Tips To Pull Off The Monochromatic Design Style In Your HDB
Home interior design is all about selecting various elements of interior design where they work together to create the home of your dreams. Out of all the interior design elements, the one element that can be considered the backbone of interior design is colour. The colour palette of any interior design sets the stage for the other elements to show their magic. Therefore, it is crucial that you choose the colour palette with much deliberation and thought so that the end product will be according to your liking and preferences.
There are many different colour combinations and palettes that are bound to create an elegant and sophisticated look in your home. However, one colour scheme that never goes out of style and makes the space look amazingly trendy and beautiful is the monochromatic theme. The importance of choosing the right colour in a monochromatic theme becomes even more crucial. This article discusses everything you need to know about monochromatic design themes, its key elements, and some expert tips on how you can incorporate this style into your HDB home. We will also go through some amazing monochromatic interior design portfolios designed and created by Swiss Interior.
What is a Monochromatic Design Theme?
Monochromatic design theme refers to the interior design where varying shades, tints, and tones of a single colour are used to create a harmonious and cohesive environment. Instead of creating a colour contrast, this theme focuses on accentuating other key elements of design including texture, shape, and form. Sticking to one colour and using its different hues helps create a serene and visually cohesive atmosphere. It gives out very calm vibes that can make you feel comfortable and tranquil. The soothing ambience of a monochromatic design theme in an HDB can be just the thing you need after a long and tiring day at work.
In a monochromatic theme, usually colours like black, grey, and white are selected. On the contrary, a monochromatic theme can be executed by choosing any colour of your choice, be it blue, green, pink, red, or yellow. The thing to keep in mind is to stick to one dominant colour and use its varying shades in the space.
Benefits of Monochromatic Design Theme
There are several benefits of choosing a monochromatic design theme for your HDB home in Singapore. These include:
● This design theme can create a sense of serenity and calm in the space by eliminating all visual distractions and creating a relaxing environment.
● By using contrasting shades of the same colour, you are able to highlight key features in the space in a very subtle yet effective manner.
● This is a versatile design theme that can be adapted to any design style like minimalist, modern, contemporary, and eclectic.
● It can help create a bold statement by using an intense and unique base colour.
Key Elements of The Monochromatic Design
If you wish to incorporate a monochromatic design theme in your HDB home, it is a good idea to be well-versed about its key elements and characteristics so the process of choosing colours and designing can become easy. The following are the key characteristics of a monochromatic theme.
One Colour
The first and most important feature of a monochromatic design is to choose one colour. All other elements in the interior can then be different tones of this base colour. You may add a couple of different colours here and there, but the main colour scheme should revolve around this selected colour.
Contrast and Balance
One important element of the monochromatic style is to create contrast and balance in the space by using just the right tones and colours at the right places. Using just one tone of the colour can result in a flat and washed-out ambience while adding too many shades that do not balance each other can just create a visual mess in the space. The trick is to find the right balance between all the shades and tones and use them wisely to enhance the overall aesthetics of the room.
Texture
In a monochromatic theme, since there is only one colour, you have to add depth and visual interest in the space using different types of materials and textures. This is absolutely crucial to avoid making the space appear dull and boring. The addition of varying textures and materials will add a character and personality to the interior which will eventually help elevate the ambience in your home.
Lighting
Statement and accent lighting is another important element of this design theme. To bring about varying depths and perspective into a monochromatic interior calls for the use of statement lighting, direct and indirect lighting, and accent lighting to highlight different areas and keep other areas in dark. Ambient and task lighting can accentuate the dynamic quantities of the space and go a long way in affecting how the elements and textures are perceived.
Touch of Nature
To bring a pop of colour and freshness in an otherwise one-colour interior, indoor plants may be added. Green plants can help add a lively touch to the space without breaking the colour scheme. In fact, these indoor plants can even help to further accentuate the monochromatic theme.
Art and Decor
A monochromatic interior does not have to be dull and boring. Art and decor is an important feature of a monochromatic design. However, the art and decor should be selected carefully so that it complements the colour scheme but helps introduce new lines and forms in the space to change the visual perceptions.
Inspirational Ideas for Monochromatic Design
If you want to create a monochromatic interior design theme in your HDB, then the following award-winning portfolio by Swiss Interior can serve as the perfect inspiration on how to get started. The base colour for this interior is black with its different hues adding depth and character into the space. A few contrasting colours are also chosen to break the monotony while still enhancing the base colour and its hues.
Let’s start with the living room of this elegant HDB where we see an abundance of the black colour. The dark shade of black is chosen for all the walls while the floor is a very light hue of grey. This light grey floor creates the perfect contrast to the dark walls while still staying in the same colour palette. The large, full-length windows have thin blinds that allow the natural sunlight to illuminate the interior. This light is essential to brighten up the space otherwise the dark colours can make the interior too dull and depressing. The sofa adorns a mid-dark hue of grey while a slightly lighter hue is chosen for the centre rug. Notice how different hues of grey and black are used for different elements to add visual perception and depth in the interior. Finally, to add a pop of colour, a large green indoor plant is placed in the corner that freshens up the living room.
Also notice how varying textures are utilised in the living room. We see the raw and rugged texture of the wooden console that is balanced with the shaggy rug on the floor. The plush sofa creates a balancing contrast with the off-white woollen throw. All these varying textures further add to the beauty of this monochromatic interior.
Another view of the living room shows a comfortable sitting cove at the back of the living room area. This cove gives out simple yet relaxing vibes owing to the monochromatic theme and the choice of cool, subtle contrasting colours. A light beige sofa with pastel shades of blue, beige, and off-white create a warm and welcoming ambience in the space. The light oak coloured hardwood floor creates a smooth contrast with the black walls. All the interior is highlighted through the natural light flowing in unrestrictedly through the windows. This comfortable cove is the perfect calm abode for you where you can relax and unwind after a tiring day.
Coming towards the kitchen and the dining area, we see a continuation of the same base colour and its varying hues in the furniture and other elements. The kitchen cabinets comprise two different shades and textures: the lower cabinets are a dark grey colour while the upper cabinets create a balance through the dark wooden colour and texture. These dark shades continue the monochromatic theme along with the dark kitchen appliances and kitchenware. For the dining table, a contrasting brown leather material is chosen for the chairs while the tabletop remains black. These leather dining chairs add the requisite amount of texture into the space while creating a harmonious contrast with the base colour. The floors are rightly kept light so as to avoid making the space too dark. Ambient lighting and task lighting further enhance the ambience in this monochromatic kitchen and dining room.
The monochromatic bedroom of this HDB is a treat for the eyes. Showcasing simplicity and elegance, this bedroom can make anyone become awe-stricken with its beauty. The walls of the bedroom showcase the same dark grey hue as the rest of the house but contrary to the other areas, the floor is also chosen to be a medium grey tone. A bedroom is a place where one needs to relax and rest, therefore, making it a bit dark can be acceptable. However, the bedroom is brightened up through the light coming in from the big windows. Trendy, statement lighting fixtures add to the elegance of the room while providing the necessary lighting at night. The white bed linen along with the grey, woollen throw add the finishing touches in this balanced monochromatic design.
On one side of this bedroom, we can see a changing area/walk-in closet that offers functional yet aesthetic value. A dark wooden hue is chosen for the wardrobes and shelves that contrast beautifully with the dark grey walls. Spotlights and direct lighting accentuate the ambience in this walk-in closet to create a highly functional and strikingly beautiful bedroom.
The bathroom of this HDB also carries on the same monochromatic theme. Varying hues of grey are chosen for the different toilet fixtures and structures. We can see these different tones and hues in the walls, floor, vanity, and the cabinet. Also notice the textured tiles that add in the element of varying visual perception that elevates the beauty of the bathroom. Indirect and cove lighting creates a dramatic appearance in the bathroom that is both interesting and unique. A few indoor plants can add just the right amount of colour and freshness to such a bathroom.
Tips to Bring the Monochromatic Theme In Your Home
If you are looking on how to bring the monochromatic theme in your HDB home in Singapore, then the following tips and tricks can help you design your home in the best possible way.
● The first and most important step in creating a monochromatic interior is to choose a base colour. It can be any colour of your choice. The only thing that you should consider is whether you would be able to find varying hues of that base colour and whether they will all look nice together. This is the most important step and should never be rushed since every room of your house will have this base colour on which to build the rest of the interior. If you are sceptical about the base colour, then stick to the tried and tested colours like black, grey, brown, and beige.
● Also consider your room sizes while choosing the base colour. Lighter colours tend to make a space appear open and airy whereas dark colour can make a space look smaller. So choose the base colour depending on the size of your HDB rooms.
● Once you have finalised your base dominant colour, choose different tints, tones, and hues of that colour in all elements of the interior. This will help create harmony and prevent the room from appearing flat and monotonous.
● Add in lots of textures in the space as they can create visual depth and interest. Choose contrasting textures and materials to keep the space visually engaging. Opt for raw and rugged wooden textures and contrast them with silk and velvet. Add in layers of textures to bring out the best of each element to create a cohesive ambience.
● Highlight some architectural features in the interior or some key furniture pieces by using certain neutral colours in addition to the base dominant colour. The monochromatic theme is the perfect way to highlight such significant details like vintage furniture, high ceilings, or architectural built-ins. The subtle colour scheme can make these details stand out more.
● Consider adding some prints and patterns into your space. Remember not to go overboard with this; just add in some printed upholstery or patterns in the rug or cushions to bring dynamism in the space without straying away from the monochromatic theme.
● Add in metallic accents to your furniture pieces in a monochromatic theme to create a luxurious and classy look. Metallic accents in gold, silver, or copper not only give an exquisite ambience to the elements but it also helps to brighten up the interior.
● Incorporate plants and greenery in the space to bring in a lively and bright ambience. Plants are the perfect contrasting element in any monochromatic theme and for dark, muted tones, they add the right amount of brightness without breaking the colour scheme.
● Make sure you allow plenty of lighting in a monochromatic interior as that is truly essential in such a design style. Lighting plays a major role in a monochromatic theme as it allows you to highlight certain areas and draw attention and focus to others. Incorporate large windows to allow plenty of sunlight and also include various forms of lighting like spotlights, ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting to highlight significant elements and fixtures.
● Finally, add in some art and decorative elements. However, these decorations should not become too overwhelming; they should just add in some form and lines to the design and not over shadow the monochromatic theme. Moreover, these decorations and artwork should follow the same monochromatic theme and should not create a sharp contrast with the rest of the interior.
All these above-mentioned tips and tricks can allow you to incorporate monochromatic design themes into your home. It does not matter whether you have a small or big HDB or a landed property, you can easily incorporate this style into your home. The main point to consider is to choose the base, dominant colour wisely as it will determine the kind of ambience and visual perception you want people to see and feel.
Employing the services of professional residential interior designers can help you greatly as they can guide you through the whole process and enable you to choose the right colour and tones according to your home size and other personal preferences. Swiss Interior is a leading interior design firm in Singapore that has years of experience in providing high-quality design services to its clients. The award-winning monochromatic design portfolio discussed above is a testament to their unformidable determination and expertise. For more inspiration and queries regarding interior design, contact Swiss Interior today.
Your home is a canvas for creativity, and at Swiss Interior, we specialize in transforming spaces into stylish havens. From cozy 4-room HDB interior design to condo renovation, our extensive resources will inspire you to maximize every square foot. Discover essential tips for enhancing your HDB design and practical strategies for making your condo feel like home. With Singapore’s top interior designers guidance, your renovation journey can lead to a space that beautifully balances aesthetic appeal and functionality.
About Swiss Interior
Swiss Interior is a leading interior design company in Singapore since 2012. Led by founders Jason and Ronnie, the Swiss team serves customers from all walks of life, delivering bespoke and dream interior design and renovation services to all homeowners in Singapore.
Accreditations & Awards:
- Singapore outstanding enterprise award (2013)
- HomeRenoGuru Most Trusted ID (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
- First ID firm to win 1 Week Kitchen Challenge by HomeRenoGuru (2019)
- Featured in NOC RenoKing (2020)
- HomeRenoGuru Top 10 ID Firm (2020, 2021)
- Featured in CNA Lifestyle Making Room (2021)
- Qanvast SuperTrust (2021, 2022)
- Featured in HomeStyle Magazine Year End Cover Page (2021)
- Featured in Sheikh Haikel & Anna Belle Francis DreamHome (2022)
- Sidac Accreditation (2022)