One-Color Looks to Help Sell Homes

We are all winners in the color game. While there are no guarantees of success, a one-color look is always a crowd pleaser. Monochrome does not have to translate into monotony. The look is easy to do, but challenging to get right. The trick is to vary shades and tints while mixing textures and patterns. 

Colors

The go-to color for monochromatic rooms is white. Glamorous and peaceful, the look is timeless. However, a whole spectrum of color awaits consideration. Blues are serene and popular. Purple is on trend and lighter shades can be soothing, especially in bedrooms. Gray is quiet and contemporary. Pink can be sophisticated if furnishings are kept simple. Black is sedate and elegant. While bright, yellow can be a great selection if done in muted shades. Get inspired by any views your designated space has or colors that already exist in features such as the flooring. Most designers stick to three shades of the selected color. Choose a base shade to define the design, then go one color lighter and one darker to complete a harmonized look. Shades of the same color create depth and definition. 

Textures

Texture increases the power of a room. Designers generally include two to three distinct textures in a space. Use two when you want to emphasize a focal point and three when you want the space to be considered as a whole. In a monochrome look, texture should heavily contrast to bring visual interest and harmony. Rough textures, such as wood or burlap, ground a room with rustic touches. Smooth ones, like glass or stone, set a more refined tone. Paired together, the rough will stand out and be balanced by the elegance of smoother textures. Tray ceilings and crown molding provide texture via architecture. Wood benches, marble countertops and satin loveseats do so with furniture. Other options include greenery, rugs, wallpaper and window treatments to give light surfaces on which to play. 

Patterns

Structured design, big or small, is a great way to vary color within a monochromatic look. Prints can be subtle or bold. Vary the scale to avoid visual clutter and make the space more inviting. Large-scale patterns can mingle with smaller ones within the same hue. A dominant print can be used in artwork or window treatments while complimentary ones can be used for accent pillows and textiles. Express creativity or recent travels with unique or exotic prints. Stripes, paisley, checks and flowers liven or anchor a space. Abstract geometrics are having a banner year for their ability to make almost any space contemporary. Wallpaper is a convenient way to celebrate a bold or subtle motif in the background of a space.  

Create a seamless and tranquil space with a single-color palette using these tips that were inspired by the July 1958 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine. 

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