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Get the Monochrome Look

Curating a Monochrome Interior

3 minute read time

One of our favourite design themes that we find ourselves constantly drawn back to is the Monochrome look of neutral, tonal, black and white palettes. Learn more about this iconic colour scheme and how to introduce it in your space.

The black and white aesthetic has always proven a popular choice for interior designers and clients alike, particularly when striving for the London Look, which relies on a largely monochromatic backdrop, proving time and time again that it’s one of the most popular decorating and colour trends to work with.

Early examples of successful monochromatic decorating schemes can be traced back to the 1930s when interior designer Syrie Maugham unleashed a series of black and white schemes. Her black and white palette earned her much praise within the London socialite circles, and as a result, multiple further commissions for her sleek monochromatic work. What made her monochrome rooms so successful? Her room settings often featured mirrored panel detailing and signature white or cream drapes. She proved that monochrome interiors can be elegant and cocooning, and contrary to popular belief not at all stark or cold. Maugham’s monochrome interiors were viewed as the height of good taste, and we can’t argue with that.

 
 

How can you work the monochrome colour palette successfully?

The trick is in the ratio of light to dark. If you want the room to be timeless then it’s wise to stick to cream or white walls, with subtle touches of black on linear design details such as furniture frames or feet, and flooring.

The trick is in the ratio of light to dark. If you want the room to be timeless then it’s wise to stick to cream or white walls, with subtle touches of black on linear design details such as furniture frames or feet, and flooring.

Curating a monochrome bedroom

The monochromatic bedroom in this Chester Terrace home (above) is an example of masterfully curated monochromatic interior design. The walls and curtains ooze warmth, creating a comfortable feeling, whilst black is applied only to the floor - grounding the room - and as a show wood design detail framing the Edgware upholstered bed. The addition of two high-shine, lacquered bedside tables, such as the Nino Bedside, completes a glamorous monochrome bedroom scheme.

If you want the monochrome look but would prefer a softer effect, then reduce the black in metal and wood and go for a blended and tonal aesthetic of greys and creams. By styling and accessorizing, it is easy to change a look to a room even though the main furniture is the same, for example, keeping the bed and headboard. The Provence bed featured above and below remain the same but the room-sets have a different feel due to décor changes.
 

Monochromatic interior schemes are popular for good reason. They tend to be striking and photogenic, thanks largely to the concept of a restricted and neutral tonal palette.

How to design a monochrome living area

Monochrome living areas are traditionally easy spaces to live in. Firstly, a monochromatic palette doesn’t date. You never have to worry if your living room is on the cusp of passé or falling out of fashion; this trend has proven that it has the ultimate staying power. To ensure your monochromatic look is a success work in shades of black, white and grey and restrict your use of colour to only these shades, creating the perfect monochrome aesthetic.
 

Pick out key monochrome pieces of living room furniture, such as The Spencer Deluxe sofa. Our Spencer Deluxe infuses an additional element of luxury into the iconic range, with contrasting show wood detailing emphasising the monochrome look. You can specify contrasting piping, choosing from hundreds of brands, which sings the praises of attention to detail. Its elegantly curved arms and deep seated cushions are classically Art Deco-era in style, echoing Syrie Maugham’s unparalleled taste.
 

Last but by no means least, don’t forget to accessorise. Curate an edited selection of black, white and metallic accessories on a monochrome coffee table, honing in where possible on ceramics and objects which bring a touch of modernity to your monochrome decorating scheme. Explore and shop from a selection of vases, which have been selected specifically to work both as standalone display items, and group together en masse for maximum impact! Whether you choose to follow the style cues of Syrie Muagham or a more contemporary and modern vibe, rest assured your monochrome colour palette will remain in-vogue.