At our Design Studio, we are known for mixing vibrant colours and bold patterns within a single scheme. But sometimes, there is beauty in restraint. Designing a room in just one colour can be unexpectedly elegant, creating a space that feels cohesive, sophisticated and timeless. Join us as we explore how to master the art of monochrome design.
Monochrome does not mean black and white. It simply means exploring the full spectrum of a single hue. Imagine a room dressed entirely in shades of indigo, layered neutrals, or refreshing greens. The key is to dive deep into every nuance of your chosen colour and embrace its many moods. Green, for instance, can shift from lively pistachio to lush emerald, mellow olive, or deep seaweed. Each tone has its own character and together they create a rich and varied scheme. At Ham Yard Hotel’s Room 132, we recently reimagined the space with a palette of greens, resulting in a look that feels fresh, uplifting and beautifully connected.
When you remove the distraction of contrasting colours, texture becomes the star of the show. To keep a monochromatic room from feeling flat, layer fabrics and finishes with care. Linen sits beautifully alongside a robust weave, while leather gains warmth when paired with wool. At Warren Street Hotel, one of our favourite monochrome schemes demonstrates this perfectly. Layers of neutral tones blend seamlessly: ivory linen curtains, delicate floral wallpaper, pale timber floors and chalky grey upholstery. Together, these textures create an atmosphere of quiet refinement and comfort.
Pattern also plays an important role in monochrome design. At Ham Yard Hotel’s Room 112, a mural-inspired fabric lines the walls, setting a serene backdrop that feels like a piece of art in itself. Striped upholstery on the sofa and bed valance introduces rhythm and contrast, while plain royal blue textures on the headboard and armchairs ground the scheme. The result is a space where patterns feel dynamic yet harmonious, held together by a palette of soft blue and crisp white.
In a room where the palette is calm and cohesive, artwork provides an opportunity to inject character and boldness. At Warren Street Hotel’s Room 1104, vibrant framed pieces bring a burst of energy to the soft blue scheme, adding contrast without disturbing the overall sense of serenity.
Lighting is also crucial in a monochromatic space. A single hue can fall flat without the right light, but layered lighting brings the room to life. It enhances textures, highlights artwork, and defines different zones. In a monochrome interior, it also reveals subtle tonal shifts, adding depth and richness to the design.
Monochrome interiors are about more than colour. They are about celebrating the beauty and versatility within a single hue. By layering tone, texture, pattern, art and light, you can create a space that feels calm yet compelling, simple yet sophisticated and effortlessly elegant.