Monochromatic vs. Achromatic Color Schemes - "Clean Slate" (Omaha, NE) - Design Home Game Challenge


MONOCHROMATIC vs. ACHROMATIC COLOR SCHEMES

Sometimes the slate can be too clean when it comes to creating a monochromatic color scheme in design.  So much so, that the topic and Design Home challenge, "Clean Slate," spun quite a bit of dialogue in player groups on Facebook.

One player, in particular, initiated the discussion in one group.  Referring to the results of the "Clean Slate" challenge, Gloucester, clearly defined the actual meaning of 'monochromatic' stating, "The theme is "monochromatic" - that means one colour..." He even supported his comments with sample Google images of monochromatic designs.  I don't know whether Gloucester is an interior designer by profession, but he sure has the skill and knowledge to be one, because he was accurate in his definition and in his observation of the submitted and winning designs.  Of the top nine, 5 Star designs, that can be seen in your inbox score panel, NONE were monochromatic by design definition...MOST were, by design definition, 'achromatic'! Having no hue, this no-color, color scheme consists only of black, white, and gray.

I decided to search further, hoping to find compositions that met the design criteria of being monochromatic.  My search started on the awards page (trophy icon) where 99 of the Top Score Values, Top Design Values, etc. are featured with the "cream of the crop" topping the leader board.  After perusing the award page, I was able to find just a few, true monochromatic designs, and only one that received 5 Stars.  And, you guessed it...the remaining few that I found were not 5 Star Winners.

MCKINLY RAY SPOTLIGHT ON MONOCHROMATIC SCHEMES

Designer GiGe: Score 5.00
Congratulations to Designer GiGe, for designing a beautiful monochromatic living room that substantiates the true meaning. This design reflects unity and harmony, which is one of the key effects of a monochromatic scheme. Featured brands in this design include: Kathy Kuo Home Ernie Oak Sofa, Eden Mocha Wood Antique Arm Chair, Gretta Radiant Regency Steel Bench, Churchill Classic Upholstered Nailhead Ottoman, Haskell Inlaid Clam Shell Gold Iron End Table and Hiller Coastal Eggshell Blue Hand Painted Bamboo Porcelain; Georgetown Coffee Table, Hudson Bookcase, and Bancroft Console Table, all by Brownstone. The rug is from Loloi Torrance Collection and the Sloane S Floor Lamp is from World's Away.

Designer Carolyn: Score 4.60
It is so refreshing to see the creation of designers who are not afraid of 'red'!  Using an eclectic mix of patterns, that most would dare to combine, Carolyn has effectively designed a space that is filled with interest and variety.  But, it is the shade of red that pulls this design together with style.  The beautiful collection of brands include: Serena & Lily Miramar Sofa (Slipcovered); DWR's Wing Chair and Wing Ottoman, Barcelona Table and Spun Floor Lamp;  Kathy Kuo Home Macrine Regency Mirroredd Tufted Grey Leather Bench and Gold Leaf Etager Display Bookcase; Apt2B Goldie Side Table; Cynthia Rowley Venus Demilune; World's Away Mondo G Table Lamp, and; Loloi Rug from the Zadie Collection.

MCKINLY RAY SPOTLIGHT ON ACHROMATIC SCHEMES

I did feel that these designs were worth mentioning, albeit achromatic.  Still, these designs caught my attention for good use of several design elements.

Designer Renstracener: Score 5.00
This is an effective use of the design elements line and texture, which are emphasized by the contrasting black and gray achromatic scheme.  My favorite pieces are the CFC Bertha Sofa and Ottoman.  There is such visual texture emanating from the ruched black fabric.   

Designer Meanwhile: Score 4.44
Many of the designs for this challenge consisted of  achromatic schemes of shades of gray.  It is the wall art, "Fashion Face" however, that gives this space interest, oppose to boredom.  Only available at Level 22, it is the focal point of the space and is the correct proportion and scale for the wall.  And, choosing the creamy hues of the  Haskell Inlaid Clam Shell Gold Iron End Table from Kathy Kuo Home and CFC's Crimson Bookcase (Single) helps breaks up the monotony of the grays.

For more information on the featured brands and furnishings, click on the link, or call McKinly Ray Interiors at 281-627-0269.  If you enjoy decorating and designing, you'll love the Design Home Game.   



Comments

  1. Sheri A.March 31, 2017 at 7:33 AM

    I misunderstood the "assignment." I thought they wanted monochromatic using the back wall as the starting point, so I went with all gray and got voted down.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 31, 2017 at 11:07 AM

      Hi Sheri. I loved that gray and white wallpaper pattern. I think most of the players saw it as inspiration for their designs, and ended up choosing gray and silver furnishings. Thanks for the comment.

      Delete

Post a Comment