While monochrome typically refers to black and white, it also includes grayscale (a range of grey tones from black to white) and shades of one color. Those old black-and-white movies picture monochrome in motion, and black-and-white photos often capture a certain monochromatic nostalgia and mood. However, the concept of monochrome is applicable to all colors on the spectrum. From its Greek origin, monochromos means ‘of a single color’: monos (single or one) and khroma (color).
The following images showcase a curated edit of monochrome styles in both interiors and objects.
Monochrome interiors
A grayscale living space in the ‘House on Stilts’, designed by Lithuanian studio Dizaino Virtuvė. Photo by Kernius Pauliukonis via Dezeen.
A white living space in architect John Pawson’s Notting Hill home. Photo by John Spinks via Port Magazine.
A plywood and white office interior in a London maisonette by architect Larissa Johnston. Photo by Rory Gardiner via Dezeen.
A concrete living space in C Penthouse, Antwerp, Belgium, designed by architect Vincent Van Duysen. Photo by Koen Van Damme via Vincent Van Duysen.
An ash wood prayer room in a Dublin priory, designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects. Image via Dezeen.
A black-and-white interior in Vedbaek House (III) in Copenhagen, designed by Norm Architects. Photo by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen via Norm Architects.
A black-and-white meeting space in the Dynamo (II) office in Montréal, Canada, by Anne Sophie Goneau Design. Image via Anne Sophie Goneau Design.
A neutral interior space at Atelier Peter Fong in the Tianhe District of Guangzhou, China, designed by Lukstudio. Photo by Dirk Weiblen via Dezeen.
Monochrome objects
New Norm Cutlery in black by Norm Architects for Menu. Image via Norm Architects.
The Snaregade Bench by Norm Architects was created for the Cabinetmakers’ Autumn Exhibition 2016. Image via Norm Architects.
Grayscale: Table 95 by Alvar Aalto and Aino Aalto with Chair 66 by Alvar Aalto. Image via Artek.
Pendant light TW003 by Tapio Wirkkala with Table 915 and Armchair 42 by Alvar Aalto. Image via Artek.
Gerard is a writer, a thinker and a modern-day gentleman living in a modish neighbourhood in south Belfast. Walnut Grey Design is his popular manifesto of good design. From Gerard’s discerning perspective, design should be aesthetic, smart, honest and gratifying. Moreover, it must be for keeps.
A self-confessed urbanite, Gerard is enthralled b[...]
