We call monochrome pieces of art that have been deliberately and purposefully created using a single colour, tone, or hue. For a design to be defined as monochromatic, it has to originate in the same parent colour even if there is a variation in the shade or intensity of that colour.

For several years, world-renowned artists have been using the monochromatic palette to explore and articulate the world, using a single-toned palette's high potential and limitations. Monochromes are being used as a dialled down reductive formula that challenges and elevates the structure, composition and tonality of any piece of art or design.

A famous painting called Black Square by artist Kazimir Malevich is arguably one of the earliest instances of monochrome in the history of art, having been painted in 1915. Since then, monochromatic designs have seeped into all forms of art and expression and have trickled down to even architecture and interior design.

Interior designers and architects are using monochromatic designs to create the impression of negative space. It also makes the illusion of something appearing larger or smaller than it is, which is an added plus when designing spaces. When done well, monochromatic themes can create the illusion of multiple structures within a single frame, adding to the aesthetic appeal and decor of a home or office. 

Here we discuss a few simple ways to achieve a timeless minimalist avant-garde theme using monochromatism in your homes, kitchens and office spaces. 

Why go with monochromes? 

Adds personality 

Taking us back to the '90s, minimalism has returned in all shapes and hues, throwing open doors for bold expression. Monochromatic themed home or office decor can liven up any space through its simple, understated look, achieving much with little. Thinking of livening up any space, the first thing that comes to mind is bright colours and quirky themes. However, the less is more philosophy that monochromes follow does a lot more than liven up space. It adds personality, charm and ambience to a place and transforms it inside out.  

Very avant-garde 

Though monochromes are timeless, their relevance and application in today's interior decor space are very avant-garde. Monochrome, contradictory to the name, is anything but monotonous. It has a sharp palette that is also very elegant, contemporary and easy to put together. Coordinated monochrome interiors will help you achieve that dreamy, minimalist style in your home and give it that much-needed personality. 

Creates the perfect illusion 

Using monochromatic furniture and fabrics will help elevate any space by being a contrast in itself. Applying colour psychology or smart colour choices can give the illusion of a longer or shorter room, broader or narrower. White or other light pastel shades can create the illusion of space, with furniture only adding to the drama.  

Choosing the right colour - 

If you go monochromatic, the room for customisation opens wide. Contrary to what's popularly seen, monochromatic themes don't always focus on just neutral shades or whites. You can spruce it up with bolder colours like greens, violets, yellows, and blues. To give it that distinction within the monotone, you can layer different shades of the same colour. 

You can take a step further from what's commonly perceived as monochromatic and mix up the monotone with striking colours in the off-shade. Taking cues from the wall colours in your house can also help you set the right tone where shades come together and blend beautifully. With the range of options available in laminates, veneers and surface finishes, achieving that perfect monochromatic theme is not just doable but also easy. 

Choosing the best materials - 

Laminates and veneers are great options when it comes to choosing suitable surface finishes for furniture. Though often mistaken as the same, they are different. Laminates are sheets made of plastic and resin used to coat wooden furniture, while veneers are narrow strips of wood that have been sliced off tree logs. 

If you wish to achieve an inexpensive wood themed monochromatic look, veneers are your best bet. However, if you think mixing and playing it up with different styles, patterns, colours and finishes are more your styles, then laminates are your go-to. 

Bringing your dream home to life -

Few things are forever, and your dream home should be one among them. To dream up a home and bring it to life is a joy like no other. That is why much consideration goes into every detail, right from the theme to the furniture's material and the surface finish. 

If you wish to go for a more cost-effective option than solid wood, several non-wood alternatives are sturdy, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. For cabinets, shelves and tabletops, materials like plywood, MDF, and chipboards are tried-and-tested base materials that are sturdy and can last for over 20 years. If you're struggling to choose the perfect base material, here's everything you need to know about engineered wood to help you make an informed choice. 

Once you've finalised your base material, you can get to choose your surface finish and pick from a range of laminates or wood veneers. To go the extra mile with your monochromatic theme, you can select the perfect edge bands of the same finish to complete your look. Feel free to break the monotony by playing with different shades of the same hue, or go bold with an off-tone centrepiece.