Blog>Ideas>10 monochromatic kitchen ideas: Embrace one colour and its numerous shades
Last updated: 10 February 2025
10 monochromatic kitchen ideas: Embrace one colour and its numerous shades
Are you looking for dreamy monochromatic kitchen ideas? The appeal of only applying one colour and its various shades is popular due the subtle and tranquil finish it offers. So, if you want to learn how to get the look and make it work in the hub of your home, keep scrolling!
What is a monochromatic kitchen?
Because 'mono' is a prefix that means 'one, only, single,' and 'chromatic' is 'relating to or produced by colour,' monochromatic means 'using one colour'.
In interior design, a monochromatic scheme means the use of one colour and its shade spectrum (from white to black). So, a monochromatic kitchen uses one colour and its various shades to create a contemporary and harmonious aesthetic.
What are the five monochromatic colours?
As we've defined, monochromatic means 'using one colour'. But remember, there are a multitude of tones within each colour. Therefore the five monochromatic colours are:
Red
Blue
Green
Lilac
Orange
Don't forget to add contrast with black, white, or grey accents.
How do you add colour to a monochrome kitchen?
The easiest way to add colour to your monochrome kitchen is to pick your favourite hue and define its shade spectrum.
For example, red and its variations (when mixed with white or black) create richer shades such as burgundy or softer shades such as pink.
In a monochromatic kitchen, as long as you stick to one colour, the shades you use can vary, which makes it a more versatile aesthetic than most people appreciate.
However, if you're opting for a classic black and white or beige and brown kitchen design, think about adding colour with accessories, appliances, and plants.
How do I choose a monochromatic colour?
Choosing your ideal shade will depend on your personal preferences and desired finish. This is when knowing some colour theory will come in handy. Each hue will evoke a different mood and create a unique ambience.
For example, light blue offers a serene and trustworthy finish while deep red inspires confidence and sensuality. We suggest starting with what colour makes you happiest first and experimenting with shade combinations from there.
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Monochromatic kitchen ideas: Scroll through this year's most popular colour trends
Dusty blue monochromatic kitchen design
Sky blue cabinetry and warm wood countertops make this country-meets-cottage-chic aesthetic sing. If you're looking for a monochromatic style that uses blue as its primary colour, it's a good example of how to warm up your kitchen when using this cooler-toned shade.
The lightest of blue splashbacks and walls offer an off-white shade that breaks up the block colour, while the medium wood floors and counters warm up the monochromatic finish.
Related content: 10 transformational kitchen decor ideas.
Mix it up with multiple shades
Gloss cabinetry suits a retro, modern, or transitional aesthetic depending the the complementary decor. This blue monochrome kitchen design uses navy blue lower units, grey-blue walls and splashbacks, white countertops, and baby blue upper units to create contrast and interest.
The result is a contemporary-meets-nautical finish. It evokes a lazy afternoon by the pool or a moody twilight at sea. To complete the look, glass accessories and stainless steel finishes add the elements of air and water.
Powder pink monochromatic kitchen design
Give your kitchen a Kawaii blush makeover with powder pink cabinets and walls. Soft and playful, the pink monochrome shade spectrum is uplifting and friendly.
Imagine coming home after a stressful day at the office and walking into this happy space. It would be hard not to smile as you make yourself a hot chocolate with marshmallows and rainbow sprinkles!
Related content: Colourful kitchen ideas: Vibrant palettes full of personality.
Use textures to break up block colours
With the Barbie-core trend making design statements across several UK homes, it's hard not to see the appeal.
With a retro diner and dreamhouse finish, this monochrome kitchen uses the same shade of pink throughout each element of its design – save for the powder pink floors and rose gold pendant light.
What breaks up the potential monotony is the clean lines and textures. For example, the vertically grooved splashback is softly lit with strip lights and the kitchen island is surrounded by velvet upholstered stools.
Green monochromatic kitchen design
This hunter-green kitchen uses traditional elements to make the most of its monochromatic trend. For example, the raised panel doors across the cabinetry give a uniform finish, while the white brick splashback matches the marble countertops, ceiling, and floors.
Monochrome designs work well in smaller kitchens. As they offer a seamless effect, they blur the lines between each element, giving the illusion of depth. Of course, brighter shades help open up a space while darker shades often have a boxed-in effect.
Related content: Urban jungle trend: fresh ideas to bring the outdoors in.
Add block paint and patterns to create dynamic designs
Biophilic interior design is all about connecting households with the great outdoors. This might include direct contact with nature, enhancing natural light, or mimicking perennial conditions.
Another way to enhance this aesthetic is to play with colours found in nature. In this case, green is used in variations of mint, fern, and pistachio. It even uses a cloud-inspired splashback resembling air and oxygen.
Related content: Eco house design: how to create your green home.
Black and white monochromatic kitchen design
Black and white decor is what most people imagine when they think about monochromatic styles. Although it's often associated with a stark and sterile look, it's easy to warm up – especially when adding some organic elements to the mix.
This modern kitchen plays with black and white to its greatest effect. With black wood cabinetry and white gloss countertops, they work together to enhance the areas of light and create contrast for greater impact. It's a clean, simple, and stylish look for anyone who wants minimal fuss and maximum functionality.
Frame key elements to highlight certain areas
For smaller kitchens that need to maximise the light, use black as a framing tool only. It's an easy way to add character without overpowering the space.
This contemporary industrial design (pictured) uses black to frame the window, define the ceiling, highlight the dual ovens, and blend the gloss counters. Everything else is white, including the J-cabinets and minimalist stools, resulting in a clean and seamless finish.
Brown and beige monochromatic kitchen design
This organic modern kitchen design is all about neutral yet inviting aesthetics. Made up of predominantly light-toned wood across the cabinetry and dining room walls and ceiling, the result is a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Furthermore, by breaking up the beige tones with white walls, minimalist furniture, and iconic brass pendant lights above the kitchen island, the neutral accents and textiles offer style and classy simplicity.
Related content: 16 new build kitchen ideas to add personality and style.
Soften your monochrome colour palette for serenity
This Scandinavian kitchen design uses a soft colour palette to create a warm and inviting ambience. With taupe and beige shade spectrums, its clean and relaxed styling is a balance between charm and functionality.
To finish the look, wooden accessories and furniture, chrome ball pendant lights, and potted plants all complement the monochrome finish.
Related content: Scandinavian decor ideas: Embrace timeless simplicity.
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