Adding white or black to a color is primarily used to:

Adding white or black to a color primarily modifies its value, which refers to the lightness or darkness of that color. When white is added, it lightens the color, producing a tint, while adding black darkens it, creating a shade. This technique is essential in color theory for creating a range of tones within a single hue that can convey depth and variation in design.

Using this understanding, the addition of white or black is instrumental in creating a nuanced, monochromatic scheme, but it is not solely about creating one. The process does not inherently reverse or create discordant colors, nor does it directly enhance brightness in the broader context of color application, as brightness typically refers to the color’s intensity rather than its value. Finally, while neutrals do blend well with other colors, the act of adding white or black is more about altering a single color’s value rather than improving compatibility with other hues. The focus remains on understanding how value influences the perception and interaction of colors in interior design.