We’re taught from an early age that overindulgence is a bad thing. But sometimes it can be very, very good.
Repeating a single color throughout an entire room can be not only beautiful, but relatively easy to pull off. No worrying about whether the curtains go with the carpet. When everything’s the same color, it’s usually a match.
Granted, the look can be overwhelming. It works best in contained spaces where you don’t spend a lot of waking hours, such as a bedroom. And while it’s possible to match the color precisely in every detail, it’s better (and easier) to vary the shade a bit — in terms of both hue and intensity, and texture and sheen. That keeps the repetition interesting.
One of the appealing things about a monochromatic interior is that colors you’d think would be too overpowering on their own become more demure when used en masse. The sheer quantity dilutes their ability to shock and makes even a strong color, like acid green, feel restful. When working with bright colors, be mindful of the amount of light the room gets: This space could be blinding if it got a lot of intense, direct sun. |
This charming bedroom merges shades of pink, orange and coral. They have more depth and visual interest together than a single shade would have, and also contribute to the room’s casual feel.
Although the patterns in this girl’s room don’t match, they all work together because they share a common color. Liberal additions of white prevent the blue from overwhelming the space and add to the tranquil atmosphere. |
The combo of blue and white is a seaside staple. But in this San Francisco home, the variations in hue and solid planes of color banish some of the sweetness, making the scheme feel fresh and more contemporary. |
Pink has such feminine connotations, we’re often afraid to use it outside a bedroom. But inside a bedroom — watch out! Pink fabric upholsters the walls and bed in this boudoir, making the softness not just visual but tactile.