Look at an old black and white photo: the contrast between black and white creates a whole picture. Vintage images exude nostalgia and simplicity. The monochrome decorating style is based on these images. Walls, furniture, murals and decorations are kept in "non-colors".
These are usually black and white. A monochromatic room can also be kept in neutral "non-colors," such as gray on gray or shades of beige. The word "monochrome" or "monochromatic" means "single color" and describes, for example, the monochromatic design of a picture.
A monochromatic style is combined with natural materials such as wood and natural textiles. Contrasts are important. Neither dark nor light "non-colors" dominate. A consistent black-and-white interior is timeless and stylish, and - with the use of soft accessories and home textiles - cozy. A quiet room has a calming effect on the brain.
Set up Monochrome – you should pay attention to this
The monochrome interior also has much in common with minimalism. Grandma's colorful embroidered blanket, the painted mural of a flower meadow, and other colorful elements are replaced by monochromatic accessories. This limits you to a few select decorative elements and home textiles in black or white, or optionally in another "non-color" such as gray and beige. You can read here how to successfully clean out and minimize .
How to make your Apartment monochrome:
With these tips you can set up your apartment in monochrome:
- Contrasts instead of Colors: The monochrome interior design style thrives on contrast. Contrasts add interest even without color. Contrasts keep the room in balance. Neither light nor dark colors should dominate. In front of a white wall, you could place your black leather sofa with light cushions and a light knitted throw.
- Apply Wall Paint correctly: A black wall absorbs a lot of light. That's why you should only paint one wall black or dark. A light wall color (and dark accents) will keep you on the safe side. If you do go for a black wall color, be sure to contrast it with brighter elements, such as monochromatic paintings with a predominant white component or a stylish wall mirror.
- The right Choice of Furniture: A large black cabinet can quickly become too bulky and dark. If you are unsure about the color of your furniture, light colors are a safe choice. For example, choose a white console table or a white sofa.
- This is how you set Accents: Play with patterns, such as a black and white rug or small black pieces. You can complement a white wall with black and white pictures or dark gray patterns.
- Be creative with monochrome Decorative Elements: Have you chosen black and white striped throw pillows? Your rug has a gray and white plaid pattern? You can repeat these patterns in other areas of the room, such as a figurine or mural. Recurring patterns tie the room together visually.
- Monochrome playful with Metal Furniture: If you're afraid to go for a dark leather sofa, you can start with smaller pieces of metal furniture. For example, a black side table or a black metal shelf. Details like the black metal floor lamp or the round wall mirror with a black metal frame emphasize the monochromatic style.
- Monochrome rounded off with natural Materials: If the monochromatic decor is too contrasting, you can soften the style with neutral, natural elements. For example, a beige knit throw or a coffee table with a wooden top. Jute fabrics or decorations, or a woven basket made of seaweed for houseplants, will also soften an overly contrasting black-and-white room.
Our Tip: You can also try monochromatic decorating on a small scale without having to get rid of your mint green sofa and grandma's colorful embroidered blanket. To avoid repainting the walls for this experiment, choose a room or area with walls that are already neutral in color.
The hallway or bedroom is a great place to experiment. Simply store colorful items in a closet for a few weeks and let the monochromatic ambiance work its magic on you. You might be surprised at how calming a monochromatic environment can be.
Would you like to set up your living space in monochrome? At Metallbude you will find minimalist black and white metal furniture - perfect for this timeless, calming interior style.
