Monochromatic Colour Scheme - Artistic Expression

A monochromatic colour scheme is the use of tints, shades and tones of a single hue on the colour wheel. 

Let's review what those terms mean:

Today's blog post is about creating a monochromatic living space inspired by a painting done in a yellow-orange monochromatic scheme.

Mariposa Yellow Watercolor Original Artwork by Amanda Nutzman, an American artist based in Nebraska, USA. Amanda sells her artworks through Etsy.

This is the yellow-orange colour palette I will be working with:

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you already know that my first step in creating "the look" is choosing a wall paint colour using the trusted Resene colour match online app. 

From the inspiration painting, I chose the background colour as the wall colour for the living space.

Resene Wheatfield

In sourcing furnishings, remember to look for varying shades and tints of the single colour you are going forward with. This colour layering is what will define your space as monochromatic. It is also what keeps it from being either overwhelming or monotonous.

For the product selections, this is what I've come up with. All of these are available in New Zealand, with some being custom made by local shops.

   Logan sofa  from davidshaw.co.nz

Custom made accent chair from loungedesign.co.nz

 A cool Five Stone floor lamp from Ango Lighting available at unisonworkspaces.co.nz

A collection of "ottomen" LOL!! - Chevron and square ottomans custom made from loungedesign.co.nz; round ottoman from davidshaw.co.nz; rattan wave stool from iconic.co.nz

The natural colour of the stool above and the coffee table below were intended to represent the skin tone of the woman in the painting.

Mid-century design Melia coffee table from nood.co.nz

 A soft and snuggly brown sheepskin rug from trademe to represent the brown blanket the lady in the painting was sleeping on.

And yellow-orange flowers from your local florists or handpicked from your friendly neighbor's garden!

Put them all together and what do we have?  A monochromatic living space inspired by a monochromatic artwork!

Design Elements in the Artwork Reflected in the Living Space

The painting has a diagonal line seen in the slope of the woman's reclining body and her hair which seems to be floating upwards diagonally. This is translated in the living space through the the diagonal angles on each side of the room, creating visual interest.

The visual texture of the painting has been translated as tactile texture in the living space. In the artwork, the woman's skin looks so soft and smooth - the textile in the sofa looks the same way. The sheepskin rug and the woman's blanket share the same soft and snuggly look and feel as well. 

Finally, there is harmony of colours. The harmonious blending of various shades, tints and tones of yellow-orange in both artwork and living space created a feeling of tranquility. Note that this sense of calmness was achieved by not using the pure color/hue which would have given it a vibrant and energetic feel.