When the current owners of the apartment first crossed its threshold, they immediately realized - this is the one! The triplex in Lower Manhattan, built in the 1940s, was badly in need of renovation, but that didn't bother them at all. They hired a studio headed by a British designer (Sheena Murphy), and over the course of a year they restored the premises, breathing into them new life.
Apartment overlooking a quiet private yard was very dark. To create a more open floor plan, the designers had to demolish a storage room in the center of the living area. Then they removed the old wooden shutters and laid out the floor in light parquet board, whitewashed brickwork- the house immediately became lighter and more spacious.
The materials were chosen to suit the lifestyle of the couple who adopted two cats. Leather, felt and thick fabric upholstery, which is claw-resistant, give a sophisticated look and create an atmosphere of comfort. “The trick was to mix different textures and undertones here so it didn't look monotonous,” says Murphy.
Lighting from , Materia Designs and furnishings from Egg Collective, BDDW and Poritz & Studio reflect both the owners' tastes and Sheena's love of local designers. The staircase was also designed by local craftsmen. They dismantled the outdated railings and installed light, “airy” steps. “We also installed low-level lights on the landing that cast soft, beautiful shadows across the open steps in the evenings,” says Murphy. www.nunenune.com
First, let's look at what monochrome is, and what is a monochrome interior like? Mono means one, i.e. one color predominates in the interior. And it doesn’t matter which one - it doesn’t have to be black or white, a monochrome interior can be made based on any color.
Each person has his own favorite colors, there may be several of them. Monochrome - this does not mean using only one color, no, monochrome - involves using the entire gamut (many) shades of this color, plus additional colors. Thus, the design turns out to be quite interesting: one room can be made in brown, another in purple, a third in blue, a fourth in green, etc.
This interior is not boring and does not get eaten away; it is well suited to those who love calm atmosphere in a house or apartment and selects a range that is comfortable for you. And if you use the experience of honored designers, apply modern materials and adhere to the established rules for a monochrome interior, then it will retain its freshness for a long time and demonstrate elegance and sophistication of taste.
So, let's figure out what these rules are?
1. In a monochrome interior, colors are selected in such a way that there is one dominant (main) and several additional colors. As additional options, white, black, gray, silver and golden colors, and also use different shades of the primary color (in principle, the entire gamut can be used). So, despite the word monochrome, you can create a rather cheerful interior, but with some kind of dominant color scheme.
But, of course, there is no absolute categoricalness in observing these rules. If you come across an interesting textile with a basic gamut woven into it, then why not use it (see photo below)?
In the design of a monochrome interior, they adhere to a certain principle of combining shades: elements large sizes(walls, floors) are painted or made in the lightest colors, furniture elements in darker colors, accessories in the darkest. True, it cannot be said that this principle is adhered to in all cases; it also happens the other way around - the walls are dark, and the furniture and accessories are light, but in the same range. It is important not to overdo it and find a balance.
2. The second rule states that the same colors should be used in texture, especially the main color and its shades. That is, for example, a smooth surface painted in one color must be combined with drawings (by color), geometric shapes, various patterns that may be present in the design of wallpaper, decor, textiles, etc.
In a monochrome interior, matte and glossy surfaces are also actively used; they create an unusual effect on the contrast of light absorption and light reflection. The gloss looks beautiful on walls, columns, and furniture surfaces. But, here it is important not to overdo it with gloss, you need to harmonize it with matte surfaces so that this chic does not blind your eyes.
And also, along with smooth elements, volumetric elements are often used in monochrome design. It can be decorative overlays made of wood, metal, 3D panels, walls lined with corrugated stone (granite or sandstone), Venetian volumetric plaster, fabric upholstery, etc.
The design of a monochrome interior looks more interesting if it is divided into zones, using shades of the same color scheme, but using contrast. This technique removes the feeling of cluttering the room with furniture and adds dynamism.
3. And, of course, lighting, its correct design and selection - this relates to the third rule. There are many nuances here and depending on how it is done, you can get different effect perception. With the help of lighting, you can hide something and emphasize something, create a unique illusion - enliven the interior.
You can hang, for example, a traditional chandelier, or you can install lamps in multi-level ceiling and make the lighting so that the light comes from inside, diffused. In general, you can come up with a lot of options for implementation here.
The simplest monochrome interiors are uniformly light; they are created with slight differences in tones in terms of lightness (darkness). They like to create such interiors in offices where sharpness, clarity and no distractions are needed, in rooms with windows facing north, in some darkened rooms, etc.
As you can see, creating a monochrome interior with your own hands using the above rules is not difficult. You just need to first decide on the color scheme, go shopping, select materials and accessories from what is available, and start selling it. I am sure that after reading this article, you will now be able to make the interior of your apartment much more interesting.
Have you decided to transform the interior design of your home, but already at the stage of painting the walls you are faced with a difficult choice of color? Then our article will be interesting to you; we have put together for you a selection of amazing options for decorating space in monochrome colors.
Interesting ideas, deep and fresh shades that will decorate all the nooks and crannies of your home. And don’t think that monochromatic stylization will be too intrusive or boring; carefully study all the examples presented, perhaps some of them will be the ideal guide that will inspire you to realize your wildest fantasies.
Luxurious chocolate
Noble image
Brown itself is nothing interesting, if you think so, then you are deeply mistaken. The right tone works just as well as other classic paints, but it is more welcoming and can be a pleasant surprise in a variety of shades.
This color in the interior will be a source of warmth and comfort, an atmosphere that will add a touch of chic to your bedroom.
Deep midnight
Chic design style
Black is a classic to create a simple and elegant style, decorate the whole room with it and then you will get a magnificent interior. But don’t forget about contrasts and these don’t always have to be sharp transitions; the ideal complement would be coffee or grey colour. In the illustration above, animal prints have been beautifully incorporated into the look, subtly livening up the space and adding interest.
Aura of purity and coolness
Pastel colors visually make the space larger
Transform your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom with paint that provides a breath of fresh air. Mint color in the interior it has exceptional quality and is a good base tone.
Juicy cherry
Intriguing image
Craving something daring? Then bold colors are just for you. Don't be afraid to express your individuality, even if it seems too bright to you. The passion and playfulness of the Cherry shade will be relevant for the bedroom and even for the home office.
Charming glamor
Dreamy design
If pink shades are your thing, then feel free to decorate your space with a feminine and cheerful color. By choosing the right palette, you will make any room unique.
Eclectic peach
The character of a sophisticated bedroom
Refreshing, with notes of romance and visual lightness.
Spring green
The freshness and creativity of the setting is impressive
Any shade of green will provide a healthy and original organized interior. But with a bright shade of lime, any space will take on a festive and lively atmosphere. Moreover, you can harmoniously combine not only paints, but also textures and prints that are ideal for this purpose. home textiles, adding variety to monochrome color scheme.
Noble blue
An absolute favorite among noble colors
These colors are always relevant and it is possible to choose both lighter, almost blue, and saturated ones. Serene, relaxing and versatile, the shade will be a vibrant expression of character in the living room, office or any other area of your home.
Delicious plum
Chic furnishings with luxurious colors
Rich, unique and warm choice, it is a little complex, but stylish variations of purple look luxurious!
Clean and fresh blue
Neat living room in cool colors
You can never go wrong by choosing a shade of light heavenly blue; it will open up the full potential of the room for you and make it more spacious.
Energetic Lemon
Cheerful kitchen
Revive dim room and saturate the corner bright color, which sings with happiness and invigorating energy, you can use a combination yellow color in the interior. The sulfur shade of concrete, warm notes of wood and impeccable white are ideal for it.
Optimistic cranberry
Playful motives
The passionate and bold shade is replete with attractiveness and unsurpassed charm.
Neat snow-white
Excellent monophonic project
A calm and measured atmosphere in the bedroom is ideal conditions for a good rest. A monochromatic stylization in this case will be inferior, but in this room the balance is formed due to textiles and the decoration of the furniture facade.
Janet is one of the most famous designers in her homeland. Her style is a combination of sophistication, dramatic accents and a mix of patterns. We invite you to take a look at her home, which the designer furnished to her taste - in today's fashionable style. monochrome tones . The black and white interior is deservedly considered classic; it never goes out of fashion for a long time. And here again, the designers unanimously call it fashion trend this season .
Janet Rice lives in her four-room apartment in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, son and daughter. Almost the entire apartment, except the bedroom, is made in black and white colors. The color scheme of the bedroom is gray-blue; it fits perfectly into the overall style of the interior. It is very difficult to attribute the design of an apartment to any one direction; objects here are harmoniously combined various styles, which together create an eclectic interior in the style of Janet Rice.
Hallway
Having crossed the threshold of the apartment, the first thing that catches your eye is the elegant style of the hallway. They say that the hallway is a kind of calling card of the owner, so once you find yourself in this hallway, it becomes clear that the owner has an impeccable sense of taste. The main role here is played by a black and white pattern with soft blue splashes on the walls and round table, which is located exactly in the center, and below it is a fashion accessory - a cow hide. On the walls on both sides are images of the housewife’s children, or rather profiles of black faces on a white base. Every detail and little detail is consistent with the overall style and fits perfectly into the design concept.
Corridor
To go further into the rooms you need to overcome quite narrow corridor. In the previous article “” we recalled the method that the designer used - in order not to hide the space of the corridor walls, the designer chose White color, decorating the walls with large family photographs in black carved frames. 
Living and dining room
The most big room in the apartment there is a living room, which is visually divided into two parts - a dining room and a relaxation area, they are separated by small wall tables with mirrors that stand on both sides of the doorway. The perfect complement black and white interior there are two armchairs with soft pink upholstery. This delicate shade echoes the stripes Pink colour on a soft checkered chair. 
The dining area is designed in a rather businesslike and strict style: wide dinner table black, brown velor sofas and leather armchairs look as if this part of the living room was created for business meetings. Adds officialdom coffee table and a bar cart. The seating area is made in more delicate colors: pink chairs, walls with a floral pattern, white sofa, beige curtains and mirrors. And the skin on the floor and a fashionable table with fresh flowers add style and grace to the whole room. In this interior, everything is thought out to the smallest detail - even decorative pillows and a silver coffee table complement each other. Separately, you should pay attention to the walls - this is not wallpaper, as it might seem at first glance, but hand-painted by the designer’s friend. 
Bedroom
The bedroom design is made in gray-blue tones - such a difference color scheme attracts Special attention to the room. The room exudes romance, comfort and tranquility. All the details around contribute to relaxation, and the pastel colors and white bedside tables, light floor lamps and expensive bedding with embroidery help add completeness to the interior of the room. 
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Kitchen
The kitchen area is relatively small, made in the shape of the letter “T”, the main part of which is occupied by the dining table, work zone– walk-through, open wall cabinets with porcelain dishes add elegance to the room. Light color kitchens and help visually increase the area of the room, filling it with space and airiness. 
Janet Rice shares tips on how to apply a monochromatic black and white color scheme to the interior of your apartment or home.
1. Select a leading color in black and white. You can play with contrast and make rooms completely different in atmosphere using only one technique - choose the main color and use another as an accent color. For example, in the living room, black is dominant due to the catchy pattern on the wallpaper, and white only highlights the beauty of the black patterns. In the dining room, on the other hand, white is used as a background color, and black accents in the form of chairs look great against a white background.
2. The third one is not superfluous. On the one hand, the black and white color scheme is self-sufficient. But if you decide to apply it to all rooms in the interior of the house, then without several others color accents there's simply no way around it. Use blue (as in the kitchen), pink (as in the living room), yellow, purple shades - they will not at all reduce the beauty of the monochrome palette, but will only emphasize it.
3. Add volume. The interior should under no circumstances be “flat”. Use medallions on the walls, curly frames, framed mirrors - they will add convexity and volume to the room.
4. All attention to detail. Details play a huge role in creating a complete look: the base for the table lamp in the living room in the form of a crystal, table lamps in the style of the 60s, delicate patterns on bed linen, figurines in the form of corals and many other “little things” create an indelible impression of absolute harmony in the room .
A monochrome interior is an environment in which one color certainly dominates. Most often, discreet shades of brown, gray, blue, as well as white or black act as the color basis for a monochrome interior.
But there are also cases of decorating children's rooms in bright monochrome colors: pink, blue, light green. In the post-Soviet space, the standard example of a monochrome interior is premises decorated in beige and brown tones. These are the consequences of the so-called “European-quality renovations” that were carried out en masse ten to fifteen years ago.
That is why, at first glance, it may seem that a monochrome interior is the personification of the meager imagination of its creator. But it is not always the case. After all, it is in such an environment that the impact of color on the human psyche is fully realized. For example, there is no doubt that it is in a monochrome blue bedroom that sleep will be as calm and deep as possible, and the atmosphere of a monochrome brown living room will be cozy and conducive to productive communication. Often, a monochrome interior is chosen by those who are true fans of a certain color. After all, seeing your favorite shade improves your mood and increases your vitality.
Regardless of the reason that prompted you to give preference to a monochrome interior, you should take care of its proper filling various parts. Otherwise, the room will be perceived as inexpressive and boring. It’s not difficult to revive a monochrome interior: just use the proposed simple but effective techniques!
- Use shades of the dominant color in the interior, additional colors
As universal colors, capable of harmoniously complementing any monochrome interior, are black, white, gray, silver, and gold. But keep in mind that additional color should stand out from the dominant one. For example, diluting a dark blue or brown interior color scheme with black elements is clearly a bad idea.
Another way to liven up monochrome is to introduce three or four shades of it into the interior. For example, the colors chocolate brown, ecru, mustard, terracotta will gently complicate the perception of a monochrome brown setting.
- Play with textures
The best option is to have both glossy and matte textures in one room at the same time. But do not overuse the abundance of reflective surfaces: glass, mirrors, polished metal or plastic. Otherwise, there is a risk of going beyond good taste.
In almost any monochrome interior, small objects with a complex texture will not be out of place: fur, velvet or imitating burlap, a wicker mat. These could be pillows, rugs, floor decor. There is no point in placing several of them in each corner; two or three items per small room will be quite enough.
They will also come to the rescue textured plasters, 3D panels, structural paints. In a similar way, you can decorate one wall in a monochrome room and at the same time, if necessary, visually adjust its proportions.
- Adopt architectural techniques
What is the essence of “revitalizing” a monochrome interior through architectural techniques? To have people appear in the room complex shapes that attract and hold the observer's attention. Place a niche with shelves on the wall, zone the room with a partition with holes, install sliding doors– and the monochrome interior will definitely become more dynamic.
- Complicate the lighting scheme of a monochrome interior
The presence of several lighting sources in a monochromatic room is a simple but effective idea for “revitalizing” it. Give up the standard scheme, which only includes a chandelier located in the middle of the ceiling and table lamp. Try to create your own original scheme, including spot ceilings or floor lamps, LED strips, candles, “floating” ceilings, light panels. Non-standard light sources will not only become semantic accents in the interior, but also due to different intensity the glow will visually separate monochrome color in several shades.
5.Literally bring your interior to life!
A little nature in any interior - universal solution allowing you to create a comfortable atmosphere. It is recommended to start an aquarium only for people who have a lot of free time to understand the intricacies of handling fish and algae. A simpler option is large flowers in outdoor pots. From the variety of flora you can choose some species unpretentious plants, maintenance of which is minimal. Interesting option, which is not yet particularly widespread in residential premises, is vertical gardening. As a result of simple manipulations by florists, a living green “carpet” appears on the wall. Vertical gardening is also great way improve the indoor microclimate, enrich the air with oxygen.
