One of the prettiest rooms I have ever seen was a lush living room in a luxury apartment. In the heart of Palm Beach, Florida, the monochromatic room was done in a shade I could only call cantaloupe. Upholstered walls. A touch of gold metal in the lighting and accessories. And yet it was not ostentatious. It was breathtaking. Talk about the deft hand of a designer. The room was a masterpiece, loaded with lessons for a woman that loves light.
Monochromatic rooms are a big thing now. Done in shades of a single color, lights and darks, textures and sheen, cleverly applied to create a room that isn’t a boring single note. A beginner’s guide to monochromatic rooms?
- Start with the rug! It’s a great base, then pull shades of the monochromatic palette you’ve chosen.
- Monochromatic doesn’t mean “baked potato” plain. There are pretty rooms in ivory and toast. And there can be spectacular rooms in glorious color.
- Use softer shades on the walls, use brighter shades in small amounts like an exquisitely shaped chair.
- To get the serenity of a monochromatic look at home consider painting some of the furniture the same color as the walls.
- Use metals and mirror to brighten or highlight areas.
- Breathing light into a room like this happens two ways: natural light through windows and skylights, and the light you choose through beautiful pendants, sconces, and lamps. Use the light fixtures to sculpt the room with highlights, draw attention to a piece of art, and create a spot to read or visit with a friend.