What is monochrome interior design in living room with black sofa and white walls with a black and white design style

If you’ve ever walked into a space that felt effortlessly chic and cohesive, there’s a good chance it followed the principles of monochrome interior design. So, what is monochrome interior design? In simple terms, it’s all about using a single colour in varying shades, tones, and textures to style a space that feels polished, calming, and totally put-together.

Whether you’re a fan of bold black and white or softer, muted hues, monochrome design offers endless ways to style your home with intention. In this post, we’ll walk you through what monochrome interior design means, how to style it in a way that feels modern (not boring), and how to choose the perfect colour palette to fit your vibe.

What is Monochrome Interior Design?

Let’s start with the basics: what does monochromatic mean? In design, monochromatic refers to using one base colour throughout a space. But that doesn’t mean everything is exactly the same shade. A monochrome room often features variations of the same colour, like light grey, charcoal, and slate, all working together.

This design style helps eliminate visual clutter and puts the focus on shapes, lighting, and textures. It’s a great way to make your home feel harmonious without overwhelming the senses.

Why Monochrome Interior Design Works So Well

Living room with white sofas and walls plus other decor and houseplants surrounding a fireplace

One of the best things about monochrome interiors is how intentional they look. You don’t have to worry about clashing patterns or mismatched tones. When you keep things in one colour family, the space automatically feels more refined.

This design style also works across different aesthetics, whether you lean minimalist, rustic, or ultra-modern, there’s a monochrome look that fits.

How to Choose Your Monochrome Colour Palette

Not sure where to begin? The first step is picking your main colour. Your monochrome colour palette will be built around that shade using lighter tints and darker tones. For example, if you love blue, you might use sky blue for the walls, navy blue for furniture, and dusty blue for accessories.

Monochrome colours don’t have to be limited to black, white, or grey. Try sage green, dusty rose, warm terracotta, or beige for a softer feel. Just make sure all the shades you use stay within that one hue’s family.

What Colours Are Monochromatic?

Still wondering what colours are monochromatic? Basically, they’re all the shades, tints, and tones that stem from a single base colour. So, if you’re working with green, monochromatic colours could include mint, olive, emerald, or forest. Stick with colours that share the same undertone—warm or cool—so your room doesn’t feel disjointed.

How to Style a Monochrome Space Like a Pro

Bathroom with turquoise countertop and walls with gold fixtures and a gold rimming round vanity mirror above a sink

Now let’s get to the fun part: styling. Monochrome design gives you a chance to play with other design elements since colour is simplified. Here’s how to keep things interesting.

Play with Texture

Without lots of colours in the mix, texture becomes your best friend. Add depth and contrast with velvet cushions, boucle chairs, matte ceramics, glossy tiles, raw wood, and linen curtains. This keeps your space from feeling flat.

Layer Your Shades

If you’re using a monotone colour, don’t make everything the exact same shade. Layer different tones—light, medium, and dark—to give the room dimension. This is especially useful in spaces like the bedroom or living room.

Use Lighting to Your Advantage

Monochrome spaces love good lighting. Whether it’s natural light or statement fixtures, lighting can highlight texture and shape. A well-placed lamp or pendant light can be a focal point in a toned-down space.

Add Art and Accessories

Stick with accessories that echo your base colour but play with form. Sculptural vases, abstract prints, or even books in your palette can help pull the look together.

Monochrome Designs for Every Room

White bedroom with nightstands and wall light fixtures on either side of a queen-sized bed with white bedding, a tray, and brown throw pillows

This style works in every room of the house. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Monochrome Living Room

Go bold with a deep base tone like navy or charcoal. Mix in lighter shades with your rug, cushions, and throws. Want to go classic? You can’t go wrong with a black and white combo.

Monochrome Kitchen

Sleek cabinetry in matte white or soft grey works beautifully in a monochrome kitchen. Add contrast with your backsplash or countertops. Try mixing monochromatic colour combinations like cream and dove grey for a calming vibe.

Monochrome Bathroom

A monochrome bathroom in muted tones feels like a spa retreat. Use tile in varying shades of the same colour and bring in texture with towels, wood accents, or even a woven basket.

Monochrome Bedroom

Keep it soft and dreamy. Choose a pale base like blush or taupe, and add layers with bedding, pillows, and throws in related tones. Finish with warm lighting and minimal decor.

Mistakes to Avoid in Monochrome Interiors

White modern kitchen with white marble walls and a gold wall above the stove top plus a gold faucet at a double sink in a white kitchen island

As easy as it sounds, monochrome can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch for.

Too Much of the Same

If you use the exact same colour across walls, furniture, and decor, your space can feel flat. Always bring in depth by varying textures and tones.

Ignoring Texture

We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating. Monotone colours need texture. Without it, your design will feel one-dimensional.

Not Enough Contrast

Even in a monochrome space, contrast is your secret weapon. Pair light and dark versions of your colour, or play matte against glossy surfaces.

Modern Ways to Mix Monochrome with Other Trends

You don’t have to stick 100% to one colour. If you want to bend the rules a little, try:

Pairing monochrome colour schemes with wood or natural materials
Adding one or two metallic or earthy accent tones
Mixing subtle patterns that still match your colour palette

These little twists help personalize the look without losing that monochrome charm.

When to Work with a Designer

Waiting room with a white marble and gold walls and white sofas and chairs facing a gold desk

Not sure how to translate this style to your home? Working with an experienced Edmonton interior designer can help you nail the look without second-guessing every choice. We help clients layer shades, choose finishes, and build stylish, calming spaces that feel totally cohesive.

Final Thoughts on Monochrome Interior Design

Monochrome interior design approach that sticks to one base colour and builds out a whole space using its various shades, tints, and tones. It’s perfect for creating harmony, visual calm, and a stylish home that doesn’t feel chaotic or overdone.

When you lean into monochrome colour, you get a look that’s easy to maintain, quick to update, and always in style. Just remember to play with contrast, texture, and lighting to keep it feeling dynamic. Whether you’re going bold with black or soft with sand tones, monochrome is all about balance.

At Tailored Interior, we love designing rooms that feel like an extension of your personality. If you’re curious about going monochrome or you’re not sure where to start, we’d be happy to help you design a space that feels calm, clean, and totally elevated.
Book a consultation today and let our team transform your vision into a beautifully styled, monochrome-inspired interior you’ll love coming home to.

What Is Monochrome Interior Design? How to Style It