This Trend Is the New Monochrome

While there’s definitely something to be said for rooms that weave in a ton of color, we’re equally fond of monochromatic interiors. There’s nothing better than drawing inspiration from a myriad of shades belonging to the same color family unless of course, you’re one of the clever few that have been able to figure out how to make use of a single perfect shade. This tone-on-tone look is dramatic, intriguing, and very au courant.

And there are plenty of benefits to sticking with one color. For instance, it will narrow your focus — you’ll only spend time searching for accents that share the exact same shade. Plus, a limited palette seemingly has the power to make a room look and feel more open. Scroll on for seven stunning spaces that have truly captured the art of the tone-on-tone look, a trend that we’re calling “the new monochrome.”

1. Match your headboard to the wall.

green tone-on-tone bedroom with tufted wingback headboard — *Image Credit: Instagram/@mad_about_the_house*

Hunter green is a color that’s getting a lot of attention these days, and it quite possibly has never looked better than in this bedroom belonging to journalist and blogger Kate Watson-Smyth of Mad About the House. We think it’s brilliant that she matched her tufted wingback headboard to the green accent wall behind. And kudos for the matching wall sconces.

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2. Pair decorative objects with the room color.

gray tone-on-tone bedroom — *Image Credit: Avenue Lifestyle*

If you want to ease into the tone-on-tone trend, opt for greige. It’s a gentle color that won’t overwhelm a room, and it’s oh-so-soothing. Whether you choose greige or something else, take notes from this guest bedroom designed by the team over at Avenue Lifestyle and bring in decorative items and art pieces that echo the same shade.

Eco-friendly and minimalistic—kind of like a tiny house. The conservation framed art print, sourced from socially and environmentally responsible forests, provides a natural warmth to complement your favorite design. Framed prints available in six sizes, in walnut, pecan, or natural frame color.

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3. Don’t be afraid to layer black on black.

gray tone-on-tone dining room — *Image Credit: Instagram @eklundstockholmnewyork*

One of the easiest colors to layer is black since varying shades won’t be as obvious to the eye as say blue or pink. In this dining room, the black dining table and chairs pair seamlessly with a black bookcase and lamp that all come together to create a cool, moody vibe.

Declutter your space with design. Crafted with 100% eco-friendly bamboo, our serving trays are a versatile accessory—perfect as a coffee table platter, bathroom organizer, or plant holder. Featuring a high-quality print with a glossy finish, available in three sizes.

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4. Consider the details, down to the furniture.

blue tone-on-tone bedroom — *Image Credit: Fantastic Frank*

To truly commit to the tone-on-tone aesthetic, you’ll need to incorporate things like flooring, built-ins, and furniture. This soft blue bedroom is a perfect example with its matching accent chair — even the bed linens and floor have a similar blueish tint.

Our lightweight, warm Comforters induce sweet, sweet sleep – and take your bedding to the next level. Designs are printed onto the super-soft material for brilliant images and a dreamy, premium feel.

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5. Go monochromatic with every wall element.

gray tone-on-tone room with built-in bookcase — *Image Credit: Smålands Skinnmanufaktur*

Instead of pairing a white built-in bookcase with a gray wall, why not paint the shelving the same color as well? This modern space created by Swedish designers Elin Kickén and Evalotta Sundling is all-gray, from the molding to the built-in shelving, even the radiator.

*Our premium ceramic Coffee Mugs make art part of your everyday life. These cool cups also happen to be one of our most popular gifting items – because they’re both useful and thoughtful.*

6. Be brave.

blue tone-on-tone living room — *Image Credit: Instagram @christine_zeiler*

If you’re drawn to a vibrant hue and you want to give the tone-on-tone look a try, we say go for it as Christine Zeiler did in this living room. The blue chairs match flawlessly with the blue fireplace surround and walls, coming together to create a dreamy cerulean scene.

Our floor cushions are the super comfy and style-forward option for the boho side of us all. They’re UV coated to protect against fading and water-resistant so you can avoid scrambling to bring them inside whenever there’s a touch of weather. Grab a few to have on hand whenever seating is hard to come by or for a fun option for kids to use out in the yard.

7. Create interest with texture.

beige tone-on-tone room — *Image Credit: Pia Ulin*

In order to really make your tone-on-tone room come alive, bring in a wide variety of textures. In this space shot by photographer Pia Ulin, a nubby accent chair sits alongside a faux-fur lampshade and a piece of coral, all displaying the same shade of beige as the walls.