Here at MBA we are keenly aware that the popular tv show The Block is a source of inspiration for a lot of our clients. Our clients see styles, colours and materials that feel new and current to them. This year we have made a point of checking in on the reveals so we can stay on track with what our clients are seeing. One couple on the show have been trying to create a monochromatic colour palette for the house and as the judges say, they have been missing the mark. We thought we would share our tips on how to do monochromatic well.
Before we talk about our preferred type of monochromatic interior we should address the idea that monochrome only means black and white (and shades of grey) interiors. Monochrome is really about a single tone of colour as the inspiration for a space.
Kara Rosenlund “Eucalyptus”
First up, our favourite way to create a monochromatic space is to take inspiration from nature. Imagine for a moment a beautiful gum tree, and lets pick a scribbly gum because there are so many varieties of gum, with it’s interesting trunk of curly lines, grey bark and smooth blue trunk and visualise the foliage, the grey/blue/green leaves with the brown outline. All of a sudden we have our narrow range of colour in our palette- greys, brown and some greens, all very tonal and when interpreted into an interior concept become a monochromatic room. For an interior monochromatic does not mean you can not introduce any colour; it’s being thoughtful and strategic about your choices.
We could just as easily design a colour palette around the beach (sand, cliffs, shells, seaweed etc all very tonal), a cityscape (concrete greys, sky blues, tarmac, bluestone), the country side, a forest… the options are limitless.
One of the critiques of the contestant’s rooms on The Block was that the spaces were soulless, and by this the judges really meant that it was hard to feel a sense of connection to the space. Ways to overcome this would be to add depth to the room with layers of texture. Let’s go back to the tree analogy. Largely the trunk is smooth, because the scribbles are raised and textured, the branches have bark that is peeling, and the leaves are a mixture of glossy and crinkled. All of these sensations can be interpreted in a room, smooth hard surfaces paired with richly textured rugs, soft furnishings with varying textures (linens, velvets, chenille), mixing timbers with metals and artwork that has depth that draws you in. This style of room is enhanced with greenery and pot plants, your choice of greenery will be led by your room colour palette and finding good fit plants that work with the scheme. For example, when using the scribbly gum as inspiration you might choose a grey/green plant for the room.
Another idea to help you achieve a successful monochrome interior is to consider light and shade as part of the design. A great way to see this is to take and black and white image of the room and see if you can identify a feeling of balance in the room. It should be obvious where it’s successful or not. A monochromatic room probably won’t have a major focal point, but rather be a peaceful whole.
What do you think of a monochromatic space? Are you are a fan? Do you partake in the Block?