber has been added to help bring life into the vignette.
More on how to style vignettes
Add metallic accents
Add some wow factor by introducing some metallic elements into your monotone colour scheme. Metallic paints or actual metals will help to break up the monotony of a space.
This dark and moody brown room is made elegant by the few accents of metal – the golden fox in the picture, the metallic side table, the metal sconces and even the upholstery studs in the armchair.
Do not underestimate the impact that even a small amount of metal can make on a room. Take these things away and the room would be left looking and feeling extremely dull. Instead it oozes moodiness and warmth.
Add some wow factor by introducing some metallic elements into your monotone colour scheme. Metallic paints or actual metals will help to break up the monotony of a space.
This dark and moody brown room is made elegant by the few accents of metal – the golden fox in the picture, the metallic side table, the metal sconces and even the upholstery studs in the armchair.
Do not underestimate the impact that even a small amount of metal can make on a room. Take these things away and the room would be left looking and feeling extremely dull. Instead it oozes moodiness and warmth.
Vary the texture
Texture is an essential component for any monotone colour scheme. This room is a great example of texture bringing a single toned space to life. Smooth, matt wall paint, heavy silky drapes and velvet chairs and cushions all help to add warmth and depth to this monotone room.
A tiny burst of contrast has been added with the vibrant pink blooms, not to mention the playful patterned rug to break up the colour.
Read more: Texture-Rich Tricks You Can Reach Out and Touch
Texture is an essential component for any monotone colour scheme. This room is a great example of texture bringing a single toned space to life. Smooth, matt wall paint, heavy silky drapes and velvet chairs and cushions all help to add warmth and depth to this monotone room.
A tiny burst of contrast has been added with the vibrant pink blooms, not to mention the playful patterned rug to break up the colour.
Read more: Texture-Rich Tricks You Can Reach Out and Touch
Texture is an important factor in the success of this dining area. The use of smooth glass, cane, rustic wood, grainy sand and timber accents all combine together to create interest and contrast within a monotone space.
Incorporate pattern
Using subtle patterns in monotone interiors is a great way to liven up a space, especially when it is unexpected and quirky.
This elegant bathroom has all the right ingredients for a classic, clean and sophisticated bathing area, but an unexpected addition of flamingo wall paper gives the room an extra dose of personality and humour.
This bathroom would have been beautiful without the fun wallpaper, but the contrast in pattern is pretty and interesting, which will make you want to linger a little longer at the basin when lathering your hands.
Using subtle patterns in monotone interiors is a great way to liven up a space, especially when it is unexpected and quirky.
This elegant bathroom has all the right ingredients for a classic, clean and sophisticated bathing area, but an unexpected addition of flamingo wall paper gives the room an extra dose of personality and humour.
This bathroom would have been beautiful without the fun wallpaper, but the contrast in pattern is pretty and interesting, which will make you want to linger a little longer at the basin when lathering your hands.
This bedroom takes monotone to the extreme. Bedsides the dark bedside table, picture and curtain rods, there is very little variation in colour or texture. Instead, the subtle pattern in the cushions on the bed and lounge help to make this space warm and welcoming.
The plant on the bedside table and the gentle lighting all make this cosy bedroom a great example of monotone styling being perfectly executed. A calm and peaceful setting is ideal for bedroom retreats and a good night’s sleep.
The plant on the bedside table and the gentle lighting all make this cosy bedroom a great example of monotone styling being perfectly executed. A calm and peaceful setting is ideal for bedroom retreats and a good night’s sleep.
Make monotone your canvas
Use monotone to your advantage and shine the spotlight on your most treasured items. A monotone room makes the perfect canvas or backdrop for your photos, collections and treasures.
With nothing else to distract the eye, all of your precious pieces will take centre stage, allowing your decor personality to shine through.
This eclectic group of treasures, displayed on a monotone backdrop of white, will naturally attract attention.
Use monotone to your advantage and shine the spotlight on your most treasured items. A monotone room makes the perfect canvas or backdrop for your photos, collections and treasures.
With nothing else to distract the eye, all of your precious pieces will take centre stage, allowing your decor personality to shine through.
This eclectic group of treasures, displayed on a monotone backdrop of white, will naturally attract attention.
Stylish and beautiful monotone interiors are not easy to execute, but if you want to attempt this striking approach to decorating, these tips will give you a head start.
TELL US
Would you attempt a monotone colour scheme in your home? Tell us why or why not?
MORE
5 Fool-Proof Steps to a Spot On Colour Scheme
Why You Shouldn’t Go Overboard With Colour
Nature’s Wisdom: The Allure of Earthy Tones
TELL US
Would you attempt a monotone colour scheme in your home? Tell us why or why not?
MORE
5 Fool-Proof Steps to a Spot On Colour Scheme
Why You Shouldn’t Go Overboard With Colour
Nature’s Wisdom: The Allure of Earthy Tones
The introduction of timber accents, particularly in a neutral monotone scheme, serve to bring life and warmth to a space. If you are passionate about maintaining your monotone look, make sure you keep the colour or stain of your timber all the same. Varying stains will clash and disrupt the calm feel of your neutral palette.
This kitchen is the perfect example of how to execute monotone correctly. The floors, cupboards, walls, benches and shelves are all the same shade of white, but the room is anything but boring. Timber accents in the form of chopping boards, cheeseboards, wooden spoons and foraged sticks bring a warmth into the kitchen that would have otherwise been stark and overly pale. The abundance of objects look clean and curated, because they too are mostly white, which stops them from competing with each other for attention.