Monochrome

by Paula Rice Jackson, John F. Saladino (Introduction)

More than any other element of interior design, color sets the mood of a room. Once the palette is limited to a single color, the effect can be dramatic and powerful or sublime. Monochrome features projects by more than twenty internationally known interior designers who have created rooms based around one color. Included are a blue bedroom by Vicente Wolf, a silver dining room for Baccarat by Philippe Starck, an ivory loft apartment by Lee Mindel of Shelton Mindel, and a purple bedroom by Benjamin Noriega. Neutral shades—grays, taupes, and beiges—and crisp, contemporary whites are featured in projects by M Group, Anthony Todd, Noel Jeffrey, and Michael Gabellini.

John Saladino, who is renowned for his cool, subtle tones, has written an introductory text. He touches on the different approaches to color over time and describes the effects created by using a single color in different textures and patterns of fabric and finishes.

Genres: Interior Design

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 28, 2008

Reviews

[Mariko Blakemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, the writing is your typical interior design magazine treacle... layer upon thick layer of lavish and haughty language meant to elevate the design elements to a pedestrian reader - but not really telling you much at all about the process or the challenges faced by the designers. However, this is an expected frustration for me when it comes to "design books", and even more expected as the author is the former editor in chief of Interiors magazine.

The small exception to my protest about the writing comes in the forward by one of my design heroes, John Saladino. His introduction provides a thoughtful and very informative viewpoint about approaching color. It's the best text in the book.

Now, what is exciting about the book are the ample and diverse images of all of the environments that a monochromatic palette can serve, and all of the ways one can apply a monochromatic / achromatic scheme. I think most of my clients would automatically think of the stark white mod flat upon hearing the word monochrome. This book illustrates how wrong that first impression can be. While this is certainly represented in Monochrome, some of my favorite spaces feature gorgeous honey tones, ice blues, and hints of persimmon orange and thick heavy browns.

Spaces that I continue to return to for inspiration include M Group's 5th Avenue "Urban Aerie", John Saladino's incomparable "Pacific Pastorale", Vicente Wolf's tranquil "Choir of Color" and the earthy elegance of Clodagh's Irish Aire. These spaces bring the book from a three star to a four star review all by themselves.

[Kimberley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more. Most of the designs are in Manhattan, and while beautiful, they weren't inspiring because they are so far out of reach. I only found two ideas actually useful. While it's a beautiful coffee-table book, I'm sending it off to the second-hand bookshop.