Style Focus: Monochrome

By Author: Alexandra Toso
Total Articles: 12
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Trends come and go in the home as quickly as they do on fashion but one tried and trusted trend that will never disappear is monochrome.

The pairing of black and White has been the mainstay of interior design for decades and even when we're bombarded with riots of clashing colours, monochrome prevails as as a fail-proof way to decorate your home.

This guide will show you how to make monochrome work in your living space from designer furniture to wallpaper and accessories.

Designer furniture

Monochrome has long been the choice of those creating designer furniture. From the classic Eames lounge chair which is available in both White or black to stylish sofas from the likes of B&B Italia, this classic colour combination has become mainstay when it comes to designer furniture. If you want something a little more patterned, the Kartell Mademoiselle Missoni Chair from A White Room is the ideal choice.

Paint

Rooms painted entirely in White may feel too clinical while rooms painted all in black are strictly the persevere of goth teenagers. Which ...
... means you need to be clever when painting your room in a monochrome scheme. Instead of using true colours think about variant shades such as off whites, puttys and creams, charcoals, dark greys and almost-black browns. These colours are much more forgiving and will create a more subtle and sophisticated scheme. If you want to be true to black and white then room painted White with floorboards painted in gloss black paint will make for a particularly stunning scheme.

Wallpaper

Monochrome wallpaper can look stunning when used the right way. Keep wallpaper with a black background to a minimum and apply to one wall or a chimney breast for maximum effect. Wallpapers with a White background and black pattern can be used in abundance. Smaller scale patterns look better in small rooms while larger spaces can accommodate more dramatic designs.

Flooring

A classic chequered black and white tiled floor will never date and is the perfect choice for a hallway, bathroom or kitchen. For bedrooms and living rooms, you’ll want something a little warmer and Crucial Trading’s Audrey Midnight wool floorcovering is the perfect choice. Made from 100% wool, its striking design is the perfect way to add some drama to any room and works when teamed with neutral walls. If all-over floorcovering isn’t for you then a striking black and white rug on bare boards will add both warmth and pattern.

Accessories

An easy and affordable way to tap into the monochrome trend is to use accessories, as in fashion, homes products are awash with monochrome accessories from cushions and throws to tableware and artwork.

For a striking look, try using a mixture of patterns and textures on neutral and bright sofas and armchairs in the living room while bedrooms can be accessorised using bedlinen and window treatments. And for the dining room, why not try layering plain black and white plates and bowls for a seamless and sophisticated look?

About the Author: Furnish features editor Alexandra Toso looks at how to make this classic colour combination work in your home from designer furniture to wallpaper.