Monochromatic Color Scheme Home Decor Tips & Tricks

If you haven’t seen it already, a monochromatic color scheme is the new wave of simplistic interior design. When you decide to redecorate, it’s overwhelming enough trying to determine a color scheme, so why not just pick one color? Have you ever been shopping for paint and your eyes just glaze over at the hundreds of shades of white? There are so many shades! On top of that, trying to coordinate just one of those to another color or colors can make you go crazy. Fear not, let us be your guide in choosing the perfect monochromatic color scheme for your room and your lifestyle. 

Monochromatic Origins

   Mono, meaning one creates the whole concept of the monochromatic color scheme by using one single color in a variety of tones and hues. It’s made by altering the saturation and brightness of the single base color. It’s a new idea structure of color theory. According to color theory, a monochromatic color scheme uses variations of saturation and lightness in a single color. The trend rebelliously began with the black, white and grey color palettes and has now blossomed into accepting the use of hues of all kinds of colors on the spectrum.The monochromatic stigma, that it is stale and monotonous has officially been debunked and displayed as now a playful experimentation of color today. 

A Crisp and Clean Color Scheme

     There are multiple ways to pull off a monochromatic look. Let’s start with the first idea that pops into everyone’s mind when monochrome is mentioned, all white, everywhere. For some, like myself having an all-white color scheme is soothing and pleasing to look at. Also according to Bagua guidelines in feng shui, it can have a calming and productive effect to your space. Feng Shui? Learn how to design with our decor tips here. 

If you also have a habit of leaving your space a little untidy, going with a white monochromatic color scheme will also help motivate you to keep your space clean. This technique is highly suggested for an office space or a bedroom, and/or place of work to create a sanctuary of relaxation. If you’re worried that your new furniture won’t all match the same shade of white, IKEA is known for their consistent shades that are distributed throughout every type of product they carry. Desks, futons, consoles, you name it, they got it; all in the same shades so that you don’t have to try and color match. Need help with delivery? Get same-day delivery on IKEA products with Dolly. Learn more  

Worried that your new furniture won’t all match the same shade of white, IKEA is known for their consistent shades that are distributed throughout every type of product they carry. Desks, futons, consoles, you name it, they got it; all in the same shades so that you don’t have to try and color match. Need help with delivery? Get same-day delivery on IKEA products with Dolly. Learn more  

Tone on Tone Color Scheme

   If a white monochromatic color scheme seems too sterile, monochrome can also work well on a single hue of a primary or contrasting color. Some spaces are meant to be lively and your decor should reflect that! Don’t let the implied stereotype monochrome get you down! We are familiar that our spaces can impact us psychologically, therefore choosing the right color is important for your space. For example, your living room is a space made for relaxation or having company over.

Living rooms can either be more down to earth or lively depending on the activities that go on there. When choosing a monochromatic color scheme, if you resonate with a more relaxed vibe for your space try lighter hues of greens, blues, and purples. If you resonate with liveliness, experiment with a red, pink or yellow hue. Utilize color theory when doing this to determine how dramatic or soft you would like your space to be. Soft pink in a living room can deliver elegance whereas a deep maroon can appear majestic and thought-provoking. Whether you’re removing those old decor items to make room for your monochromatic color scheme or needing new decor items delivered, ordering a Dolly is a quick, easy, affordable and reliable way to deliver your goods. 

Tone Variety Color Scheme

      The alternative way to use a monochromatic scheme with a less neutral hue is to first choose your color and incorporate multiple saturations instead of using the same shade. What do I mean by this? For instance, monochromatic schemes are most calming when using green or blue hues according to the concepts of color theory. 

When beginning to decorate your monochromatic room, it’s easiest to start with a statement piece. This could be a wall, an item of furniture, artwork, you name it. We’ll say our statement piece is a beautiful forest green crushed velvet loveseat. An extremely elegant statement piece. As you continue to choose decorum around this statement piece, find shades that are similar to forest green but vary in hue lighter and darker. These can imitate the use of a common neutral such as a black or light grey. 

Utilize Texture With Your Scheme

   Now that you have chosen your monochromatic color scheme, we can make that color really pop with bits of texture accents. Texture really creates depth to your space which sometimes can get lost in a monochromatic room. You can choose anything from basketweaves to shag rugs and even soft fur. It’s quite simple to add subtle hints of texture such as a velour chair or loveseat. If your room has a more earthy vibe, try a woven rug or a canvas shade like these from World Market. 

Utilizing Patterns With your Color Scheme

   Another way to personalize your monochromatic space is to add patterns. A simple way to incorporate pattern which still makes a statement is to add a coordinating wallpaper. It can tie in your color scheme and make even the most simple tones fun. Lowe’s has easy to apply modern designs. For a more dramatic change, you can incorporate a pattern into your backsplash or flooring. Tiles like these are easy to find and piece together and aren’t very expensive either. It’s also possible to buy them pre-made in complex patterns with a sticky back for an easy application. 

Integrate Funky Furnishings

    If choosing a pattern isn’t your niche, another great way to have your monochromatic space stand out is to incorporate unique artistic decor pieces. A simple recommendation is adding a light fixture or an accent table that can usually be found at stores like; Home Goods and Pier 1. When purchasing a unique light fixture, don’t burden yourself with transporting your delicate pieces on your own or risk having them be damaged through shipping, order a Dolly to ensure they arrive safely to your door the same day. Your color scheme is already balanced, adding a unique feature opens up your space and showcases your own unique personality. 

    Whether you’re redecorating from scratch or adding decor items to your monochromatic color palette, deliver your items with Dolly. Dolly connects you to a local pick up driver who can bring home your new pieces on time and in mint condition same-day if needed. Let Dolly take care of your trendsetting needs!