What is a “Single-Color Concept”?

In my current design process, I follow what I call a “single-color concept.” That means I pick just one color — sometimes I choose it myself, sometimes I ask friends for suggestions — and I build an entire website around it. Aside from images, the only colors I allow in the layout are #000000 (black), #ffffff (white), and the chosen accent color. No other colors are used throughout the entire site.

Why Just One Color?

For me, a single color has a lot of power and influence on everyone. It feels almost disrespectful to let such a strong color compete with others on the same canvas. On many websites, you’ll find color palettes with five or more tones — and as a result, none of them really stands out. Users scroll past them without ever truly noticing the colors.

On my websites, the chosen color gets all the attention. It becomes the background, the accent, the buttons, sometimes even the typography. It appears across all contexts, and that makes it incredibly impactful. When used consciously, a single color can influence the entire mood of a website visitor.

The Challenges: Cursors and Images

There are two main challenges in this concept: images and cursors. Let’s start with cursors. On my websites, I always use a custom cursor — usually a simple circle that responds to different sections and turns into buttons when needed.

The problem is that when you’re limited to black, white, and one accent color, the cursor often blends in with background elements, making it hard to see. My solution? I “cheated” a little: I created a milky, semi-transparent cursor using a light grey base, reduced opacity, and added a blur. This way, it stays visible without breaking the color system — it still lets the accent color shine through underneath.

As for images, it really depends on the chosen color. For example, on a site with a deep green accent, warm-toned images fit in beautifully. I especially like using classical oil paintings in those cases. Otherwise, I use color grading to adjust photos and make them match the palette. It’s all about finding visual harmony without adding more colors.

Advantages Over Traditional Color Systems

As I mentioned earlier, using just one accent color allows it to unfold its full potential. But there’s also a practical side to it.

When clients use my website templates and want to personalize them, they only need to change one single color — and it will most likely look good. In contrast, a broader color palette often leads to problems when users start customizing. They might pick clashing tones or lose the harmony of the original design.

So in short: this concept isn’t just emotionally powerful — it’s also user-friendly and easy to adapt.

Is It a Branding Move?

I guess there is some brand recognition that comes from using this kind of strict color system — but to be honest, that wasn’t my main goal.

My decision was driven more by the emotional power of colors and the practical benefits of simplicity. The fact that it gives my work a recognizable style is more of a side effect than a strategy.

A Personal Design Philosophy

I didn’t develop this concept by following trends or studying other designers. It came naturally — from how I experience color, and from the potential I see in a single color on its own.

I’m not interested in forcing it into every medium or turning it into a strategy. For me, it’s about staying consistent with what feels right. One color, fully committed — that’s where the magic happens.