monochromatic color scheme




Why Monochromatic Color Schemes Work

Monochromatic color schemes work because they streamline your design. Typically, you’d have to put effort into purposefully including a few common threads throughout your design to ensure that the entire look ties together. In this case, as long as you work within the color scheme, unity and harmony are already taken care of.

Unity is important because it’s what helps the eye “make sense” of a room. According to Gestalt Psychology, whenever we enter a new space, our brains rely on pattern recognition to give the room context. The more patterns we can find—repeated colors, for example—the easier the room is for us to process. The quicker we’re able to make sense of a room, the more aesthetically pleasing we’re likely to find it.



 Start by picking out your palette. Image: Carl Mayfield Architectural Photographer


The first step to putting a monochromatic look together is to choose the colors that you intend to use. In this case, we suggest utilizing three colors, in total. Obviously, you’ll want them to come from the same color family in order to create a cohesive look.

We suggest starting with your base shade, the one that will define your design. Then, round out your color scheme by choosing one color that’s lighter than your base shade and one color that’s darker. If you need help narrowing down your options, we recommend looking at paint samples (the kind with multiple colors on one sheet) and using those as your inspiration.


patterns and textures




Get Creative with Accent Materials

Here’s where things get interesting: even though the majority of elements in monochromatic rooms should fit within your prescribed scheme, there’s no hard and fast rule that says everything has to match. Your accents and accessories give you a chance to color outside the lines a little bit.

In the photo above, notice the coffee table has a metal finish to it. That finish is then carried through the rest of the room via decorative vases, lamps, desks, and even in the frame surrounding the wall art. You can do the same with your design, or use another natural material, such as wood or stone.

Other accessories, such as wall art or throw pillows, are also a great way to sneak variety into your design. If you go this route, though, make sure that the items you choose to fulfill this role include your base color in some way. This technique keeps your design looking cohesive, even if it bends the rules a bit.


monochromatic color scheme