Hypothetically speaking... a Monochromatic Color Scheme

Okay, we're going to tackle a monochromatic scheme for your home. Start with a room of your choosing. I'll start with this one:

[caption id="attachment_5171" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I like the dark floors, black window trim, and hefty molding in this cozy room. The view isn't horrible either."][/caption]

Got your inspiration piece? Take a good look at it and jot down the defining points like color, style, look, feel. They don't have to technically correct, just describe the piece to help you define your theme.

I'll demonstrate with this bolster (below) I found on Jayson Home and Garden. Saffron and sage in color, it has a vintage feel that's exotic, rustic and elegant. I'm immediately drawn to the architectural pattern and contrast between the smooth background and raised tapestry yarn.

[caption id="attachment_5149" align="aligncenter" width="471" caption="What is rustic elegance anyway?"][/caption]

It's classic and luxurious with the patina of time as if it sat in a sunny window over the years. It's still beautiful but maybe a bit faded or worn. Rustic elegance implies a rich opulent past softened by age that makes it feel less formal, more comfy in the present.

Anywayyy, this looks like it belongs to a sophisticated, well-traveled person (let's pretend that's me, shall we?). May seem like a difficult color to work with, but almost immediately I found a few more treasures to go in our room...

Contrasting a clean lined sofa with casual exotic pillows adds gives the room a comfy inviting feel...

[caption id="attachment_5148" align="aligncenter" width="471" caption="Another Jayson Home and Garden piece, this ottoman's a clean mid-century feel works well with the sofa and the antiqued brass frame relates to the rustic pillows. See how relating the pieces without matching creates a yummy eclectic room that draws you in?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5153" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="This luminous painting of San Francisco by local artist Jeremy Mann would be stunning over the sofa. The deep amber tones and black shadows add depth, contrast and drama"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5175" align="aligncenter" width="451" caption="I think you see where I'm going with this vintage leather chair with amber warm wood and brass details..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5162" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Sherwin-Williams Eastlake Gold is so dramatic and warm. It's perfect for our golden palette and well-traveled feel."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5169" align="aligncenter" width="386" caption="A fluffy flokati rug from Anthropologie keeps with our exotic theme and adds softness (both in color AND texture) to balance out the darker points"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5151" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="But you could use this vintage suzani tapestry on the floor to keep the feel dark and mysterious. You could also use this versatile piece as a throw on the ottoman or a wall hanging. OR use it on the entry floor to introduce the color scheme early."][/caption]

Add a clean architectural piece like this bookcase and super modern art piece like a brass or stone sculpture for an amazing finish...

[caption id="attachment_5176" align="aligncenter" width="479" caption="Love this galvanized book shelf with the books placed inside out to reveal their warmly patinated pages. Found this image on finders keepers blog- love it!"][/caption]