As far as a home design aficionado’s list of easy, yet enduring colour schemes to use, the single-colour scheme is sure to be up there. Not only is it a breeze to implement; it can achieve a striking effect if you do it right.
Whether you're a fan of soothing neutrals, bold jewel tones, or dreamy pastels, you can use a single colour palette to truly enhance the vibes of your home. If you're worried about it feeling a bit "too much," don't stress—there are plenty of ways to keep it fresh, fun, and full of personality.
Here are DROOL Art’s recommendations for mastering the art of the single-colour interior without making it feel flat or overwhelming:
1) Layer Textures for Depth
When working with a single colour, texture is your best friend. Mixing different materials—like velvet, linen, leather, or wood—will help you achieve a layered effect that adds interest to a space and prevents monotony.
For instance, if you commit to shades of beige, think about pairing a soft wool throw with a jute rug and smooth ceramic vases. This approach works with any hue and will ensure that your space feels tactile and inviting, rather than one-dimensional.
2) Play with Shades and Tones
No one said you have to stick to just one shade of your chosen colour. A monochromatic design thrives on variety, so don’t hesitate to explore the spectrum. For example, if you love blue, balance deep navy with soft powder blue or hints of teal. This tonal variation not only makes your space visually dynamic; it also allows you to experiment without straying from your scheme.
3) Use Art as a Focal Point
A single-colour room can benefit hugely from a standout focal piece, and that’s where carefully chosen art prints will come into play. Bold pieces of artwork that complement your colour scheme, for example, can tie everything together while adding a new splash of personality.
Check out DROOL's collection of art prints for vibrant, unique options that can easily act as centrepieces for a room. Whether you go for minimalism-inspired pieces or abstract explosions of colour, the right pieces can do a lot to ground your design and allow your few chosen shades to deliver maximum impact.
4) Break It Up with Natural Elements
Even in a single-colour room, a few organic materials can go a long way in keeping the space lively and welcoming. Think fresh greenery in a chic pot, a vase of dried flowers, or a rattan accent chair. These natural elements work well with any single-colour scheme and will add warmth to the overall look.
If plants are not your thing, you can choose art prints that bring the colours of nature into the space. The contrast of earthy tones or textures will keep your design from feeling too rigid or sterile.
5) Let Lighting Enhance the Colours
Lighting can contribute a lot to the impact of a single-colour interior. To truly make your chosen shade shine, think about how different light sources will affect it. Warm lighting can make red or orange rooms feel cosy, while cooler tones will enhance the calm of blues and greys. Layer your lighting—such as by pairing a statement pendant with table lamps or candles—to further evoke a sense of dimension in your space while drawing attention to key elements.
6) Include Patterns Sparingly
Worried about your room feeling a little too “matchy-matchy”? Don’t hesitate to add subtle patterns to introduce variety without disrupting your scheme. Look for patterns that use your dominant colour alongside neutrals or slightly contrasting hues. Stripes, geometric prints, or even monochromatic florals can all bring charm and personality to your space without straying from your chosen palette.
7) Don’t Forget Your Ceiling
When designing a space, most people overlook the ceiling, which is a mistake. The truth is, it can be the ultimate canvas for creativity in a single-colour scheme.
For an extra bold statement, consider painting your ceiling the same shade as your walls to envelop the space in colour. Alternatively, you could opt for a slightly lighter or darker shade to add a sense of height or depth. If you're feeling adventurous, try out a textured or wallpapered ceiling for an additional pop of visual interest.
8) Create Contrast with Metallic Accents
Metallics like gold, silver, or copper typically draw the eye, and one of these can serve as the perfect accent in a single-colour interior. The sheen offers contrast while maintaining the sophisticated feel that’s unique to single-colour schemes.
Picture a room in soft pink tones accented by rose gold frames or lamps, for example. Deep green walls paired with brass or gold accents can exude a timeless elegance. Metallic touches like these will impart just the right amount of shine and luxury to balance out the uniformity.
9) Showcase Personal Touches
You may fear that a single-colour scheme can make a room feel a bit impersonal, but it doesn't have to. Add elements that reflect your personality or preferences, like keepsakes, books, or collectibles, to make it your own.
For example, if you're into miniatures, incorporate a display shelf into the design. Or, why not assemble a collection of cool artworks featuring the same colour to achieve a beautiful gallery wall effect?
Whatever you add, just make sure it complements or enhances your colour palette. These thoughtfully arranged personal touches can make your space feel not only stylish, but also truly yours.
Make It Yours
As seen from the insights above, a single-colour scheme will be a creative and fun way to design a space that's cohesive and full of character. Browse DROOL’s collection for inspiration in your favourite palette, and learn more about the kind of art you like—colours included—from our Art Finder Quiz.
