1. CREATE DEPTH AND CONTRAST WITH LIGHT AND DARK
Light and dark and tonal values are key factors in successful artwork, and the principle is the same for interior design: it creates depth. Depth is important to ensure the room comes to life and has visual impact. Amanda says: 'To create depth, opt for very deep shades and very light shades, the contrast between the colors will prevent the room looking flat.'
2. TRY A TWO-TONE WALL
A two-tone approach is an easy and stylish way to embrace decorating with the same color. Gunter & Co harnessed the look for the master bedroom idea of a project in Notting Hill, London.
3. CHOOSE PAINT BRANDS THAT OFFER VARYING TONES OF ONE COLOR
It may seem obvious, but it's a good idea to make things easier by choosing a paint brand that actually offers a range of shades within the same color, for example Little Greene (seen above) and Paint & Paper Library; both often have five shades of one color, which begins light, and darkens each tone.
4. USE WALLPAPER TO ADD PATTERN FOR VISUAL VARIETY
Using wallpaper in the same color as the walls means you can inject pattern and dimension to the space but also keep it calming and tonal. The room above shows a soft purple pink, which is given depth by a wallpaper pattern as well as a darker-toned violet-based bath. This dramatic shade is within the same color family but serves to anchor the space and add depth.
5. MIX UP MATERIALS FOR TONE AND TEXTURE
Even a monochromatic space can be given life with a varied use of materials. The room by Lindye Gallow Studio + Shop above uses three shades of grey (mid-tone on the walls, a dark shade on the sofa and lamp, and a light grey in the top half of the artwork).
6. CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR FOR THE SPACE
'Studies, home offices, and libraries work particularly well when decorated in different shades of the same color,' says Kitesgrove's Clara Ewart. 'Whether this is a dark, moody and cocooning color or something softer and lighter, this can help to create a calming and cerebral identity within the space.'
7. USE NATURAL MATERIALS WITHIN THE SCHEME
'When decorating using different shades of the same color, the use of natural materials such as timber or marble can help to introduce variety without the need for a contrasting color,' explains Clara Ewart.
8. ADD IN AN ACCENT COLOR
If you do want to throw in another color, do so sparingly so the effect is still predominantly the tonal shade you have chosen. Even when you are decorating using different shades of the same color, you can add at least one other shade to break up the scheme a little and ensure the room is not left feeling flat.
9. USE THE 60/30/10 RULE
If in doubt, turn to age-old design practices, like the 60/30/10 rule, for guidance. 'The 60/30/10 is a perfect way to apply balance to a room and can be applied to help create a cohesive monochromatic color scheme,' Emma Bestley, Creative Director & Co-Founder, YesColours.
'Start with determining the '60' part and decide which tone of color you would like as the dominant shade.