Decorating
Decorating: Monochrome Schemes that Celebrate Cool Contrast
Give your rooms a fresh new direction with a scheme that puts punchy, sophisticated black and white at its core
Black and white interiors were associated with minimal bachelor pads back in the 1980s, but today, this pared-down colour scheme is fantastically on-trend, and looks sleek, strong and stylish. The trick is to layer a monochrome interior with plenty of textures and tones, to keep the core black and white colours looking sophisticated, but not severe. So follow these fine examples and work in plenty of artwork, furniture in warm wood tones and flashes of accent colour for a wonderfully welcoming look.
Take it to bed
Bedrooms can look fabulous in black and white, with the soft textures of bedding and throws offsetting the bold colour scheme. This traditional bedstead looks sharp with a black frame and the industrial lamp contrasts with the contemporary chevron cushion for a genre-breaking look.
Bedrooms can look fabulous in black and white, with the soft textures of bedding and throws offsetting the bold colour scheme. This traditional bedstead looks sharp with a black frame and the industrial lamp contrasts with the contemporary chevron cushion for a genre-breaking look.
Work in some brown
Monochrome schemes look super stylish when teamed with furniture in walnut-brown wood. The tone is dark enough to blend in, but rich enough to add a little warmth to the black and white. Here, a cowhide rug adds further deep brown to this sophisticated dining space, while framed black and white photos add a splash of drama.
Monochrome schemes look super stylish when teamed with furniture in walnut-brown wood. The tone is dark enough to blend in, but rich enough to add a little warmth to the black and white. Here, a cowhide rug adds further deep brown to this sophisticated dining space, while framed black and white photos add a splash of drama.
Make an entrance
You do not have to paint your walls pink and lay blue carpet to make your entrance hall stand out. Instead, work with what you have. Here, monochrome Victorian tiles dictate the colour scheme of white with dark accents. A deep grey painted on the ceiling draws the eye up and makes the original cornicing stand out, while an elegant console table helps give this narrow space the wow factor.
Explore 10 ways to make a stylish entrance
You do not have to paint your walls pink and lay blue carpet to make your entrance hall stand out. Instead, work with what you have. Here, monochrome Victorian tiles dictate the colour scheme of white with dark accents. A deep grey painted on the ceiling draws the eye up and makes the original cornicing stand out, while an elegant console table helps give this narrow space the wow factor.
Explore 10 ways to make a stylish entrance
Go cool and contemporary
For a true monochrome space, keep decor and furnishings black, white and grey. Clock print cushions, a globe and chessboard add an Alice In Wonderland feel to this space.
For a true monochrome space, keep decor and furnishings black, white and grey. Clock print cushions, a globe and chessboard add an Alice In Wonderland feel to this space.
Mix in metallics
Black and white schemes look gorgeous with flashes of metallic gold and silver worked in to brighten them up. Here, the metallic console and stool add glamour and interest, while a mix of grey and silver tiles lighten the look at floor level.
Black and white schemes look gorgeous with flashes of metallic gold and silver worked in to brighten them up. Here, the metallic console and stool add glamour and interest, while a mix of grey and silver tiles lighten the look at floor level.
Start small
If you want to experiment with the monochrome look, simply fill an empty shelf or surface with favourite accessories to test it out. Don’t be afraid to mix up materials and blend in a few other tones, too. Here, blue glassware, brass trinkets and white ceramics give this surface a stylist’s touch.
If you want to experiment with the monochrome look, simply fill an empty shelf or surface with favourite accessories to test it out. Don’t be afraid to mix up materials and blend in a few other tones, too. Here, blue glassware, brass trinkets and white ceramics give this surface a stylist’s touch.
Spread to your office space
A monochrome scheme looks organised, clean and on-trend and is the perfect partner for a home office space, bringing just the right note of seriousness. Here, vintage pieces and plenty of wall art add welcome detail, without being a distraction.
A monochrome scheme looks organised, clean and on-trend and is the perfect partner for a home office space, bringing just the right note of seriousness. Here, vintage pieces and plenty of wall art add welcome detail, without being a distraction.
Weave in some wood
Choosing a monochrome scheme for your home doesn’t mean you can’t weave in some antique pieces, too. This beautiful tallboy adds old-school glamour to a sophisticated, traditional bathroom, and also stores clutter away, too.
Choosing a monochrome scheme for your home doesn’t mean you can’t weave in some antique pieces, too. This beautiful tallboy adds old-school glamour to a sophisticated, traditional bathroom, and also stores clutter away, too.
Pair up with pattern
Rather than paint a wall in black in your bedroom, which could feel a little strong, source a wallpaper in black or darkest blue with a simple contemporary pattern. This will add subtle detail to the wall and lighten its appearance. Then, you only need add simple white bedding and cushions and throws in muted, oatmeal tones for a look that marries drama with comfort.
TELL US...
Are you a fan of monochrome style? How do you incorporate it into your home? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Rather than paint a wall in black in your bedroom, which could feel a little strong, source a wallpaper in black or darkest blue with a simple contemporary pattern. This will add subtle detail to the wall and lighten its appearance. Then, you only need add simple white bedding and cushions and throws in muted, oatmeal tones for a look that marries drama with comfort.
TELL US...
Are you a fan of monochrome style? How do you incorporate it into your home? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Deep, charcoal grey fits in beautifully with a monochrome scheme, working as a complementary dark tone without looking quite as dense and inky and pure black. It’s a great shade for sofas and armchairs, too, and when teamed with patterned cushions, as here, adds warmth and comfort to a crisp monochrome space.
Learn how to bring grey into every room