Homeware update: Modern monochrome

A monochromatic room is such an easy way of adding sophistication to a home.

No matter how much you love colour, a monochromatic room is such an easy way of adding sophistication to a home. But there are a few rules when it comes to keeping it modern.

Don't add too many pops of colour.

Restrict your palette to black, white and neutrals (greys, cream, tan, metallics such as gold and silver and maybe just a little chalky lilac or pink). If you do feel the room needs a shot of bright colour, add flowers or a pot plant. The whole point of black and white is restraint. Too much colour muddies the "message".

Blond wood (furniture or accessories) keeps black and white looking fresh. So do tan leather and indoor plants - lots of them.

Restrict pattern. By all means include a zebra print but don't overdo it by also adding stripes and monochromatic checks.

Black and white works as well in an ultra modern home as it does in a more traditional one.

Layer textures. Glossy white, matte black, fluffy sheepskin, smooth marble, etc.

Main image: All items BoConcept

Vase $94 from Tessuti

Retro armchair $624 from Indie Home Collective

Cushion $91 contact May Time Marketing for stockists

Father Rabbit titanium 16-piece cutlery set $499

Table lamp $289 from Citta Design

Clock $163 from Stacks Furniture

Pendant lamp $1817 contact May Time Marketing for stockists

Opera leather armchair $2600 from King Living

Menu bottle grinder $149 (two-pack) from Askew

Tray play

Create a coffee table "scape" with a sleek tray and a few carefully chosen collectibles.

Above: Concrete tray $120, smoke glass bowl $40 and concrete pyramid $49, all from Zakkia. All other items stylist's own.

Left: Wooden tray $109 from Citta Design.

Right: White/grey tray $99 from Freedom Furniture.

Lust have

Marmoset Found's new Etchings range of vases, jugs, platters and bowls is as simple as it is stylish. Platter/tray $75, jug $39, bowl $20 and vase $69 from Marmoset Found. See marmosetfound.com.au for New Zealand stockists.

3 of the best ... soft ottomans

Soft seat, coffee table substitute, side table... these cute ottomans have an impact far greater than their size.

1. Hex ottoman $690 (plus 1m of fabric) from Simon James
2. Floral ottoman $349 from King Living
3. Buttoned ottoman $199 from Freedom Furniture