Using a black-and-white scheme for a home makeover can seem easy at first, but the process of planning your floors based on this home interior design sometimes does get intimidating. Don’t fret, timeless designs will always overpower trends—and we all know minimalism is as flexible as it is practical.

To help you with the task of remodeling the home, we’re giving you home interior design tips straight from the expert herself: IDr. Iris E. Ocampo, founder of IEO Interior Design & Construction. A leader in the interior design and construction industries in the Philippines, Iris stands out for her style of designing and developing residential and commercial spaces that marries sophistication and accessibility.

In this article, Iris will guide you through the process of utilizing monochrome for your personal space. To allow you to visualize, we feature one of Iris’s projects under IEO: a gorgeous, three-bedroom condominium in Verve Residences.

  1. Play with Different Shades
    Using one color for your theme is a foolproof way to make the space as cohesive as can be. It brings a certain kind of peace and has a way of making any space appear bigger than it actually is. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that you have to stay true to just one color at the risk of letting it look flat or dingy. Iris’s first tip is to mix different shades of your main color.
Expert tip: Using one color for your home design theme is a foolproof way to make the space as cohesive as can be.

Take for example this master’s bedroom. With gray as the primary color, IEO chose to apply varying shades of the same color, adding depth you won’t otherwise see in a single-colored room. The strategic mix of the shades of gray gave the room an exquisite elegance at par with high-end hotel rooms.

With gray as the primary color, IEO experts chose to apply varying shades of the same color in this home design, adding depth you won’t otherwise see in a single-colored room.

Expert tip: The striking contrast of black found in the details of this home design adds a rustic feel to the atmosphere.

In another bedroom, the striking contrast of black found in the details—the lamp, window blinds, office chair, one of the pillows, and coverlet—added a rustic feel to the atmosphere. The black accentuates the gray and beige colors, making them pop. Other than black, white is another neutral color that best complements a gray monotone.

  1. Add Lots of Textures
    Different textures and finishes (i.e. gloss or matte) add another layer of dimension and depth to a room, especially if you are sticking with one color. Texture makes a design balanced and interesting. For home interior designs, Iris suggests applying texture to furniture, floor and wall designs, textiles, and accessories.

The classic panels in this foyer’s wall add dimension and elegance to the room. Although it has the same beige tone, the matte finish of the wall works well with the glossy finish of the floor tiles.

The classic panels in this foyer’s wall add dimension and elegance to the home design.

The layers of textures in this living area make it visually appealing and tasteful. The marbled stand of the lamp grabs attention against the plain room. The rough texture of the rug balances the smoothness of the entire room. The quilted chairs add another dimension against the plush couch. Even the haphazardly thrown blanket on the side completes the effortlessly comfortable look of this room.

The expertly placed layers of textures in this home design make it visually appealing and tasteful.
  1. Add Metallic Accents
    Iris loves a good metallic accent to elevate home interior designs—think gold, silver, bronze, and copper! Since a monochromatic theme centered in white or beige brings a warm feeling, metallic accents add a flash of exciting colors without compromising the understated tone of elegance.
Expert designer Iris loves a good metallic accent to elevate home interior designs—think gold, silver, bronze, and copper!

The mix of textures and metallic accents gives a sense of balance and finish to this home interior design.
Let’s look at the master’s and common toilet and bath (from left to right). The copper accents found in the showerhead and the frame of the mirror become the focal point of the space. The pop in color and its sleek finish complete the elegant look of both bathrooms.

The play in textures that was previously mentioned is also evident in these bathrooms. The wooden cabinets in matte-finish, with a darker undertone for the common toilet and bath, works well with the glossy finish of the marbled walls. The mix of textures and metallic accents gives a sense of balance and finish to this interior design.

  1. Mix Classic with Modern Style
    In home interior designs, it’s not always advisable to follow trends since they tend to get out of style way too fast. On the other hand, classic themes are always in style. Of course, it doesn’t mean that you have to stick to a vintage look. To avoid frequent home makeovers, Iris suggests that you opt for a mix of classic and modern.

By focusing on a monochromatic theme, mixing the old with the new should be easier.

Expert tip: When thinking of home designs, there’s nothing more classic than paneled walls and a chandelier in gold.

Take a look at this dining room. There’s nothing more classic than paneled walls and a chandelier in gold. The use of modern transparent, glass-like dining chairs complements well with the entire look. The placing of the wall art, which in itself is both traditional and contemporary looking, seals the deal.

The delicate gold cup pull handles of the kitchen cupboards and drawers add a touch of a classic look in the home design.

This kitchen boasts modern appliances needed for long-term use. However, the delicate gold cup pull handles of the kitchen cupboards and drawers add a touch of a classic look equivalent to the dining room.

  1. Focus on the Details
    Small details often complete the look of any interior design, says Iris. What may seem simple and empty can look alive with the addition of functional accessories, decors, and even some plants or art pieces. Even the strategic placement of books and magazines or the proper mood lights can bring any room to a whole new level.
Expert tip: Small details often complete the look of any home interior design.

In home designs, what may seem simple and empty can look alive with the addition of functional accessories, decors, and even some plants or art pieces.

Every detail in this bedroom is smart. The sleek finish of the cabinets and the shiny decor in the corner give a masculine hint to the room. The mirrored cabinet doors further expand the space. The splash of pink behind the computer screen, as well as the gaming chair in front of it, is a quick, practical way at incorporating the personality of whoever uses the room.

The angles create a fun contrast to the classic combination of black, white, and gold in this classic home design.
The play with geometrical angles looks all the more evident in the style of this living area. The angles create a fun contrast to the classic combination of black, white, and gold. Even the pot of white orchids is a smart choice for a tabletop decor.

Excited for black and white?
Choosing a monochromatic theme for your interior home design could be a total risk. Underdo it and it comes out flat and boring; overdo it and it loses its edge. Following these tips from IEO’s expert interior designer Iris will ensure a successful endeavor.

Choosing a monochromatic theme for your interior home design could be a total risk, but follow our expert's tips and you'll be just fine.

If you’re afraid to make mistakes or don’t know where to start, IEO can help you take on the challenge. We’re a full facility interior design and general contractor firm that can help you with your home remodeling woes from start to finish. Let’s work together!

Done With Your Build? Let’s Get Designing Next

If you want to transform your place into a potential dream home, we at IEO Inc. can make it happen. Expect us to use nothing but the best interior design techniques to spruce up your house.

Schedule a free interior design consultation to know more.