Shades of Grey. 6 Tips For Successfully Stylish Monochrome Home Design

Think of grey and think of dull? Nothing can be further from the truth when it comes to urbane home styling and decor. Grey is a shade that can fit around any aesthetic and whatever trends may come and pass, a monochrome palette is always in vogue.

Have you ever looked back over the years and wondered what you were thinking when it came to your home fixtures and furnishings? Are they now a little garish, a bit outworn, more than a bit passé? This time think simple, sedate and sophisticated with these 6 tips for successful stylish monochrome home design.

1.Curtains and blinds

The first place you’ll want to start when revamping your interior design is with you curtains and blinds. You can overhaul the entire look of your home simply by swapping your window coverings. Goodbye drab and dated. Hello fresh, clean and modern!

For the bedroom, blockout curtains work so well.

These are great for privacy and for a good night’s sleep because, as their name suggests, they block out all the light from your surrounding environment. Window coverings in a fabric that is soft and serene provide the perfect recipe for a peaceful night’s slumber. Consider a shade of slate for a look that will stand the test of time.

2. Flooring

Balancing out a monochrome home decor is about often best achieved by the use of neutral colours. This is to create a level of warmth that can not come from black, white and grey alone. These shades are metallic, their very nature means that they impart a feeling of coldness. By all means, this is the very reason why grey always look so sophisticated and modern. However, monochrome tones should always be counterweighted by an element that is warm and earthy.

This is especially significant when it comes to your flooring.

After all, this is what ‘grounds’ your home. You might want to consider hardwood and/or the addition of a textured sable rug to generate a level of warmth and ‘homeliness’ on which to build your base for the rest of your home decor and design.

3. Fittings and Fixtures

It’s important to think about the fittings that you use in your living space.

They will make a big difference when it comes to the overall ambience of your home. When you’re going  monochrome and minimalist, investing in good quality fittings and materials allow you take it all up a notch.

Drop lights and marble bench tops in the kitchen go down a treat.

Industrial style fittings and fixtures will look great against a backdrop of white marble in the bathroom. This is in order to  to create a look that is a bit opulent, yet all the while modern. For more ideas about how to do monochrome in style, you might like to check out houseofhome.com.au.

4. Furnishings

From here, you can really go to town on kitting out your space. Maybe you have you eye on a black patent leather couch? Go for it! But, perhaps find ways to soften things –  for example, a vintage-inspired faux fur throw in a creamy shade of vanilla could create that all-important contrast.

When it comes boudoir decor, nothing could look quite so appealing as black on black. Consider the details here – it might be a finely wrought iron floor lamp with tassled shade, or the addition of a quilted, ultra-luxe bedhead complete with glistening gem accents. With this kind of approach minimalist is anything but dull, as perfectly evidenced is this Elle Decor gallery.  

5. Details

They say the devil is in in the details, and this holds true when it comes to monochromatic home decor. For the most sinfully delicious styling, you’ll want to pay close attention to the elements and composition that make up your interior living space. A good balance of black and white and neutral colour schemes is levelled up by a smart use of motifs and accents.

Perhaps it’s striped wallpaper in black and white to follow this trend right through your home, or a wood panel replicated here and there? If you want to make big a statement, a skilfully positioned and eye-catching work of art can make all the difference. For a great example of artwork used in a monochrome living space, you’ll want to check out this blog from Boutique Home.

6. Homewares

Once you’ve got all your basics established and the look of your home firmly in place, it’s time to shop for the right homewares. Whether it’s a kettle, or even a grandfather clock – you’ll be on the hunt for home accessories that hit the spot. These items will need to be functional whilst fitting your new interior like a glove – all from a design point of view.

Think about patterns, textures and materials.

An ultra modern metallic look fridge may just fit the bill. You could repurpose old items or buy new. Creativity is key, remember to have fun and to reflect your own personal sense of style to really bring it home.

There you have it: 6 ways to create a home interior with a monochrome pallette.

Just remember, grey is never boring. It comes back to your personal sense of style and what makes you feel most at home – for you and your family. A neutral backdrop allows this all to happen in the most natural way possible, to create a home interior that is both delightful and desirable – and, a million shades away from anything even close to dull.