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.