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Neutrals are by far the most popular hues in decorating. What is a neutral tone? The strict definition of neutral includes black, white, and all shades of grey. They are “non-colors” because they do not appear on the color wheel. However, in recent years the common definition of neutrals has been expanded to include any muted, low intensity color. For instance, a very pale beige or gold can be considered a neutral. So can a grey with slight hints of red or blue.
Neutrals are an essential part of decorating because they provide visual relief, meaning they give your eyes a break from strong colors. They also work well with all styles of decorating, from contemporary to traditional. When used wisely, neutrals can create feelings of serenity and calmness. Decorating with light neutrals can also make smaller rooms feel more spacious and airy. However, when used without care, neutrals can make rooms appear stale, boring, and uninspired. That’s why I decided to share some tips for keeping your neutral palette exciting and fresh.
Mix it up! Even when using all neutrals, use different patterns and textures and a variety of light and dark values. To illustrate this point, think of a room done all in simple white cotton upholstery. Now think how that room would look if you added a diamond pattern quilt, wool rugs, and silk pillows. Bland suddenly becomes grand!
Punches of color! Don’t be afraid of using some color in unexpected places. For instance, if your room is mostly decorated in warm, “candlelight” shades, such as soft gold, you could paint your ceiling a deep purple. When featuring a non-neutral accent color, try to use it at least twice in the room. The nice thing about accent colors is that they are generally easy to switch when you are ready for a change.
Pick one base tone. Be careful of mixing neutrals with different base colors. There are many different shades of white and black, depending on the red, yellow, and blue tones they may contain. Don’t assume a creamy white will look fine with a grey-white or that a blue-black will blend well with a brown-toned black. It is far more elegant to stick to several values of the same tone. Think of pairing soft gold, cream and chocolate brown. Alternately, you can mix blue-toned neutrals by combining crisp white, slate grey and deep charcoal.
If you have questions about combining neutrals, give us a call. We can help you create a beautiful room that reflects your individual personality and sense of style.
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