A Rainbow of Monochromatic Colors: 20 Décor One-Color Wonders
Monochromatic color schemes are hot right now. While the idea of decorating with a single color might make you wrinkle your nose a little, we’re here to show you some gorgeous ways of creating beautiful spaces – using (primarily) one color.
One of the keys to decorating in a monochromatic color theme successfully is to notice, embrace, and utilize some of the many, many variations of tone and hue of the given color. Also, texture is your new best friend. This keeps a monochromatic space from feeling flat, boring, or overpowering. Read on to find a rainbow of analogous colors.
Who knows, perhaps you already are doing something similar, or perhaps some of these will inspire you to take the leap!
Warmed up White.
White might seem intimidating as an analogous color scheme choice, but the trick lies in using subtle variations of white. Encroach on pale browns or greys that will read as “white” in the overall space.{found on goldfish}.
White with Wood.
Exposed ceiling beams painted white are rustic without the color of rusticity. In such a huge space, adding a neutral-natural element, like the wooden dining table and benches, is critical to keep it grounded and gorgeous.{found on ryarch}.
Creamy, well, Creams.
Subtle variations of the monochromatic color scheme play a key role in the room’s overall success. This warm, rustic space is a far cry from the traditional log-cabin heavy-rustic aesthetic we’re familiar with.
Modern Neutral Grey.
This beautiful contemporary living room is monochromatic grey, with slim touches of black and red here and there to add depth and definition.
Gorgeous Grey.
Decorating in monochromatic color themes means that other details will come to the forefront, such as texture and tone. A charcoal grey throw, for example, is still grey…but it’s a standout grey amidst the sea of pale greys in this bedroom.
Deep Plum.
When the monochromatic coloring is fairly deep and dark, as is the case in this sumptuous purple bedroom, it’s useful to accent with a few pale pieces. The white dresser, carpeting, window treatments, and lampshades go a long way in lightening up the space without taking away from the romantic feel.
Soft Mauve.
The sheen on these mauve tones bring them all together into one velvety, sumptuous bedroom of luxury. A brightened up version of the color on the rug keeps things from feeling stuffy.
Moody Blues.
Monochromatic décor can be (and usually is) enhanced greatly by the careful use of another color of similar depth and richness. This beautiful, brooding space is perfected and balanced with the burgundy leather ottoman/coffee table.{found on jamesthomaschicago}.
Soothing Blue-Grey.
Natural light can alter the color of a space, depending on the time of day, the season, the direction the windows face, and plenty of other factors. Well-chosen monochromatic colors will work together any time of day or year to create an inviting space.{found on johnlumarchitecture}.
Coastal Color.
This living space is far from beachy, but the subtle shifts of aqua tones – on the walls, furniture, accents, and artwork – keep things comfortable and warm.
Fresh Mint.
Kitchens can be a challenge to decorate in a monochromatic color scheme, but it’s certainly not impossible. Pale mint cabinets and a similarly toned beadboard backsplash make up the bulk of the analogous color here. Stainless steel appliances, as a color, simply fade into the background in the loveliest of ways possible.
Gamut of Greens.
It’s a good idea, when decorating in monochromatic tones, to grasp onto a variety of aspects of your “primary” color. Choose warmer and cooler versions of the color to keep the space visually appealing.
Organic Olive.
The monochromatic color you choose might mix and mingle between two colors equally, like this soothing bedroom. Is it yellow? Is it green? Who cares? It’s inviting.
Golden Dreams.
One might cringe a bit at the thought of a monochromatic yellow space, particularly for anyone above the age of 2. But yellow is present in plenty of gorgeous shades, including this serene golden-tan hue. Despite the matte appearance of it all, this space has a decidedly metallic vibe, just softened up a bit.
Buttery Yellow.
I love the combination of brass and wicker in this room…and how the two completely different materials are brought seamlessly together because of the butter yellow as décor “glue.”
Airy Orange.
Orange as the primary color in this contemporary kitchen brings out the warmth of the wood floors. I love the idea of using Lucite/acrylic seating to really make the single color stand out.
Vibrant Sienna.
The floor and furnishings here are very close in color, but the monochromatic style works because of the shape of all those components (square) and the warm walls and softer accent chairs.{found on susandianaharris}.
Sweet Salmon.
Where pink and orange meet is a gorgeous salmon-hued place. I love the variations in hues that are “allowed” in a monochromatic color scheme when using a combination-color as the starter. Plenty of pattern variation keeps things visually appealing as well.
Cherry Red.
It might be hard to imagine a monochromatic space in red without thinking of a year-round Valentine’s Day party gone wrong. But infusing a typically bright, bold color (like red) with some greyer and warmer tones is a perfect way to make the color an obvious choice for monochromatic color decorating. Blonde wood framing helps to break up the mass of color as well.
Driftwood Brown.
The twisted, organic driftwood piece is backdropped perfectly with these delicately designed window treatments. Varying shades of brown in simple forms complete the space.{found on deliashades}.