This week I am happy to introduce an immensely talented residential interior designer, Robin Baron. Robin was a fashion designer for 18 years before she became an interior designer. She studied fashion and interiors at two very prestigious schools, Parsons School of Design and UCLA. According to Robin, “fashion is fleeting but home and interior design have a deep impact on people’s lives.” I could not agree more. Her fashion sense is immediately apparent in the beautiful designs she creates for clients located around the country. Today she is a sharing some classic monochromatic designs with us and some tips on how you can achieve this sophisticated look. I hope you enjoy and are inspired for your own projects!
~Lorrie
The creamy upholstery is a perfect contrast to these exotic carved tables and the natural tones of the drapery fabric.
Here are some professional tips from Robin on creating a monochromatic look:
Color- When doing a monochromatic color scheme it is important that you use the right cast of the color you are working with. There are many casts, or undertones of any color, even within the same color family (some have a yellow undercast, some green, some pink, etc), and you still have to make sure that the colors, fabrics, paints, etc, all work together…there is not just one tan or beige, and every tan or beige does not automatically work with each other.
Another key to working in a monochromatic color palette is to use different shades and tones of the same color, some with a deeper hue, some with a lighter…this will create subtle differences that will help create interest and move your eye through the room.
This large dining area still looks very intimate and inviting because of the warm wood tones that are highligted with the sconces and recessed lights.
Texture - An important element to create visual interest is to use textures. This is crucial in a monochromatic color scheme. The mixing of texture helps give life to the room, and can be used instead of adding prints. You can use prints in a monochromatic room, as I did on the chairs and window treatments, in this living room but they should be very subtle and used sparingly, or you can easily compromise the quiet, warm, nurturing feeling you set out to accomplish by choosing to create a monochromatic room.
Texture can be used in your fabric selection, your rug, as I also did in this living room, as well as the family room (great room), and especially on the walls in the form of decorative paint or wall covering. In these rooms, I used a plaster treatment on the walls, which allowed me to play with the texture, and layer the colors on the walls.
The light-hearted accent colors are an attractive and logical addition to an area adjacent to the kitchen.
Accent Colors- The other key element, one that takes a bit of artistry, and a strong sense of balance in the monochromatic room, is the use of accent colors. This can single-handedly make or break the room. Balance is the operative word here. Using accents colors has nothing to do with symmetry, and everything to do with balance…and less is always more here. See how little of the accent color I used in this living room, and yet how much impact and balance it creates in the room.
You can use accent colors by choosing a different color wood for the furniture, as I did in this dining room, using a very dark brown, making that an integral part of the monochromatic balance. I then used the green of the plants on the dining table to throw in a bit of the unexpected…and to add a little punch…both being the goal in using the accent colors.
To learn more about Robin Baron and to see additional projects, visit her website at www.robinbarondesign.com.
