The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Monochromatic decorating is a shade above the others
PUBLISHED: December 4, 2008
Monochromatic decorating is a room done in different shades of one color. It's soothing, classic and sophisticated. It will work well with any style of furnishings and the end result is understated elegance.
Advertisement
Although this unique style looks easy to achieve, it requires planning and an understanding of why this style works so well.
Unlike other rooms, there is not an accent color. Wood furnishings can remain as they are, or be painted. More about that later.
Texture is the key element in a monochromatic color scheme. Using different textures (wood, wicker, various textiles) is what takes this form of decorating from bland to fantastic.
Of course, not all shades of the same color are harmonious. The easiest way to stay within the right colors is to head to your local paint of home improvement store and look at the cards of paint samples. Choose one with five or six shades of the color of you choice and use that as your guide. These cards are different intensities of the same color and all work well together. Use this for your paint and keep it with you when shopping for accessories. You can keep your carpet and walls a neutral color or change to your new color scheme. Both options will work.
A few facts to keep in mind when choosing your monochromatic color.
• Blue is America's favorite decorating color. Approximately 32 percent of us use blue in our decorating.
• Orange is the least favorite, but it is beginning to grow in popularity reminiscent of the 1970's
• Red is bold and gutsy. Many people are tempted by this rich color but are afraid to try it.
• Green is America's second favorite choice for their homes. It is an earthy color and helps to connect the outside with the interior of our homes.
• Yellow is mood lifting. Bright lemony shades evoke energy while the more mellow, buttery shades convey cheerfulness and warmth.
If you have a room full of hand me downs and thrift store treasures, monochromatic decorating is a great way to blend all those styles for a cohesive and finished look.
Painting wood, wicker or metal furnishings all the same color will immediately link and unify the room. Adding other shades in fabric, pillows, throw rugs and accent pieces will take that room from haphazard to polished.
Pat Allegra is the owner of Stylish Solutions, an interior decorating business specializing in affordable and creative decorating assistance. She can be reached at 734-449-4679.
Not all stories are guaranteed to appear
online. The Web edition contains a reasonable
sampling of the print edition stories.
For the most complete news coverage, we invite you to
subscribe
to the print edition of the paper.
Expanded
Web
Coverage
TOP JOBS
