A monochromatic space – bold, striking – is the opposite of timid. But for those you are coming from a polychromatic path, the thought of creating one can be downright intimidating. Where do you start?

How much colour is too much? What can you do to keep a limited colour palette from looking stiff or stagnant? 

Whether you are aiming for a subtle, neutral or neon style, here are the most important things to remember when going monochrome.

Start small

For newbies to monochrome, a small space like a bathroom is a great place to start. Less daunting than, say, a living room or dining room, and its small size means it benefits from a clean, monochromatic design 

Using a single colour has a calming effect, and in general, it’s nice to have a bathroom feel a little Zen.

If you use too many other colours, a small space may start to feel busy.

Focus on texture

If you are decorating a monochromatic room, you need to pay attention to texture.

Varying the texture will ensure that the colour does not become too flat. 

Using bold colours in this way is no different from designing an all-white room or a room with variations of beige or gray. The bolder and deeper the colour, the more relaxing it is.

Pay attention to the details

White seems like the easiest option when it comes to committing to a colour (or lack thereof). However, it often comes with more challenges 

When you remove all colour from a room, texture, tone, and lines become much more important 

To add personality to a simplified colour palette, focus on the small details of the room, down to the reflection of light on hardware.

Add a contrasting tone

Not ready to go all in on a room bathed in blue or orange? No need to worry. 

A statement piece in a contrasting colour adds visual interest – and an invigorating element of surprise in an otherwise streamlined scheme 

A bold pop in a contrasting colour will go a long way toward livening things up. It’s a technique that circumvents the rules of a strictly monochromatic look. Nothing should be too perfect 

Make neutrals your friend

While black may be a bold choice for a bedroom, but black walls can also be calming. But how do you avoid crossing the line from a cozy bedroom to a bat cave? 

Monochromatic does not mean you have to use just one flat colour throughout.

You can use different shades of the same colour – and you can also use white or other neutral colours to complement your main hue.

Get in shape

If you opt for a calmer colour palette, such as shades of gray, brown or beige, a compelling variety of shapes and materials is essential. 

Because the palette is so calm, shapes and materials play a big role in adding character and dimension. 

Soft, playful shapes help the room stand out against the otherwise pale background. Details like these keep the eye moving and prevents the palette from feeling flat or cold.

Anxious? Go subtle

Here is a tip for paint. If you have a colour you really love, choose the lightest shade in the spectrum of that colour. In some cases it will look almost white, but you’ll still have enough colour.

Of course, if you want a more intense shade, you can jazz it up. But if you are afraid, and many people are, just go for the lightest shade.