blue home entryway Credit: Eric Piasecki/OTTO
blue home entryway Credit: Eric Piasecki/OTTO
blue home entryway Credit: Eric Piasecki/OTTO
blue home entryway
Credit: Eric Piasecki/OTTO
When you’re flirting with décor ideas, there’s much to be said for committing to a single favorite hue that makes you extremely happy. The monochromatic approach may be the most basic in color-and-design theory, but the results are stylishly sublime. Below, explore inspiring spaces that illustrate this option, and discover ideas (both big and small) for inviting it into your place.
Blue Mood
Above, a subtle mix of grayish blues “gives this entryway personality without overriding its historic features, strong proportions, and beautiful stripped pine floors,” says designer Steven Gambrel. He chose Domingue paint in Swale for the walls, Benjamin Moore Shaker Gray 1594 for the door, and Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray PM-7 for the trim and risers.
kitchen with gray shelving Credit: Jennifer Hughes
Many Shades of Gray
Maybe not 50, but there are about 15 shades of gray in this calm kitchen. “The tile adds texture, and the copper hardware is a neutral accent,” says Living home editor Lorna Aragon.
pink sitting room Credit: Pieter Estersohn
Pink Romance
In Martha’s guesthouse at Skylands, in Maine, soft, pale walls take a cue from pink granite that was quarried on-site and used throughout the property and to line her driveway. (Sherwin-Williams SW 6323 Romance is a similar shade.)
green sitting room Credit: Pieter Estersohn
Green Galore
At Martha’s Bedford home, the living-room walls link to the lawn outside and the schefflera plants inside. Looking for a close match? Try Valspar Ivy Pasture 6004-6C.
standalone white bathtub Credit: Lisa Romerein/OTTO
Neutral Central
This creamy bathroom adds interest with different finishes. “The tub is shiny, the walls are matte, and the woodwork is in-between,” says Lorna. “The brass and gold and the floor’s veining act like neutrals.”
Try It Yourself
Looking to commit to the monochrome approach? Consider the below paint, wallpaper, and sofa combinations.
Say Yes to Yellows
First up is yellow: From buttery creams to bold golds, they brighten any room like natural rays.
yellow paint swatches Credit: peter ardito Golden Hour Sunrise and sunset—that's what pairing up these dynamic shades gives you (just inside!). Shop Now: Benjamin Moore Pale Moon OC-108, benjaminmoore.com; Clare Golden Hour Interior Paint, clare.com. Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono Credit: Courtesy of Alpha Workshop Marigold Luster Introduce several gradations—and levels of luster—in one wallpaper. Shop Now: Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono in French Marigold, $170 per yard, alphaworkshops.org. Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth sofa Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia Yellow Velvet Texture of any kind gives a room personality. When it comes to sofas, you can't go wrong with cozy cotton velvet. Shop Now: Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth Sofa, $3,298, luluandgeorgia.com.
Buy Into Browns
Shades in this family, however light or deep, are warm, organic, and grounding.
brown paint swatches Credit: Peter Ardito Sable Try Valspar's Faint Maple on the walls and use Sherwin-Williams' Sable on trim for intriguing tonality. Shop Now: Valspar Faint Maple 2008-9C, lowes.com; Sherwin-Williams Sable SW 6083, sherwin-williams.com. Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor Credit: Courtesy of Lisa Fine Textiles Coffee Tones This hand-printed design mixes café au lait (a neutral) with deep mocha for contrast. Shop Now: Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor in Coco/Parchment, $42 per yard, lisafinetextiles.com. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London sofa Credit: Courtesy of Mitchell Gold Home Curved and Complementary Curved lines, cushy velvet fabric, and neutral wooden legs (on wheels for ease of motion) complement a latte hue. Shop Now: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London Sofa in Sepia, $4,667, mgbwhome.com.
Reach for Reds
Rich, earthy reds from terra-cotta to rust can turn a wall the striking color of a desert sunset.
red paint swatches Credit: Peter Ardito Ruby Satin Terra-cotta and ruby just became our favorite color combination. Why not splash it across your walls? Shop Now: Farrow & Ball Red Earth, farrow-ball.com; Behr Moroccan Ruby Satin #64 Interior Paint, homedepot.com. Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca Credit: Courtesy of Studio Four NYC Red Mosaic A duet of burnt reds, plus dashes of taupe, make up this pattern inspired by Moroccan mosaic tiles. Shop Now: Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca, $68 per yard, studiofournyc.com. One Kings Lane Ashby sofa Credit: Courtesy of One Kings Lane Regal Red Settee In this regal settee, a wooden base and tufted back break up the plush red-ochre upholstery. Shop Now: One Kings Lane Ashby Sofa in Rust Velvet, $4,395, onekingslane.com.
Just a Splash
Apply the monochromatic approach to an entire room—or use it on a smaller scale, as in the ideas below. Stick to one hue you love to group flowers or prized possessions, and even to set striking tables. It’s a surefire route to a cohesive look.
yellow and red flower arrangement Credit: Sang An
Flower Arrangements
You know who’s great at creating infinite variations on one color? Nature. To create simply gorgeous bouquets, say, “Give me all the yellows.”
white dish display on shelf Credit: Helen Norman
Collections
Style same-shade pieces together to make artful displays. For interest, add something similarly hued yet different, like an ostrich egg.
table setting with red patterned tablecloth Credit: The Ingalls
Tablescapes
Single-minded settings create a super-pretty, immersive table. Here, even the glasses and flatware get in on the burgundy action.
kitchen with gray shelving Credit: Jennifer Hughes
kitchen with gray shelving
Credit: Jennifer Hughes
pink sitting room Credit: Pieter Estersohn
pink sitting room
Credit: Pieter Estersohn
green sitting room Credit: Pieter Estersohn
green sitting room
standalone white bathtub Credit: Lisa Romerein/OTTO
standalone white bathtub
Credit: Lisa Romerein/OTTO
yellow paint swatches Credit: peter ardito Golden Hour Sunrise and sunset—that's what pairing up these dynamic shades gives you (just inside!). Shop Now: Benjamin Moore Pale Moon OC-108, benjaminmoore.com; Clare Golden Hour Interior Paint, clare.com.
Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono Credit: Courtesy of Alpha Workshop Marigold Luster Introduce several gradations—and levels of luster—in one wallpaper. Shop Now: Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono in French Marigold, $170 per yard, alphaworkshops.org.
Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth sofa Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia Yellow Velvet Texture of any kind gives a room personality. When it comes to sofas, you can't go wrong with cozy cotton velvet. Shop Now: Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth Sofa, $3,298, luluandgeorgia.com.
yellow paint swatches Credit: peter ardito Golden Hour Sunrise and sunset—that's what pairing up these dynamic shades gives you (just inside!). Shop Now: Benjamin Moore Pale Moon OC-108, benjaminmoore.com; Clare Golden Hour Interior Paint, clare.com.
yellow paint swatches Credit: peter ardito
Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset—that’s what pairing up these dynamic shades gives you (just inside!). Shop Now: Benjamin Moore Pale Moon OC-108, benjaminmoore.com; Clare Golden Hour Interior Paint, clare.com.
yellow paint swatches Credit: peter ardito
yellow paint swatches
Credit: peter ardito
yellow paint swatches
Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset—that’s what pairing up these dynamic shades gives you (just inside!).
Shop Now: Benjamin Moore Pale Moon OC-108, benjaminmoore.com; Clare Golden Hour Interior Paint, clare.com.
Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono Credit: Courtesy of Alpha Workshop Marigold Luster Introduce several gradations—and levels of luster—in one wallpaper. Shop Now: Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono in French Marigold, $170 per yard, alphaworkshops.org.
Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono Credit: Courtesy of Alpha Workshop
Marigold Luster
Introduce several gradations—and levels of luster—in one wallpaper. Shop Now: Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono in French Marigold, $170 per yard, alphaworkshops.org.
Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono Credit: Courtesy of Alpha Workshop
Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono
Credit: Courtesy of Alpha Workshop
Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono
Marigold Luster
Introduce several gradations—and levels of luster—in one wallpaper.
Shop Now: Benjamin Moore x Alpha Workshops Capsule Collection Kimono in French Marigold, $170 per yard, alphaworkshops.org.
Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth sofa Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia Yellow Velvet Texture of any kind gives a room personality. When it comes to sofas, you can't go wrong with cozy cotton velvet. Shop Now: Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth Sofa, $3,298, luluandgeorgia.com.
Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth sofa Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia
Yellow Velvet
Texture of any kind gives a room personality. When it comes to sofas, you can’t go wrong with cozy cotton velvet. Shop Now: Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth Sofa, $3,298, luluandgeorgia.com.
Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth sofa Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia
Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth sofa
Credit: Courtesy of Lulu & Georgia
Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth sofa
Yellow Velvet
Texture of any kind gives a room personality. When it comes to sofas, you can’t go wrong with cozy cotton velvet.
Shop Now: Lulu & Georgia Hollingworth Sofa, $3,298, luluandgeorgia.com.
brown paint swatches Credit: Peter Ardito Sable Try Valspar's Faint Maple on the walls and use Sherwin-Williams' Sable on trim for intriguing tonality. Shop Now: Valspar Faint Maple 2008-9C, lowes.com; Sherwin-Williams Sable SW 6083, sherwin-williams.com.
Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor Credit: Courtesy of Lisa Fine Textiles Coffee Tones This hand-printed design mixes café au lait (a neutral) with deep mocha for contrast. Shop Now: Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor in Coco/Parchment, $42 per yard, lisafinetextiles.com.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London sofa Credit: Courtesy of Mitchell Gold Home Curved and Complementary Curved lines, cushy velvet fabric, and neutral wooden legs (on wheels for ease of motion) complement a latte hue. Shop Now: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London Sofa in Sepia, $4,667, mgbwhome.com.
brown paint swatches Credit: Peter Ardito Sable Try Valspar's Faint Maple on the walls and use Sherwin-Williams' Sable on trim for intriguing tonality. Shop Now: Valspar Faint Maple 2008-9C, lowes.com; Sherwin-Williams Sable SW 6083, sherwin-williams.com.
brown paint swatches Credit: Peter Ardito
Sable
Try Valspar’s Faint Maple on the walls and use Sherwin-Williams’ Sable on trim for intriguing tonality. Shop Now: Valspar Faint Maple 2008-9C, lowes.com; Sherwin-Williams Sable SW 6083, sherwin-williams.com.
brown paint swatches Credit: Peter Ardito
brown paint swatches
Credit: Peter Ardito
brown paint swatches
Sable
Try Valspar’s Faint Maple on the walls and use Sherwin-Williams’ Sable on trim for intriguing tonality.
Shop Now: Valspar Faint Maple 2008-9C, lowes.com; Sherwin-Williams Sable SW 6083, sherwin-williams.com.
Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor Credit: Courtesy of Lisa Fine Textiles Coffee Tones This hand-printed design mixes café au lait (a neutral) with deep mocha for contrast. Shop Now: Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor in Coco/Parchment, $42 per yard, lisafinetextiles.com.
Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor Credit: Courtesy of Lisa Fine Textiles
Coffee Tones
This hand-printed design mixes café au lait (a neutral) with deep mocha for contrast. Shop Now: Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor in Coco/Parchment, $42 per yard, lisafinetextiles.com.
Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor Credit: Courtesy of Lisa Fine Textiles
Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor
Credit: Courtesy of Lisa Fine Textiles
Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor
Coffee Tones
This hand-printed design mixes café au lait (a neutral) with deep mocha for contrast.
Shop Now: Lisa Fine Textiles Luxor in Coco/Parchment, $42 per yard, lisafinetextiles.com.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London sofa Credit: Courtesy of Mitchell Gold Home Curved and Complementary Curved lines, cushy velvet fabric, and neutral wooden legs (on wheels for ease of motion) complement a latte hue. Shop Now: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London Sofa in Sepia, $4,667, mgbwhome.com.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London sofa Credit: Courtesy of Mitchell Gold Home
Curved and Complementary
Curved lines, cushy velvet fabric, and neutral wooden legs (on wheels for ease of motion) complement a latte hue. Shop Now: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London Sofa in Sepia, $4,667, mgbwhome.com.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London sofa Credit: Courtesy of Mitchell Gold Home
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London sofa
Credit: Courtesy of Mitchell Gold Home
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London sofa
Curved and Complementary
Curved lines, cushy velvet fabric, and neutral wooden legs (on wheels for ease of motion) complement a latte hue.
Shop Now: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams London Sofa in Sepia, $4,667, mgbwhome.com.
red paint swatches Credit: Peter Ardito Ruby Satin Terra-cotta and ruby just became our favorite color combination. Why not splash it across your walls? Shop Now: Farrow & Ball Red Earth, farrow-ball.com; Behr Moroccan Ruby Satin #64 Interior Paint, homedepot.com.
Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca Credit: Courtesy of Studio Four NYC Red Mosaic A duet of burnt reds, plus dashes of taupe, make up this pattern inspired by Moroccan mosaic tiles. Shop Now: Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca, $68 per yard, studiofournyc.com.
One Kings Lane Ashby sofa Credit: Courtesy of One Kings Lane Regal Red Settee In this regal settee, a wooden base and tufted back break up the plush red-ochre upholstery. Shop Now: One Kings Lane Ashby Sofa in Rust Velvet, $4,395, onekingslane.com.
red paint swatches Credit: Peter Ardito Ruby Satin Terra-cotta and ruby just became our favorite color combination. Why not splash it across your walls? Shop Now: Farrow & Ball Red Earth, farrow-ball.com; Behr Moroccan Ruby Satin #64 Interior Paint, homedepot.com.
red paint swatches Credit: Peter Ardito
Ruby Satin
Terra-cotta and ruby just became our favorite color combination. Why not splash it across your walls? Shop Now: Farrow & Ball Red Earth, farrow-ball.com; Behr Moroccan Ruby Satin #64 Interior Paint, homedepot.com.
red paint swatches Credit: Peter Ardito
red paint swatches
red paint swatches
Ruby Satin
Terra-cotta and ruby just became our favorite color combination. Why not splash it across your walls?
Shop Now: Farrow & Ball Red Earth, farrow-ball.com; Behr Moroccan Ruby Satin #64 Interior Paint, homedepot.com.
Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca Credit: Courtesy of Studio Four NYC Red Mosaic A duet of burnt reds, plus dashes of taupe, make up this pattern inspired by Moroccan mosaic tiles. Shop Now: Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca, $68 per yard, studiofournyc.com.
Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca Credit: Courtesy of Studio Four NYC
Red Mosaic
A duet of burnt reds, plus dashes of taupe, make up this pattern inspired by Moroccan mosaic tiles. Shop Now: Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca, $68 per yard, studiofournyc.com.
Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca Credit: Courtesy of Studio Four NYC
Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca
Credit: Courtesy of Studio Four NYC
Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca
Red Mosaic
A duet of burnt reds, plus dashes of taupe, make up this pattern inspired by Moroccan mosaic tiles.
Shop Now: Wayne Pate+Studio Four NYC Casablanca, $68 per yard, studiofournyc.com.
One Kings Lane Ashby sofa Credit: Courtesy of One Kings Lane Regal Red Settee In this regal settee, a wooden base and tufted back break up the plush red-ochre upholstery. Shop Now: One Kings Lane Ashby Sofa in Rust Velvet, $4,395, onekingslane.com.
One Kings Lane Ashby sofa Credit: Courtesy of One Kings Lane
Regal Red Settee
In this regal settee, a wooden base and tufted back break up the plush red-ochre upholstery. Shop Now: One Kings Lane Ashby Sofa in Rust Velvet, $4,395, onekingslane.com.
One Kings Lane Ashby sofa Credit: Courtesy of One Kings Lane
One Kings Lane Ashby sofa
Credit: Courtesy of One Kings Lane
One Kings Lane Ashby sofa
Regal Red Settee
In this regal settee, a wooden base and tufted back break up the plush red-ochre upholstery.
Shop Now: One Kings Lane Ashby Sofa in Rust Velvet, $4,395, onekingslane.com.
yellow and red flower arrangement Credit: Sang An
yellow and red flower arrangement
Credit: Sang An
white dish display on shelf Credit: Helen Norman
white dish display on shelf
Credit: Helen Norman
table setting with red patterned tablecloth Credit: The Ingalls
table setting with red patterned tablecloth
Credit: The Ingalls
