Vary the outline
A curved sofa, thick slab table and broad-sided chair feel distinct even in similar tones. Matching every piece would remove much of the room’s interest.
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ROOM 12 · Living Room
The graphic monochrome room
Updated
Warm white, black texture and sculptural furniture
A curved cream sofa faces a black elm table, with a dark textured chair beside it. Bird’s angular artwork gives this monochrome room a sharper line above the softer furniture.
See the product sourcesTHE DESIGN
The sofa supplies the longest curve in the room. Beside its broad cream surface, the black elm table makes a straight, low edge and the dark boucle chair has a denser outline. You can distinguish the seats without introducing another colour.
Bird carries black angles onto the wall above the sofa, crossed by a fine loose line. Its parchment ground keeps that area pale. Brass details catch the light below, and the small red vessel on the table is easy to spot precisely because so little else is red.
WHY THE ROOM WORKS
When colour steps back, the shapes have to earn their place.
Colour palette
- Warm white
- Parchment
- Black
- Dark timber
- Cherry-red accent
Keep the black tactile
Elm grain and boucle stop the dark surfaces becoming featureless. Window light picks out those textures against the pale upholstery.
Use the art as part of the composition
The picture sits firmly above the sofa, where its stronger geometry balances the low furniture. Its pale ground keeps the wall from becoming a solid dark block.
WHAT TO BORROW
Look at a monochrome room in terms of outlines as well as colours. Aim for a few different shapes, then repeat materials sparingly to connect them.
THE PIECES BEHIND THE DESIGN
Shop this room
The design began with these pieces from our Shop. Open each product for its exact size, finish and retailer details.
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Ozzano Cream Linen 3 Seater Curved Sofa
Living With Luxury
£1,999.95
Ozzero Black Boucle Fabric Curved Armchair
Living With Luxury
£399.95
Ulmus Black Elm Wood Coffee Table
Living With Luxury
£649.95
Aadita Jute & Wool Rug: Grey, 200 x 300 cm
Grey · 200 x 300 cm
Nkuku
£600.00
Chapda Task Floor Lamp
Antiqued Brass
Nkuku
£325.00
Bird
ArtFab · Black (5/8″ Depth) · 24"x24"
Big Wall Decor
Example option: US$160.00
Check availability at retailer