On-trend but with enduring appeal, monochrome is a design strategy anyone can apply to their home. The right balance of blacks, whites and greys with a splash of colour here and there will add cool sophistication to any property. These seven apartments show us how it's done.
Fresco Fabulous
Cornwall Gardens, South Kensington, SW7
This stunning one-bedroom apartment on prestigious Cornwall Gardens makes highly effective use of monochrome décor throughout the property. In the reception room, the large windows are dramatically framed by the black wall, connecting with the matte black flooring, geometric rug and black cabinetry.
Colour accents are provided throughout the apartment with tropical plants, metallic fixtures and sculptures, rich velvet upholstery and bold artworks. The bedroom's ornate period cornicing and fresco is balanced by the more contemporary greys and blacks of the fitted wardrobe and furnishings.
Silver Screen
Cambridge Street, Pimlico, SW1V
This palatial three-bedroom rental property in Pimlico incorporates monochrome decor with movie-themed framed photography to create a consistent and elegant interior. Opulent silver fixtures, mirrors, white floral displays and grey veneer flooring soften the striking contrast of the black beams against white ceilings.
Neo-Noir
Chesterton Road, North Kensington, W10
Brass and copper accents enliven the minimal style and monochrome colour scheme throughout this exquisite two-bedroom apartment on Chesterton Road in North Kensington. Grey cabinets and wood veneers add warmth to the clean whites and geometric black furnishings of this beautifully restrained, yet opulent home.
Greyscale Groupies
Cornwall Gardens, South Kensington, SW7
Rich wood flooring, brass accents, Rock n' Roll artworks and statement lighting are perfectly set off by the simple black and white decor of this luxurious three-bedroom apartment in South Kensington. High ceilings, perfect location and period features make these Georgian conversion properties on Cornwall Gardens highly sought after.
Vintage Vitals
The Darnley, Hackney, E9
This unique one-bedroom apartment in Hackney was created by the Foreign Bear Studio – a local interior architecture firm. Matte black panelling alongside white tiling and cabinets provides the perfect backdrop to showcase the vintage fixtures and furniture.
Black Magic
Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10
This two-bedroom apartment has recently been refurbished to a spectacular standard. Sleek white flooring and black or grey furnishings create a clean and welcoming feel, while the main bathroom's floor to ceiling tiling and black washbasin form a comfortingly subdued space.
Grey Matter
Park Street, Chelsea Creek, SW6
Chelsea Creek is a luxurious new riverside development close to Imperial Wharf Overground station and an easy walk to all the amenities of Fulham Broadway. The black fitted kitchen with white and grey marble island in this two-bedroom rental apartment is pure monochrome chic, along with the floor-to-ceiling marble in the spacious en suite.
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