Colin and Justin: Maxing out with monochrome
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Think in terms of different colours, say Colin and Justin, not just black and white
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We love monochrome, and more than recognize its importance in the world around us. From Mother Nature’s chiaroscuro (think chalky moons in ebony skies and snow-capped Jasper mountains) to the manmade (Mapplethorpe snaps, for example, or the pages upon which our words float) black and white play a huge role in life.
The two-tone combo, however, isn’t the only colour pairing that can correctly be labelled monochrome. Strictly speaking, monochrome is the state that arises when any two colours are played together.
Thus, red and blue, arranged simultaneously, could – technically – be described as monochrome, as could pink and yellow or brown and green. And so on and so forth.
To appease those who enjoy the art of spitting decorative hairs, we should, before going further, accord black its literal description. Here’s the science part – the dramatic “colour” isn’t really a colour at all, it’s the state during which an absolute lack of light is present. And white, conversely, is the opposite.
Factual observations flagged, we couldn’t live without the two “colours” – removed, our schemes would serve considerably less ‘pop’. To enliven your project, our best advice is to lose the fear factor and let your imagination run wild. Here’s a primer to kick things off…
It isn’t just about paint
Successful monochrome isn’t simply about painting everything black and white. Competent design nurtures the deft art of layering, so learn to balance paint with other schematic elements such as wallpaper, furniture, monochrome artwork and beautiful rugs atop lustrous wooden floors.
In the frame
Experiment by painting trim deepest ebony to ‘frame’ your project, with lashings of white to assist in the provision of background and foreground.
Three’s company
Two shades played in isolation (particularly black and white) can appear austere, so make a habit of employing a third tone to give the eye ‘somewhere to go’.
Financial times
Monochrome is a stellar backdrop with which to ‘future proof’. As time passes, add decorative elements (such as textiles and artwork) to annually – or seasonally – adjust your world. The most effective schemes, as we see it, are those that can be tailored without large expense.
Explore classic furniture items
Complex, edgy pieces will give your monochrome interior a kick, so plunder the past to move forward. The Wassily chair, for example, a classic Bauhaus design, has been a staple since Marcel Bruer constructed it in the 1920s.
While these chairs cost several thousand dollars apiece (via Knoll, who currently own and produce the design), a good interpretation, called ‘Danta’, can be found on Wayfair for around $600.
Opt for flexible lighting
Vincent Van Gogh proclaimed: “I often think night is more alive and more richly coloured than day”. Running with his theory, embolden your vibe by employing clever illumination.
Switch mood with differently coloured bulbs or employ lamps with sequential colour ‘pattern’. Options such as these are now surprisingly affordable, and a great way of ‘painting’ your room at the flick of a switch.
Texture: The new black
To ‘deepen’ a monochrome interior, experiment with texture and pattern. Consider leather trimmed throws, open weave blankets or snugly chenille pillows. And think about wall coverings with gently elevated pattern.
If brave, seek out black and white damasks (these make commanding feature zones) or, if more subtly inclined, consider smaller crested, tone on tone, patterns for overall application.
Various guises
If you find pure white or black daunting, choose ‘nearly there’ tones such as Benjamin Moore ‘Soot’ (www.benjaminmoore.com); imbued with the faintest grey tinge, it’s a gentler black. Or try ‘Pointing 2003’ by Farrow and Ball: composed with a soupcon of cream, it boasts all the expansive qualities of purest white, though it’s considerably warmer.
As self-confessed human kaleidoscopes, we’ll admit there’s something marvellously calming about the monochrome oeuvre, the flexing of which – from time to time at least – allows us to catch our breath. But of course it’s all in the schematic blend. And it’s all in the decorative mix…
Watch for Colin and Justin on Citytv’s Breakfast Television. Find the Colin
and Justin Collection in stores across Canada. Visit www.colinandjustin.tv.
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