Go visit your favorite website and take note of the colors used in it. In most cases, that website uses a color palette specifically chosen by the web designer. Whatever the palette, it is generally (and hopefully!) pleasing to the eye, instantly remarkable, and effective for the brand.
However, if your favorite website happens to not have a lot of different colors in it, then you are probably looking at monochromatic web design. Simply put, this style uses just one color, with black and/or white added to it to create various shades and tones of that particular color. Sounds simple, right? Well, yes and no.
Monochromatic Design Amidst a Colorful World Wide Web
The beauty of monochromatic web design is that it is a refreshing departure from the usual colorful websites we’re used to seeing. Think of it this way: if all websites were required to be vivid and use many different colors, it would be a predictable world. Monochromatic websites celebrate the quiet art of minimalism. Amidst the colorful loudness of most websites, that’s something to appreciate.
Obviously, such limited color palette has its advantages and disadvantages. The best part about monochromatic design though, is that colors won’t ever clash.
Some say it’s a safe route to web design, since you’re using just one color and its shades and tints. But it can actually be quite tricky to come up with a monochromatic design that’s effective and compelling. Remember, you’re using just one color, so you have to be careful with creating contrast, visual cues, etc.
When the web design is poorly done, monochromatic websites end up looking tacky, uninteresting, repetitive, and even gimmicky. But when done properly and artfully, monochromatic websites can be just as wonderful as their more colorful counterparts.
When to Use Monochromatic Design
1. To highlight content
By limiting colors in your website, there are fewer distractions for the user. Instead, the user is forced to focus on the content. Websites that feature designer clothing, furniture, art museums, e-commerce sites, even academic journals benefit from a minimalist, monochromatic web design where their products and/or articles are better showcased.
2. To make a statement
When you want to make a statement, there’s nothing like monochromatic web design to do the job. That’s probably why it’s popular among websites that feature art, music, fashion, travel diaries, recipes, etc. Not only does the minimalist coloring encourage users to focus on the content, but it also creates a memorable impact to whoever sees it.
3. To create brand awareness
By sticking to the signature color of a company’s brand, you develop brand awareness among users. For example, Coca-Cola has always been red, Tiffany and Co. uses robin’s egg blue, Cadbury relies on purple, while Lipton Green Tea is well, green, so if you’re making a monochromatic web design, it makes sense to build the palette based on their respective brand color.
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Contrary to what others might think, monochromatic design isn’t boring, depressing, or unimaginative at all. It can actually be beautiful and elegant.
Check out these 20 monochromatic websites for inspiration, and you’ll realize there’s actually lots of things to love about monochromatic web design.
If you are feeling inspired and would like to design a website in this style, gives us a shout and we’ll create a great design for your project.