My former design partner and I designed the interiors of a beautiful old New Orleans home. We called the front two parlors the “gold rooms” because every fabric, paint, and accessory had aspects of creamy gold. Our goal was to create a space that had one color theme that flowed throughout the entire space. Creating this monochromatic space wasn’t easy but the results were stunning.
When creating a monochromatic space, it is important to pick fabrics that aren’t too overwhelming. Choose fabrics that are subtle but substantial. In Parlor 1, we went with tone-on-tone damask silk for the windows. The damask is rich and opulent but in an elegantly understated fashion. The gold stripe fabric is striking. It pops off a bit more gold and brings in just a bit of a brown undertone, tying in the wood tones around the room. The lamp is a beautiful vintage cream with a dusting of gold glaze.
New Orleans is so rich in French architecture and history that we decided it was vital to bring in some French pieces including this beautiful antique chair. It is a muted green but with painted gold touches around the entire chair. The sofa is a gorgeous solid cream gold. It is important to go with solid fabrics on large pieces of upholstery especially when creating a monochromatic space. The pillows are in the same striped fabric as the chairs but were custom created in a vertical square. Using the same fabric in different shapes and angles also works well in creating a well-done monochromatic space.
The enchanting color flow continues in this space with the repetition of the fabric from the small French chair. We created pillows from this fabric and added opulent trim. The beautiful muted rug definitely helps tie this sumptuous space together.
These two New Orleans parlors open up to one another so we kept the scheme in both rooms. We used the same drapery fabric on the windows. The gorgeous gold chandelier and mirror are original to the home. The homeowner found this fabulous inlay table at a local New Orleans antique store. We pulled a little of the green-gold tint and placed them on these ornate French chairs.
I had to add a close-up of this amazing fabric and chair detail.
We used another solid gold for this large tufted ottoman. We had it covered in opulent velvet mohair. When trying to create a successful monochromatic space, it is important to change up the textures of the fabrics to keep them interesting. The club chairs are done in gold and muted green to tie in both colors together. This fabric could be a bit busy if the colors were too saturated but it works beautifully with the muted tones. The pillows are done in the same tone of green with gold fringe trim. The rug is muted cream gold and works delightfully with all the fabrics and finishes.
A close-up of the gorgeous chair!
I hope these tips and ideas will help you create a beautiful monochromatic space in your home! Remember to subtle fabrics when trying to tie in different patterns and textures. The same fabric used in different ways around the room is also quite effective. Bonus Tip: Paint on the walls should be pulled from the lightest color tone in the fabrics.
Monochromatic spaces are divine when done the correct way! Please share your favorite examples in the comments.