Purple is as purple does

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…

Designer David Kaihoi

Between the stimulation of red and the calmness of blue lies the color purple. Purple is known for its opulence and as a regal color in history and still represents power and wealth in Japan’s culture today. It is viewed as a color of mystic qualities and can be greatly influenced by it the color of its base. Purple is a favorite among the more eccentric personalities and can encourage creativity upon those who view it.

In interior design, shades of purple make for a calming room. When paired with other colors, this color can also be vibrant and uplifting. A chameleon of the color world, purple will be exactly what you want to get out of it.

Designer Amanda Nisbet

A jewel of a color.... amaranthine, amethyst, aubergine, eggplant, grape, lavender, lilac, magenta, mauve, mulberry, orchid, periwinkle, perse, plum, pomegranate, violet, wine, wisteria

Designer Jamie Drake photo from Elle Decor

"But, luckily, he kept his wits and his Purple crayon." -from Harold and the Purple Crayon (1955)

Have a great day!

Ellenor

Feelin' blue?

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…

Designer Tobi Fairley, photo from House Beautiful

Designer Mary Mcdonald

Among both men and women, blue is the most common “favorite color.” This could be because psychologically blue is representative of the most important needs in our life: water and air. It could also be that the color blue is associated with trustworthy, dependable, and committed personalities as well as being a calming and soothing color. Because the color brings our excitement level down, blue is often associated with melancholy.

The color also holds high popularity in interior design. Because of the wide range of blues available, it has the ability to go classic and traditional, or completely modern. This large spectrum of blues available also makes it a great complement to most colors.

Designer Alexandra Angle, photo from House Beautiful

Designer Valerie Smith, photo from House Beautiful

The many moods of blue... Aquamarine, azul, cerulean, cobalt, Colonial blue, cornflower, cyan, delphiniums, denim, indigo, lapis, navy, Prussian Blue, powder blue, robin's egg, royal, sapphire, sky

Don't be blue, we'll talk soon!

Ellenor

Its not easy being green.

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. The kitchen by Miles Redd above is far from boring!

Designer Jonathan Adler, photo from Elle Decor

Designer Meg Braff, photo from House Beautiful

The varying shades of green and their related associations are as wide and deep as the forest. Generally speaking, the color green represents wealth and peace. It is seen as refreshing and soothing, however it is also associated with illness and associated with “institutional” environments. The base color of the shade green greatly influences this association. Greens with a blue base are most popular while greens with a yellow or brown base are neglected.

“Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises." --Pedro Calderon de la Barca [Spanish poet and playwright, 1600-1681]

"Nature’s first green is gold" --Robert Frost

Designers Anthony Baratta and William Diamond

Designer Gideon Mendelson

Green, green, and more green... apple, aloe, avocado, basil, cactus, celery, celadon, clover, emerald, fern, fig, forest, grass, iguana, jade, Kelly green, lime, mint, myrtle, olive, pistachio, Richmond green, rosemary, seaweed, shamrock, teal, tea.

Be green!

Ellenor

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