Best Paint Colors
How To Decorate With A Monochromatic Palette
Updated on April 15, 2020
Monochromatic decorating uses all the colors, tints and shades of a single hue, establishing a cohesive palette that’s calm, cozy and cocooning (which is all something we could use right now). It delivers high drama with relative ease. When committing to a single hue, use it to your advantage: it can make a small space feel larger, or a big room feel intimate. Plus, stick to lightbulbs in a neutral color temperature (look on the box for 3,500–4,000K) so the room color reads true.
If you’re looking for a project to spruce up your space while you stay at home, we got you covered. Scroll down to get inspired!
How To…
Pick A Color: This look requires commitment — choose a hue you’ve been in love with for years (keep a paint chip handy to match tones when shopping for furniture). A monochromatic treatment can work in any room, but smaller scale spaces such as a bedroom, sitting room or powder room lend themselves to a more dramatic look like this one.
Do It Right: Incorporate different textures and tones so the room doesn’t feel flat. Take natural light into account when choosing a color; note that a northern exposure casts a cool light, so try sample boards at various points during the day and night to see how the shade changes.
Do It On A Budget: Paint is a great way to adapt furniture or accessories to a new color scheme. Repainting a thrift store find or lampshade is an economical DIY that can deliver a custom monochromatic effect.
Paint The Ceiling: For an airy look, paint the ceiling white, but if a cocooning atmosphere is what you’re after, use the same color that’s on the walls or “step” the color by going a few shades lighter on the paint color card.
This living room space is a medley of blues, which cuts the intensity of the walls for a layered effect. The deeper millwork and drapery are softened by a powder blue rug and sofa, and a blue-grey cabinet.
If all-over color is overwhelming, keep large pieces neutral. Add color with paint and accessories, and reupholster small furniture in your new hue. Paint the walls and choose textiles in the same color family, as seen in this plum-toned dining room.
Want to keep your walls neutral? Pick a key piece of furniture like a headboard and have it upholstered in your feature color, then repeat the hue in the accessories.
House & Home April 2020
Produced by Jennifer Koper