Monochrome Magic

“Color is descriptive. Black and White is interpretive.”
– Elliott Erwitt

How often do you see Interior themes based on a monochrome palette, other than art galleries or maybe some commercial space like a mall or a restaurant? The two colors on opposite ends of the color spectrum, Black and White, make the most classic monochrome combination and yet most people are hesitant to try it in their own spaces.

#TheCage22 by Haydenshapes Surfboards x Alexander Wang

Alvear Palace Hotel , Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Agreed, monochrome is bold and authoritative, basically a full blown commitment but this classic pair brings a certain excitement to a setup. The simplicity of the two colors makes way for the architectural details to stand out.

Monochrome interiors are a statement, not for the faint-hearted. Black & White is a difficult scheme to work with in the sense that it can have a different impact when used in different variations. While black adds drama, white provides a perfect platform for it to shine. And, while white brings sophistication and brightness to the table, black provides an anchor to ground the white. For best results, one color should be chosen as dominant over the other. Black and White work in perfect harmony to deliver a clean result that accentuates each form, shape, texture or pattern, helping us to appreciate every aspect of the design.

Don’t worry, it’s not as cold and uninviting as it is made to sound because these two colors don’t have to be used in isolation. With a careful balance of the right accent colors, textures & strong prints, a monochrome palette can lift the space up just as well as any other scheme.

These perfect complimentary colors can turn the place into anything you want it to be.

Black & White schemes can be

Extravagant or Minimalist;

Black and White Equilibrium. This scheme by Interiors by Studio M screams extra.

Boujee or Boho Chic;

Boujee is just another word for luxury. The clean lines and multiple textures brought out by furnishings and decor ooze luxury.

Layers on layers. Prints on prints. This boho living room uses just the right amount of burnt orange and mustard accents to add that pop of color.

Elegant or Casual.

This monochrome scheme shows restraint in terms of textures and doesn’t go over the board in any capacity.

This look is achieved by minimalist efforts with a whole lot of comfort.

Here’s a curation of some endless possibilities of Monochrome Magic. Whatever your initial opinion is, you are bound to fall for at least one of these spaces.