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Decorate with monochrome: the shopping edit
The finest furniture, fabrics and wallpapers for those who dream in black and white
The design world is having a monochrome moment because, whether you crave the clarity of black and white or love to revel in life’s grey areas, the creative possibilities that lie within this tightly restricted palette are endlessly intriguing. It’s said that things are never as simple as they look, and it could not be more true of a monochrome decorating scheme. You may think it
is just two colours, black and white, but within that duo of hues there are multitudes – think cream to alabaster, obsidian to charcoal grey. As ever, the key is layering. There’s plenty of options in our ultimate edit to get you started…
‘1 2 3 chair’, Molteni & C
The work of British designer Michael Anastassiades (perhaps better known for his fantastically minimalist lighting), this chair’s name comes from the act of counting the perfect number of slats for the backrest (three was the magic number). Simple in its form, this is an ideal place to begin a monochrome decorating scheme. £1,931, molteni.it
‘Bagdad’ portable lamp, Gubi
Mathieu Matégot is a designer known for hi use of perforated metal which, here, has been used to create a faceted, cubist-style lamp with a gold ball-topped tail. Operable by touch, it brings lightness and artistry to a black and white look. £299, gubi.com
‘Square’ rug, Nordic Knots
Make you home fit for a King or Queen with this chess board like rug crafted from the finest New Zealand wool. The trend for checks shows no sign of slowing down, and this design perfectly pulls together both sides of a monochrome palette. £345, nordicknots.com
‘Shim’ coffee table, Hay
Crafted from steel, this table is a design by Jonas Trampedach – also available in white, as well as on trend burgundy and butter yellow. The unique split central bar that holds the tripod legs firm is a memorable detail that defines a pared-back piece. £199, hay.com
‘Area’ cushion, Kirkby Design
Texture is important to counter the strict nature of a monochrome palette and this cushion could not be more blessed in that department. Its quilted structure was inspired by origami, with the fabric (made from 100% recycled wool) tucked and folded. £119, janeclayton.co.uk
‘Check’ wallpaper, Farrow & Ball
Fashion designer Christopher John-Rogers was inspired by the Bauhaus work of textile artist Anni Albers when creating this impactful wallpaper design. To see it used in a real home – take the tour of actor Layton Williams’ Dulwich home. £160 per roll, farrow-ball.com
‘Mon-Cloud’ armchair, Cassina
The work of prolific designer Patricia Urquiola, this chair’s brilliance can be found in the juxtaposition of the softly embracing seat cushions and the slimline black feet. It’s a cloud on stilts. £4,620, cassina.com
‘Adapt’ fabric, Kirkby Design
Perfect for outdoor upholstery, this sustainable fabric with an exaggerated basket weave it made from entirely recycled materials. Look closely and the weave pattern creates a chequerboard effect that would be ideal paired with the ‘Square’ rug (above). £160 per m, kirkbydesign.com
‘Tara’ shelving unit, Zanat
Used against a wall or as a room divider, this piece by Monica Förster is beautifully sleek, with curved joins that show off the masterly craftsmanship of Zanat. A work of art, this is best arranged with a few carefully selected objects rather than a whole library of books. £2,000, monologuelondon.com
‘Kifi’ fabric, Larsen
Also taking its influence from the patterns of traditional basket work, this fabric has a decorative jacquard pattern that’s an excellent choice for upholstery. Combine with more streamlined patterns for a layered look. £105 per m, designs.colefax.com
‘w163 Lampyre’ table lamp, Wastberg
This most pared-back of lighting designs by Inga Sempé is crafted from glass and takes its name from the French word for glow-worm – fitting as the whole piece, from shade to base is illuminated when switched on. £624, wastberg.com
‘Cross Leg’ chair, The Conran Shop
With its elegantly crossed back legs, this design by Magnus Long is a classic that was last year introduced in a new ultra-glossy finish. The refreshed look lends a monochrome palette that extra element of shine that introduces a high-fashion feel. £495, theconranshop.com
‘Zellige Riad’ tiles, Otto Tiles
Hand-chiselled into this cross design, these tiles have an artisan quality that can bring a softness to a monochrome palette. No two pieces are the same, which means there is a charmingly irregularity to the finish. £384 per sq m, ottotiles.co.uk
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