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Monochromatic Texture

The privileges of being a designer are previewing what we will be seen in the shops and magazines months, even years before they are released. The month of July 2006 saw three trade fairs brought to Melbourne showing the latest and the future in design and decoration- Furnitex, Saturday in Design and The Gift Fair. Opulence and diverse patterns will still be bringing a touch of refinement to our interior but the dominant theme was the variety in texture and mixing of surfaces (as also seen in wallpaper article).

Sleek furniture swamped with highly detailed patterns, light fittings dripping with gems and texture and floor coverings with combinations of swirling and textured patterns. With all these contrasting patterns, textures and styles how do you bring it all together without a visual clash?

Look at the colours with in your home or what you would like to introduce and keep the selection monochromatic. The term means having one major colour and its varying shades and altering the light reflection by differing the materials they are made from.

Choose your colour first as your base to build from then follow by differing textures and surfaces. Be as adventurous as you want with as many differing surfaces as possible. Opaque and clear coloured glass and glazed ceramics will bring light reflected drama while tactile fabrics will bring warmth and immediacy to the area. Velvet patterns with linen backing, cut piles to rub your fingers over and rough silk will add a touch of informality to keep you visually excited but not overwhelmed by the strength of colour.

Match with stark white or black for an even more dramatic impact and you have a simple colour scheme with variety and life. Alternatively combine with soft neutrals and raw timbers to turn down the volume of the bold colour to create warmth and a sense of serenity.

(Pic 1) Varying textures in bottles, lampshades and cushions create lush drama.

With spring and summer beckoning, the neutrals make a statement without being bland and disappearing into the background. ‘White on white’ is still with us and as you can see below the variety is in the combination of shapes and varying textures pulled together to create a story of its own.

Bowls reminiscent of rippled sand near bleached white coral give hints of lazy summer days, while the swirling form of Paris inspired picture frames in gloss-white is juxtaposed in its formality but as they are in the same colour palette they blend together visually.

(Pic 2) White on white adds an element of sophistication to any interior.

Be as bold or as reserved as you want but blending at least three different types of textures using one major colour will give your interior interest, definition and be a place you want to spend more time in.

Pic 1&2 are from MRD’s new range. Stockists can be found by calling Jennifer Button on 0439 111 006

by Shaynna Blaze-Vaughan
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