Selecting a color scheme for your interior design project can be overwhelming with so many different options to choose from. If you’ve ever visited a local paint store, home improvement store, or researched colors to use for your home in the past, you are likely aware that the options seem never ending. Although it’s wonderful to have such a wide array of colors to choose from, you may find yourself wishing that a solidified color palette was easier to discover and feel confident moving forward with. One simple solution to making a quick decision is to choose to work with a monochromatic color scheme. The use of a monochromatic color palette for a home is not only visually appealing to the eye, but it also provides a strong sense of cohesion which is a great way to make your home feel unified in its design aesthetic. 

What Does Monochromatic Color Scheme Mean?

By definition, monochromatic color schemes are derived from a single base hue and extended using its shades, tones and tints. Not sure what those terms mean? Let’s run through them in a bit more detail!

• Color (or Hue): The property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way the object reflects or emits light. Colors are what we refer to when we say “red” or “yellow.”
• Value: The value of a color is a representation of a color's brightness. It is one of the color appearance parameters of any color appearance model.
• Tint: A tint is a variety of a color once the value of the color has been lightened with the addition of white.
• Shade: A shade is a variety of color once the value of the color has been darkened with the addition of black.
• Tone: A tone is a variety of color once the value of the color has been muted with the addition of gray.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive a bit deeper into the meaning of a monochromatic color scheme. As mentioned, a monochromatic color palette is derived from a single base hue and extended using its shades, tones and tints. This means that a single base color should form the foundation of the entire room's color design, and although various shades and tones of that color can serve as accents in the space, there should be no other base colors present in monochromatic design. While decorating with one main color may sound drab, it is important to remember that monochromatic does not necessarily mean the space has to lack color or character, so you can start out with any color you’d like and build from there!

If you are struggling with where to start when it comes to color for your home design, we highly suggest using a monochromatic theme as it is relatively easy to achieve and can be visually stunning. Read on to discover some of our tips and tricks when it comes to achieving monochromatic color schemes for any room of your home!

Should a Monochromatic Color Scheme be Neutral?

Although monochromatic may lead you to believe you’re limited to whites or a neutral color, that is not the case. You can go as neutral as off-white or as bold as blue when it comes to layering a monochromatic look in your room. In fact, sometimes bolder colors are better to use because they create a sense of sophistication and help give any room a major wow factor. If blue is your favorite color, don’t be afraid to let that show within a main area of your home like the living room. You can start with any single blue undertone and add combinations of lighter and darker shades to keep the room uniform while making it interesting.

Where to Start when it comes to Monochromatic Color Schemes?

When building a monochromatic design in your home, a great place to get started is by looking at your flooring as it is a foundation you have to build off of. Whether you have wall-to-wall carpet, a wood floor, a tile floor, or a favorite area rug, you can base your entire color palette on a dominant color from your floor. From there you can layer different shades of that color up onto your walls, and utilize them in upholsteries, furnishings, lighting, and decor. Try looking for elements and pieces in the same general color family to add additional layers of depth to your design. If you stay within the same undertone and hue in your furnishing choices, you will begin to layer your monochromatic look.

If you’re intimidated by starting out in a large space, we suggest starting with a smaller room such as a bathroom, office, or foyer. A bathroom for example often lends itself to monochromatic design. You can start out by selecting tile and layering from there. The bathroom does not have to be bold and impactful but rather should be calming and relaxing making it the perfect place to start with a neutral monochromatic palette. This will help you get the idea of how to start with a single color and layer in texture.

What can a Monochromatic Color Scheme do for a Room?

Monochromatic color schemes have a variety of benefits that make them worth considering when it comes to interior design and room decor. One reason you can quickly decide on a monochromatic palette is if you have a specific piece of furniture, art, or decor you’d like to highlight in the room as it will allow you to draw attention to that piece.

Some other benefits of working with a monochromatic color scheme include:

• Having a simplified design which achieves a look of color harmony and sophistication
• Allowing for a great balance of contrast
• Displaying a minimalist style which allows showcase pieces to stand out and draw the attention of the room
• Using one single color can make a bold impression while remaining timeless

As you can see, using monochromatic color schemes in your design is a great way to give your home a uniform, classy, and timeless look. If you start with a solid base, it also allows you the luxury of updating your décor items over time when you need a refresh or simply want to change things up. Check out some of our favorite monochromatic palettes from our collection of upholsteries and furnishings below. Looking for assistance with how to mix patterns or maybe you’re wondering how to choose furniture color? We’ve got your design needs covered. Check out Inside Weather today!