20 Monochromatic Living Rooms in White Full of Personality!

In the design world, having ‘more of the same’ generally does not work all too well as a decorating approach. This is truer in case of color. Filling up a room with the same color is considered both ungainly and bland. It is often the contrast between three or more colors that gives a room its uniqueness and personality. Yet, for those who are really set on using largely one color to shape their living room, there are still plenty of exciting options around! Monochromatic living rooms are once again trendy and as is the case in most other rooms, it is neutrals that hold sway here.

Fireplace-becomes-even-more-visually-appealing-thanks-to-the-monochromatic-color-palette — Fireplace becomes even more visually appealing thanks to the monochromatic color palette [From: Dennison and Dampier Interior Design]

Books-bring-color-to-this-Scandinavian-style-living-space-217x155

Change-lighting-fixtures-accents-and-accessories-to-give-the-monochromatic-living-room-a-new-look-217x155

A monochromatic living room is essentially a space where you use just one color even if you bring in its varying shades, hues and tints. Of course, there is always a darker element in the room and at times you can use colorful accents to give the monochromatic space your own personal twist! Today, it is the turn of the most popular of all monochromatic living spaces – those in white – to spend some time under the spotlight. Sure, there are a few lighter tones of gray thrown in amidst all the whit; but that only adds to the overall visual appeal. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular, unicolored ride –

Balance Between Light and Dark

Sure, monochromatic living rooms need not be restricted to white alone. But white is undoubtedly one of the best colors to use in public spaces as it gives the room a relaxing modern appeal and a pleasant environment. Monochromatic living rooms with bolder or darker colors can feel a touch too tacky and you will get pretty bored with that overwhelming visual very quickly. Then you end up with a room that is ungainly, boring and just an eye-sore that needs a complete makeover. In case of the all-white living room, adding an additional layer of color down the line is both easy and cost-effective.

Contemporary-living-room-of-apartment-in-Bengaluru — Contemporary living room of apartment in Bengaluru [From: Praxis]

Different-shades-of-gray-and-white-are-combined-elegantly-in-this-living-room — Different shades of gray and white are combined elegantly in this living room [From: Sasha Berlin Design]

Living-room-of-remodeled-Toronto-Residence-in-white — Living room of remodeled Toronto Residence in white

Contrast is still a major part of the monochromatic living space and adding a hint of black here and there to the white living space helps immensely. This can come in the form of accent pillows with black piping, dark, metallic window frames or even a simple striped rug in black and white. Remember though that the line between a monochromatic living room drenched in white and one that veers towards a minimal, black and white color palette can be pretty slim at times! Yet, make sure there is a contrasting darker element in it all somewhere to anchor the room.

Minimal-style-open-plan-living-area-with-concrete-accent-wall — Minimal style open plan living area with concrete accent wall

Polished-living-room-of-Bleecker-Street-Loft-with-a-dazzling-fireplace — Polished living room of Bleecker Street Loft with a dazzling fireplace

Rug-brings-subtle-pops-of-yellow-to-this-living-space-in-white — Rug brings subtle pops of yellow to this living space in white

Ultra-minimal-living-room-in-white-unleashes-monochromatic-magic — Ultra-minimal living room in white unleashes monochromatic magic!

Turn to Textural Contrast

When working with the constraints of a monochromatic room, textural contrast becomes your best pal! Instead of adding greater number of contrasting shades of white, turn to different materials and diverse finishes to create visual interest in the room. Wooden décor, accessories and accent walls usher in warmth while concrete walls and flooring provide a steely, more stoic presence. Exposed brick walls might bring a hint of red or orang-y tinge to your all-white living room, but they take nothing away from its gorgeous monochromatic finish.

Modern-industrial-living-room-with-monochromatic-color-scheme-and-coffee-table-on-wheels — Modern industrial living room with monochromatic color scheme and coffee table on wheels [From: Ambient Lounge]

Small-and-chic-living-room-idea-in-white-with-a-light-gray-backdrop — Small and chic living room idea in white with a light gray backdrop [From: Rachel Madden Interiors / David Duncan Livingston Photography]

Small-living-room-in-white-of-New-York-City-apartment-with-exposed-brick-wall — Small living room in white of New York City apartment with exposed brick wall

Look-inside-posh-monochromatic-apartment-in-Sosnowiec — Look inside posh monochromatic apartment in Sosnowiec

Modern Scandinavian Living Spaces

Turning a Scandinavian style living room with modern aesthetics into a monochromatic space should not require plenty of work. It is arguably the easiest style to work with for those trying to create a lovely, monochromatic living space in white. Most Scandinavian living spaces are inherently minimal, use a pristine white backdrop, stay away from bright colors and are filled with plenty of light. Just remove the unnecessary excesses, replace any colorful décor additions with those in white even while leaving the accents in wood and indoors plants untouched. Those wanting to move away from an overdose of white can also try out lighter shades of gray, which give the same aesthetic as darker shades of white.

Modern-Scandinavian-living-rooms-seem-inherently-monochromatic — Modern Scandinavian living rooms seem inherently monochromatic

Scandinavian-style-living-room-in-gray-and-white — Scandinavian style living room in gray and white [From: Emma Gårdh / stylescale]

Finding-the-right-balance-between-black-and-white-in-the-living-room — Finding the right balance between black and white in the living room

Gorgeous-Scandinavian-living-room-in-white — Gorgeous Scandinavian living room in white [From: Intro inRed]

Add a Colorful Surprise!

Can’t resist when it comes to adding bright color to the living space? There are still ways in which you can do precisely that even as you accentuate the visual impact of your chosen monochromatic color scheme. A few cleverly placed books, flowers, an odd floor lamp in black and gold, a couple of dashing club chairs in red or purple or even a simple, colorful mirror frame – the living room presents you with an endless array of ways in which you can add color. Once again, it is important to remember that less is more and the idea here should be to create a ‘wow factor’ without actually taking away from the monochromatic look.