Yellow! The happiest color of them all!

Monochromatic rooms are a challenge that many shy away from. To me, this is what makes them so fascinating. They are the rare jewel that, when done successfully, can really shine!

What is a monochromatic room you ask? Well, the definition of "monochromatic" is one color; and so a monochromatic room would be one that is made up entirely of a single color. The problem is, designers usually don't like to limit themselves to a single color... there are just too many good colors and combos out there! This makes finding a true monochromatic room very difficult. However, in the world of interior design there are almost monochromatic rooms… rooms that are made up primarily of one color and accented with just one or two extra colors (usually these are neutrals such as white or black). For our case, these almost rooms is what we’ll be referring to when discussing “monochromatic rooms.“

So, how does one pull off a “monochromatic room?” The key is to play with patterns, textures, shades, and finishes/sheens of the same color. By playing with these different variables of the same color, you keep a monochromatic room from being monotonous. Take a look…

Photo from Decor Pad

Designer David Netto

Nothing shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness like the color yellow. These golden shades instill hope and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts and memory. Yellow is also symbolic of happiness and prosperity. It’s hard to find anything negative associated with the color yellow, so it’s interesting that the color yellow was used in tenth century France to paint the doors of traitors and criminals.

The color yellow advances in our eyesight from surrounding colors, so it can be used to make rooms appear larger. Its also interesting that for all the positive associations with the color yellow, this color is one of the least popular in interior design. It is usually used in combination with other colors, or in small and powerful amounts.

Designer Stephen Sills, photo from Elle Decor

Designer Carolyn Barber

What to call a color like yellow? Amber, blonde, banana, butter, canary, champagne, chartreuse, citrine, cream, daffodil, dandelion, gold, goldenrod, honey, lemon, maize, mustard, pineapple, saffron, straw, sunflower, sunshine, yolk

Shine on! xoxo,

Ellenor