A Monochromatic View

With many color combinations, it is color theory that makes a design stand out. This view demonstrates the monochromatic appeal to interior design.

The color theory of a monochromatic theme is the use of one color in multiple shades that gives off a unified look of that one color the homeowner adores. The reader should look at what colors offer the most aesthetic or pleasing look of that one color that he or she would want to live with. If a certain color does not make the reader feel good or make the homeowner sigh in relief when they see the home, then maybe that color is not the right one.

For an example, the reader may appreciate the fine hues of a turquoise blue. If the reader or homeowner walks into a room and a “calming” flows through the homeowner, then turquoise blue is the color he or she should use. By adding other shades or tints of blue, the homeowner adopts a monochromatic approach to design. To enhance this look, the homeowner should use a neutral color such as white or light gray to make the look more appealing to the senses. A good combination of denim blue, slate blue, and white can reflect a certain look that may remind the homeowner of sailing on the sea, whereas a denim blue, slate blue, and cocoa brown may reflect a more modern style of the city or a contemporary apartment.

Combining Colors in Design

This method of combining colors can be used with every color. For instance a room in monochromatic reds can accentuate passion, love, rosy skin, candied apples, or a fiery lipstick. A green can reflect a dense jungle, or forest with large palm trees and spiny pines; a lake-front property or the entrance into a beautiful garden also can be a reflection in a green combination like blades of grass, avocados, limes, and green apples.

With such pleasing color choices, the way to design is limitless. As a designer, he or she should try to paint a young teenager’s room with his or her interests. In one such design, for a teenage girl who loves red and adores her friends, the designer should paint the room in a strong raspberry red color and accessorize the room with many shades of reds, pinks, and plum color to reflect the teenager’s color interests. The designer should then take photos the teen has of her friends and copy them in an achromatic tone to create wallpaper of the teenager’s pictures. With this wallpaper idea, the designer should cover the teen’s focal wall behind the bed and add black lamps and white candles in crystal holders. The majority of the room will reflect a monochromatic design of reds with a splash of neutrals to accentuate the teenager’s new personal wallpaper.

Monochromatic Room Ideas

If a room seems too empty and boring and the walls are lacking in art, adding a monochromatic paint pattern such as stripes or blocks can create an artistic design. A homeowner should enhance a room with dramatic colors by adding a strong hue of color for the bedding. If the duvet, shams and back pillows have saturation in rich tones of a preferred color, this will create an intense and pleasing monochromatic look to the room. The opposite is to add a relief of color to reduce the overwhelming tone of the hue used in a room. This effect will balance the room and make a monochromatic room more appealing to the homeowner.

Using a monochromatic design will not only enhance the room but also make the room a conversational piece for the homeowner for many years. Accessories may change in the future as the homeowner’s interest may change. Later if the homeowner grows bored with the color in his or her room, 2000 plus other colors are available to choose from. Maybe he or she will want to use an analogous design for the next big design endeavor; as of the present time he or she can sit back and relax by enjoying a monochromatic room with a view.