Emma Roberts' mid-century modern living room puts a warming spin on a monochromatic color scheme

Monochrome is having a moment. From the color-drenching trend to tonal looks, single-color rooms are popping up across the interior design space. In Emma Roberts' home, the popular look is especially stylish, chic, and unique.

The actress's living room uses a combination of mid-century modern and vintage furniture and decor to create a beige, brown, and tan tonal look. Though the room uplifts one color, it's anything but boring.

'The space embodies a classic, yet homey aesthetic that is warm and comfortable —a quintessential example of how a monochromatic color palette can be successfully used to create a cohesive interior,' says Nicholas Kaiko, Principal designer at Kaiko Design Interiors of the living room color idea. He continues, 'The earthy color scheme, ranging from rich chocolate to softer tan hues, works exceptionally well in this context.'

Kaiko continues, 'The shades of decorating with brown add depth to the room without stark contrast. The use of different textures within these hues —plush velvet of the sofas to the rustic wooden elements of the furniture—introduces visual interest and tactile variation. The light buff/ beige walls act as a neutral backdrop, allowing the darker-toned furniture to stand proud, while the lighter warm mushroomy pink hues of the armchairs act as a transitional tone to unify the scheme.'

Nicholas Kaiko

Nicholas Kaiko, founder of Kaiko Design Interiors, is a highly sought-after interior designer based in Sydney, Australia. With over a decade of experience in the interior design industry, Nic has honed his skills as an interior architect and decorator, working on luxury hotels and high-end residential projects both locally and internationally.

'Aside from the color scheme, there are several design elements that stand out to me,' says Kaiko. 'Balance is achieved through the furniture and decorative object placement – the deep bookcase to the left echoes the doors to the right. The placement of artwork and photographs adds character and personality. The curation of these pieces on and above the timber sideboard creates points of interest at varying levels.'

The transitional design in Roberts' space further lends itself to the timeless feel of the space. Melissa Read, Principal Designer at Studio Burntwood states: 'This is a thoughtfully curated living space with an interesting mix of mid-century and vintage elements. The warm color scheme and plush fabrics create a space that feels inviting and lived-in.'

Melissa Read

Melissa Read is a leading Interior Designer and Founder of Studio Burntwood, a London-based interior design studio, specializing in luxury residential design for clients across the UK and globally. Their focus is on crafting timeless spaces that enhance clients' lifestyles.

She continues, 'The built-in joinery is the perfect place for showcasing interesting art pieces, ornaments, and books. The exposed painted wooden beams add depth and character to the space. The asymmetrical artwork arrangements on the walls further add to the relaxed vibe, inviting you to explore and unwind.'

'The generous natural light from the windows floods the space and reinforces this connection to nature. This living room is thoughtful, curated, and prioritizes comfort without sacrificing elegance,' Kaiko adds.

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With a mix of decor, a tonal look is one of the chicest interior design choices of 2024. Just look at Emma Roberts' living room.