A monochromatic color scheme is one that uses different shades, tints, and tones of a single color. This creates a visually cohesive look and feel. Using variations in lightness and saturation of a color gives a monochromatic palette depth and interest. Monochromatic color harmonies are easy to create and combine beautifully with other color schemes. Here’s an in-depth look at how to make a monochromic color palette.
Choose the Base Color
The first step in creating a monochromatic color scheme is choosing the base color that the palette will be built around. The possibilities here are endless – any hue across the color wheel can be used as the foundation. Popular options include bold primaries like red, yellow or blue or muted tones like gray, brown or olive green.
Consider the overall mood and visual impact you want when selecting the base color. Bright, saturated hues convey energy and excitement. Soft, muted shades suggest subtlety and relaxation. Also think about how color meaning and associations may help communicate the desired feel.
Determine Tints and Shades
Once the base hue is selected, the next step is figuring out what tints, tones and shades to include.
Tints are created by adding white to a color to lighten it. Adding more white increases lightness further. For example, a pale sky blue would be a tint of blue.
Shades are produced by adding black to darken a color. The more black added, the darker the shade becomes. A deep navy would be a shade of blue.
Tones are variations made by adding gray to a color to mute or neutralize it. Light gray makes a softer, muted tone. Charcoal gray produces more somber, earthy tones.
| Tint | Original Color | Shade |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Blue | Bold Blue | Navy Blue |
When creating a monochromatic palette, include a range of tints, tones and shades for contrast and visual interest. Start with 3-5 variations. The original hue counts as one color. Add a couple tints lighter than the base color, and a couple shades darker. Adding a tone or two helps provide subtle variation.
Use Contrasting Saturation
Saturation refers to the intensity or vividness of a color. While tints, tones and shades offer lightness contrast, adjusting saturation also creates diversity.
Along with softly muted low saturation hues, include some richer, bolder highly saturated variations. Contrasting saturation levels help add dynamic impact within the monochrome palette.
| Low Saturation | Original Color | High Saturation |
|---|---|---|
| Dusty Pink | Salmon Pink | Vibrant Pink |
Use the Color Wheel
Referring to a color wheel is helpful for selecting tints, shades and tones. The wheel shows the relationship between hues. It makes it easy to identify lighter tints, darker shades and grayer tones.
Moving clockwise lightens the hue towards white. Counter-clockwise darkens the color towards black and gray. This visual representation guides how to systematically vary a base color.
Start with a Complementary Accent Color
While a monochromatic scheme is derived from a single hue, it’s common to accent it with a complementary color. The contrast between a color and its complement creates strong visual energy. This accent provides flair that grabs attention against the monochrome backdrop.
First map out the full monochromatic palette. Then identify the base color’s complement on the color wheel. For example, the complement of blue is orange. Add a pop of vibrant orange to enliven the monochrome blue scheme. Use the complementary accent color sparingly to make it stand out elegantly.
Balance Warm and Cool Variations
Even different tones of one hue can read as slightly warm or cool. Include a mix of both variations for a balanced effect. If the base color is warm like red or yellow, incorporate cooler desaturated pastel tints. For cool base hues like blue or green, add warmer richer shades. Blending warm and cool keeps the palette visually captivating.
Use Contrasting Textures and Patterns
While sticking to one single color, contrasting textures and patterns add dynamism. Pair matte and shiny or glossy surfaces and finishes. Combine smooth, soft textures with rough ones for tactile diversity. Use patterns ranging from organic nature prints to orderly geometric designs. Mixing textures and patterns adds layered visual appeal.
Conclusion
A monochromatic color scheme offers a simple, elegant way to create harmony and sophistication. The strategic use of tints, tones and shades provides nuance within a limited palette. Varying saturation levels and adding complementary accents helps keeps the look intriguing. Pay attention to temperature and texture as well for a skillfully balanced result. With an limitless range of color choice as the foundation, the possibilities for creative monochromatic palettes are endless.