The Magic of Monochromatic Palettes

After moving into the home that's right for you, you'll likely be eager to personalize the space and may want to add color to your life. Sheri Thompson, Director of Color Marketing and Design for Sherwin-Williams, suggests choosing a monochromatic color palette and setting a mood for each room or area of your home.

 

Using different shades of one color provides a coordinated starting point for the entire design process. "Monochromatic palettes offer a range of choices," says Thompson. "From almost white to more intense, deep shades, these color schemes bring harmony to an entire space."

A monochromatic, neutral palette serves as a versatile backdrop for almost any décor. Choose subdued shades in warm brown or gray tones to add drama. Utilize accessory pieces, like pillows and area rugs, to add accent color to a room. Bring new life to furnishings and accessories by opting for a monochromatic palette in warm, neutral shades or rich coppers, fresh greens or soothing blues. These selections provide a solid foundation, as well as an opportunity for more whimsical accents. Monochromatic palettes with soft, neutral blue-greens or spa-inspired blues of water and sky are fresh and clean choices. Buttery yellows and warm creams offer a sense of cheerfulness and optimism.

Set the Mood with Color

Looking to set a special mood with decor? It can be helpful to understand the impact of color and its application. Consider these Sherwin-Williams descriptions and imagine what you can create. 

Red. Traditionally used as an accent color, today more homeowners are applying red on walls. Large amounts of saturated color create a complex space.

Orange. Reserved typically for accents, pastel oranges are cheerful and lively. When the hue is close to peach, it enhances skin tones and is a good color for bathrooms.

Brown. The light values of brown make it good for work or living spaces. Red-browns cause interiors to feel comfortable and informal.

Green. An excellent color for interiors, especially if activities done in the room involve concentration or meditation, as green is known for its relaxing qualities.

Blue. Blue is the most popular and universal color in the palette. It is a unisex color across many cultures. Blue can be soothing or icy depending on the shade selected.

Gray. The color inspires creative people to become more inventive. Gray is a neutral shade and can be either warm or cool. The personality of gray is strictly dependent upon the other colors used in combination with it, as well as the finishes and lighting within a space.

White. Indicating delicacy, refinement and sophistication, cool blue white can produce a harsh space while tinted whites (warm cool) can create a fresh, inviting space. The use of texture and light is critical when creating an all white space. All-white work environments encourage great precision.

Black. Associated with dignity and sophistication, black works as an accent color in residential interiors. 

Style Trends

Nesting is a concept that has changed the way we live. In recent years Americans have found greater comfort in staying home. The primary gathering spot? The family room or great room. As a result, design has evolved, affecting furnishings and décor. The ideal space is welcoming to all ages and exudes a sense of warmth and belonging.

Furniture plays a significant role in family-friendly design. Not since the late 1970s and early '80s have sectionals been so popular. In addition to offering more seating for in-home entertaining, these furnishings lend a cozy feel to the room that encourages interaction. In addition, large, curved sofas are in, and enable television viewing from multiple angles. Also fashionable: the oversized chair or chair-and-a-half. Wider than a traditional armchair, these roomy seats create a great spot to curl up and read or sit with a child. Small, square, upholstered ottomans take up very little space, move easily and accommodate additional guests. If space permits, game tables make great additions to family rooms.

Entertainment centers and shelving units are important components in room design. In addition to housing a big-screen or traditional television, video/DVD equipment and the sound system, they provide easily accessible storage for books and games, as well as display areas for family photos, mementos and collectibles. One easy trick: the TV screen should never face a southern exposure. When decorating the family room, minimize accessories on tables. Utilize shelving units or consider a curio cabinet to display collectibles and personal items. This keeps cocktail and end tables free for simple arrangements of candles and flowers. A small magazine rack filled with publications for everyone in the family works nicely next to an oversized reading chair. And don't overlook the windows. The trendiest curtains feature straight, clean lines. Hardware is simple and strong, often utilizing black iron or pewter. Plantation shutters also are in vogue, providing full or directed light during the day and total privacy at night.

Of course, color is always an important design element. From sofas to accent pieces, brown is big. Other hot accent colors include orange and pink -- both work well with chocolate. Neutrals also remain strong. When it comes to walls, the fashion is toward soft blue tones, like robin's egg, and warm greens, such as olive and moss.

While these ideas lend warmth and comfort to the room, there's one essential component you should never overlook: the purpose of the room is to bring family and friends together. Without them, it's just another room.