Design Vibe

Monochromatic glam:
A look that’s bold and eye-catching  

By Edilka Anderson

Described by some as the good kind of “matchy matchy,” making the choice to go with monochrome basics promises to give you a timeless, almost never go out of style look that remains both pleasing and charmingly versatile. 

While Monochrome is often considered calming, it isn’t restricted to greys, blacks, and whites. Though monochromatic translates into meaning ‘one colour’, with interior design, its common practice to be afforded a little artistic license as ‘one colour’ doesn’t mean such a strict approach.

The Mono design approach not only gives you a lot more ways to change the mood and style of your space but it encourages the use of a wide range of accessory and textile options that can be dramatic and statement making, soft and elegant or everything in between. 

Whether you have a sudden urge to change things up with a complementary paint colour, bold new statement pieces, accessories, or seasonal decorations, starting with “one plain and simple” colour palate will offer you and your interior designer plenty of practical short and long-term options.

Depending on your goals using the same shades and tones of your colour can be classy, timeless and surprisingly versatile. If you can pull it off, this approach can give you subtle or substantial…. a rich, deep and glam feel or a lighter, laid back casual vibe. And, variations of the same colour, can make a room look even bigger—a great option for a small space.

To get your best monochromatic look, designers suggest starting small space—bathroom or spare bedroom and start from the ground up. Go where your heart takes you. Adding and layering various and unique textures and patterns in monochromatic style gives you the ability to add an interesting dimension using the same colour palette with a twist and options to change things up as you see fit. Consider draperies, pictures, pillows, chair and floor coverings and even lighting as additional design elements as well as walls.

It’s all about you. Whether you’re playing it safe and picking neutrals to work with, or you’re taking a risk and being more adventures with bright colours, going mono can be a fabulous and fun way to let your personality shine though. 

karetoronto.ca

Get our newsletter

Get monthly updates with unique HomeFront updates and stay up to date with tips and trends

HF Travels

Auberge Saint-Antoine Coteau Restaurant Located in a historic 1822 maritime warehouse at Auberge Saint-Antoine, Restaurant Coteau celebrates Quebec’s terroir with refined, creative cuisine. Menus—crafted by Chef Lucas Brocheton and his team—highlight the freshness of ingredients from the family’s own Ferme

Bella Cucina turns up the heat

Lovely and lofty At Evani, self-catering holiday home in the Cotswolds, England. The grand kitchen brings together modern design and classic architecture. uniquehomestays.com Too many cooks may spoil the broth so stake your claim and make sure the kitchen is

Overheard

Faroe Island’s mystery trips By designing controlled surprise self-guided road trips within safe parameters, Visit Faroe Island isn’t just solving over-tourism, it’s introducing fun and spontaneity into the over-scheduled lives of visitors. Experts suggest that our neural activity jumps when

Seaside glamour on the Côte d’Azur

An eye-catching spot in the land of the rich and famous, that’s only open from May until the end of September, La Tartane is a popular destination for couples and families alike. Brightened by a palette of sunny colours, natural

All aboard –The Napa Valley Wine Train

The Valley is home to five distinct communities that all have their own unique personalities where great wines, wonderful cuisine and fun shopping experiences await. It’s been over 35 legendary years since the Napa Valley Wine Train took its inaugural

The robots are coming!

Ready or not, here they come. Helpful humanoids for the home are on the horizon and they’re promising to make life easier. For decades, the “robot butler” has been more fiction than science… an unfulfilled dream for more efficient 21st