Decorating
How to Make Monochrome Magic at Home
Always striking, monochrome decor exudes understated elegance and never goes out of fashion. Here's how to achieve it in any room
The definition of a monochrome colour scheme is one that is executed in varying tones of only one colour; i.e. a mono (one) chrome (colour). However, in film process technology, monochrome has conversely come to refer mostly to images devoid of colour, leaving only black, white and grey. As a decorating scheme, it is chic and sleek and can be adapted to suit any style of interior, and any room in the home. As a bonus, the limited palette unifies a wide variety of differing textures and patterns.
The key to getting this look right is in finding the correct balance between black and white, while softening the contrast that the two opposites create with the addition of grey or a little pop of colour. The stark contrast can also be lessened by creating distracting visual interest with texture, pattern and shape. Use this rudimentary guide to help you achieve your own monochromatic scheme.
The key to getting this look right is in finding the correct balance between black and white, while softening the contrast that the two opposites create with the addition of grey or a little pop of colour. The stark contrast can also be lessened by creating distracting visual interest with texture, pattern and shape. Use this rudimentary guide to help you achieve your own monochromatic scheme.
In the dining room
In a dining area a softer, less contrasting look will make a monochrome space feel inviting and relaxed. Tone down the overall sharpness of a black and white scheme with the addition of some soft grey. Add fancy decorative items – such as chandeliers, detailed cornicing and comfortable dining chairs with turned legs and cushioned seats – to further soften any sharpness or to banish any sense of the sombre.
In a dining area a softer, less contrasting look will make a monochrome space feel inviting and relaxed. Tone down the overall sharpness of a black and white scheme with the addition of some soft grey. Add fancy decorative items – such as chandeliers, detailed cornicing and comfortable dining chairs with turned legs and cushioned seats – to further soften any sharpness or to banish any sense of the sombre.
In the living room
A monochrome colour scheme can feel harsh, cold and devoid of personality – not something you want in your living room. But by adding texture, you’ll discover one of the best ways to add depth, softness and interest to a black-and-white scheme.
Layer soft throws and cushions on a fabric sofa, and choose them in differing textures and materials, such as cotton, linen or faux fur. Continue to moderate the look with the use of a deep-pile rug on the floor.
A monochrome colour scheme can feel harsh, cold and devoid of personality – not something you want in your living room. But by adding texture, you’ll discover one of the best ways to add depth, softness and interest to a black-and-white scheme.
Layer soft throws and cushions on a fabric sofa, and choose them in differing textures and materials, such as cotton, linen or faux fur. Continue to moderate the look with the use of a deep-pile rug on the floor.
In the bathroom
Using a monochrome palette of crisp black and white creates a smart, clean look in the bathroom. Try using monochromatic patterned bathroom floor tiles. These produce a stunning visual feature in a room that can often lack interest. Complete the look with black-and-white cabinetry and consider opting for black tapware instead of chrome. Alternatively, choose copper taps and spouts to add some warmth to the two-toned scheme.
More monochrome tiles in the bathroom
Using a monochrome palette of crisp black and white creates a smart, clean look in the bathroom. Try using monochromatic patterned bathroom floor tiles. These produce a stunning visual feature in a room that can often lack interest. Complete the look with black-and-white cabinetry and consider opting for black tapware instead of chrome. Alternatively, choose copper taps and spouts to add some warmth to the two-toned scheme.
More monochrome tiles in the bathroom
In the master bedroom
Black-and-white bedrooms are nothing new, but the high drama created from such extreme opposites can benefit from a little distraction in the form of opulence and luxury. Metallic finishes add instant glamour to a monochrome scheme. Look for metallic-finish patterned wallpaper and soft silk throw pillows in black, white or silver. Decorate bedside tables with shiny accessories, and look out for either plain or patterned, thick and luxurious curtains with a metallic finish.
Black-and-white bedrooms are nothing new, but the high drama created from such extreme opposites can benefit from a little distraction in the form of opulence and luxury. Metallic finishes add instant glamour to a monochrome scheme. Look for metallic-finish patterned wallpaper and soft silk throw pillows in black, white or silver. Decorate bedside tables with shiny accessories, and look out for either plain or patterned, thick and luxurious curtains with a metallic finish.
In the guest bedroom
Adding a splash of your favourite hue is a fun way to enliven the look of a monochrome-decorated guest bedroom, and it provides relief from the harsh contrast of black and white. The trick is that the colour pop should be done in small doses. Keep it simple and stick to just one colour, or different tones of the same colour. As seasons – or your tastes – change, so too can the accent colour.
Adding a splash of your favourite hue is a fun way to enliven the look of a monochrome-decorated guest bedroom, and it provides relief from the harsh contrast of black and white. The trick is that the colour pop should be done in small doses. Keep it simple and stick to just one colour, or different tones of the same colour. As seasons – or your tastes – change, so too can the accent colour.
In a child’s bedroom
Red, yellow and blue are fun colours to use in a child’s bedroom, but as the child gets older they become less fond of primary colours. A simple black-and-white scheme, as seen in the image here, allows more freedom to play around with bold patterns without them becoming overpowering.
This will work in any child’s bedroom regardless of their gender and, what’s more, the decor will still look good as they grow from tot to teen. Simply mix different patterns together, such as stripes, spots and graphic symbols, then layer the patterns on top of each other to create interest.
Black and white in kid zones
Red, yellow and blue are fun colours to use in a child’s bedroom, but as the child gets older they become less fond of primary colours. A simple black-and-white scheme, as seen in the image here, allows more freedom to play around with bold patterns without them becoming overpowering.
This will work in any child’s bedroom regardless of their gender and, what’s more, the decor will still look good as they grow from tot to teen. Simply mix different patterns together, such as stripes, spots and graphic symbols, then layer the patterns on top of each other to create interest.
Black and white in kid zones
In the nursery
A complete black-and-white colour scheme can feel cold and uninviting if used in a baby’s nursery. However, the look can easily be warmed up with the addition of natural timber. Bring in wooden furniture, such as a cot or chair. A timber floor in the room covered by textured rugs will also create a cosy and friendly space, which both boys and girls will enjoy growing up in.
A complete black-and-white colour scheme can feel cold and uninviting if used in a baby’s nursery. However, the look can easily be warmed up with the addition of natural timber. Bring in wooden furniture, such as a cot or chair. A timber floor in the room covered by textured rugs will also create a cosy and friendly space, which both boys and girls will enjoy growing up in.
In the hallway
There is no better place in your home in which to make a strong first impression than in the entry hallway. A monochrome scheme will have your guests instantly complementing your decor choices as they walk in the door.
Black-and-white striped runner rugs or wallpaper hung horizontally will visually enhance the dimensions of a narrow hallway. Place statement pieces of black furniture against white walls, or vice versa, for a seriously dramatic look, and accessorise with a mix of black and white decorative objects.
TELL US
What do you think of a black-and-white interior? Let us know how you have mastered the look in the Comments below.
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There is no better place in your home in which to make a strong first impression than in the entry hallway. A monochrome scheme will have your guests instantly complementing your decor choices as they walk in the door.
Black-and-white striped runner rugs or wallpaper hung horizontally will visually enhance the dimensions of a narrow hallway. Place statement pieces of black furniture against white walls, or vice versa, for a seriously dramatic look, and accessorise with a mix of black and white decorative objects.
TELL US
What do you think of a black-and-white interior? Let us know how you have mastered the look in the Comments below.
MORE
Weekend DIY: Chic Black and White Projects Anyone Can Do
How to Decorate With Black and White Stripes
Dutch Houzz: Minimalist Palette Creates Soothing Home
The sophisticated contrast of black and while continues to be a hugely popular choice in kitchens. It’s a versatile combo that works with any style of interior, from traditional and classic to minimalist and contemporary.
Choose high-gloss finishes on cabinetry and benchtops for an ultra modern, highly reflective look that will have huge impact. For a more subdued look, choose matt finishes. This will create a sophisticated atmosphere, producing a style that is becoming increasingly popular in kitchens, as formal dining rooms merge with kitchen zones; for example, a dining table may be adjoining the kitchen island.
Black and white kitchens