Inspiration: A Guide To Monochrome Living

Black and white is such a timeless combination of shades which can work impeccably in every room of the house. It’s a calming decor style without distractions, that offers a sophisticated feel to any room it possesses. Here at Black By Design, we’re taking a look at the popular monochrome home interiors trend and suggesting some ways you can embrace it.

Why monochrome?

It’s tied in with the minimalist trend which is a stripped back look with statement pieces, excellent organisation, sleek finishes of polished chrome and, of course, plenty of black and white. It’s so classic and free of the chaos of clutter and disorganisation. Think natural light with well placed mirrors to give the feeling of extra space, a white canvas room dressed with black accessories. The stark contrast between black and white is dramatic, but beautiful. And it’s so simple to achieve.

More recently, the Scandinavian interiors trend has seen the colour grey work it’s way into homes as a delicate in-between shade for the monochrome look. If you’re not as daring to go with black, opt for grey as a softer alternative. It makes a great backdrop in terms of a base shade, for carpets, walls and cabinet colours.

Where do I start?

It’s easy to suggest whitewashing walls, purchasing a brand new black sofa and ripping up your carpets so you’re able to paint the floorboards white, but realistically, sometimes that isn’t possible. Starting small is most likely the way forward, and not to mention more purse friendly!

Wall art is a great place to begin when embarking on this home interior trend. Search for illustrations or black and white photography. Use black frames for a standout look against a white wall. Experiment with different textures if you’re concerned about overpowering a room with the strict colour scheme; cosy white faux mongolian fur cushions, polished chrome ornaments, black velvet drapes, even textured wallpaper.

Accent colours

If you’ve already explored the sleek black and white trend but are looking for ways to update your home, we suggest experimenting with accent shades. Easily incorporated into your monochromatic setting, by offering accent colours you’re breaking up the look of a room whilst giving it an effortless makeover. Having accessories, such as cushions, candle holders and lampshades in various shades of your chosen accent colour can really make a difference and add depth. Popular interior design accent colours include rose pink, green, teal and navy.

The juxtaposition of stark white with a dusky rose works really well as a soothing addition to a bedroom. Think faux (or real!) pink tulips or peonies in a glass vase on a bedside table, rose coloured linen curtains or a luxurious deep pile pink rug on a grey carpet.

Newgate – Hot Pink Pantry Wall Clock £35; 2. Rader – ‘Come and Dream with Me’ Cushion £27.95; 3. Vita Copenhagen – Tripod Table Lamp Baby Rose £88; 4. Tweedmill – Dusky Pink Pure New Wool Beehive Throw £48.95

We’re obsessed with ‘Greenery’ – the Pantone Colour of the Year 2017 – due to it’s succulent lush green tone and ties with nature. This emerald inspired shade can be subtly included in your home interiors with a few potted cactuses or plants, which would breathe some real life into a lounge or dining area.

Baa Stool – Carys Sage Sheepskin £215; 2. LSA International – Cashmere Vase Green Matte £75; 3. Wild & Wolf – Retro Telephone Swedish Green £45; 4. LSA International – Utensil Pot £32

Teal is such a great colour to have as your home interior accent shade. Teal (plus varieties of the shade, such as jade or duck-egg blue) home accessories work well in every room of the house, particularly the bathroom and kitchen. Try a vibrant teal bath mat and toothbrush holder for a non-invasive way to test out the trend.

Bronte by Moon – Jade Shetland Herringbone Throw £55; 2. Menu – Green Marble Wall Clock £219; 3. Vita Copenhagen – Turquoise Mini Pendant Light Shade £49; 4. Baa Stool – Teal Sheepskin £215

Navy definitely had a moment in interiors in 2016, and this year it shows no sign of disappearing. It’s a wonderfully deep colour which would suit the most colour-shy person wishing to inject a slight pop of colour into their otherwise monochrome life. Navy velvet cushions or a soft throw would look beautiful on a sofa or armchair.

Another colour that is more of a ‘finish’ is copper. This stunning metal lends itself well to lampshades, kitchenware and vases, and is a modern alternative to polished chrome or stainless steel.

Vita Copenhagen – Silvia Tripod Floor Lamp £121; 2. Umbra – Copper Ribbon Wall Clock £40; 3. Menu – Norm Wire Bowl £44.95; 4. Umbra – Wall Mirror Set £40; 5. Umbra – Annex Side Table £125

Monochrome homeware at Black By Design

At Black By Design we love inspiring our customers with the latest homeware trends, giving them the tools to create their dream home interiors for each room of their home. Many of our designer homeware collections would fit smoothly into a monochrome themed room. Danish homeware brands such as Vita Copenhagen and Zone Denmark have some excellent black, white and grey items for the bathroom and kitchen. Below you’ll find our top picks of home accessories and furniture which fit the monochromatic look perfectly.

Leitmotiv – Open Minded Side Table £102; 2. Menu – Tribeca Leonard Chandelier £296.95; 3. Stelton – Emma Electric Kettle £119; 4. Menu – Marble Wall Clock £219; 5. Baa Stool – Slate Grey Sheepskin Cushion £75; 6. Tweedmill – Pure New Wool Cobweave Throw £49.95

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more homeware inspiration, and tag us in your monochrome interior design pictures.