Think neutrals are boring? That's not the case when
they're paired with unique global treasures, interesting contrasts, and rich
textures. When it comes to color, sometimes less is more!
Neutral color schemes
get a bad rap. Too many model homes with drab walls and matching carpets may be
the culprit. Nothing can calm and balance a space as well as neutrals. However, many
homeowners, afraid of a color disaster, overuse a neutral color scheme to the
point of being bland. Decorating with neutrals can be a very chic approach to a room,
you just need to create enough interest in the space so it doesn't put you to
sleep!
Thinking of neutrals as chic rather than bland and
you're well on your way to having beautiful rooms that you love. Use contrasting textures, shapes, and finishes to keep a
room dynamic, and - if you must - introduce color with
accessories such as pillows, throws, and painted artist's canvases.
- Connect
to the natural world using nature's elements in all their glory. A neutral
palette and natural textures create a serene scene of organic shapes and
materials.
- Use a peaceful neutral
palette when marrying two formerly separate spaces in your home.
- A neutral color palette is ideal when the view outside undressed windows is
your focal point.
- Warm, sun-baked colors give rooms a sense of down-to-earth elegance.
- Pairings of darks with lights and antiques with trends evolve into a space bursting with personality. Neutrals ranging from
chocolate brown to white wrap the room. Contemporary furniture mixed with antique accents set a unique tone and bring old
and new together.
- Contrast is key to decorating with neutrals. For example, taupe, bright white and a dark cabinet work well together.
- Using warm colors - ivory tones and taupe - will create a
sophisticated space without the sterile feel.
- Do use gray as a neutral! Varying different
shades of a color is a great way to make a room feel cohesive without feeling
flat.
- Decorating with a neutral
palette can be gender-free and keep both men and women happy! Textured pieces, such as a leather pouf and
faux fur pillow, add charm while the color scheme creates a space that's
livable for the whole clan.
- Think in textures. Neutral tones
in different textures appear as different tones and colors. This keeps neutral
colors exciting to the eye, and exciting in your space.
- Think in contrasts, like warm verses cool or textured verses
polished. For example, pair a nubby neutral burlap chair with a polished steel
table. Gleaming, dark woods, glass and other shiny surfaces often pair well
with a neutral’s natural color palette.
- Think in layers. For example, if neutrals comprise the main
color scheme of your space, layer colors, textures and tones on top of your
foundation. Use contrasting shades as accent colors, or darker tones of the
same color to add depth.
- Think in patterns. Neutrals look lovely when paired with patterns or when
used in a pattern. Patterns add movement to a space, something that may be
lacking in a room dominated by neutrals.
- A neutral is the perfect backdrop for Ethnic Cottage Decor. It can showcase your collections, your souvenirs, your treasures from your travels.
- And most importantly: Think in undertones. Not all neutrals work together, especially
if you are bold enough to go with a chic, monochromatic neutral color scheme. A
neutral color can have warm or cool undertones. When decorating with neutrals,
choose a balance of warm and cool undertones to make your neutrals work
together. Some examples of warm neutrals include beige,
cream, putty and brown. Some examples of cool neutrals include grey, grey/blue,
stone and white.
Some of the rooms pictured here have a single neutral, some are monochromatic, some use one bright accent color.
HOPE YOU ENJOY ALL OF THESE GREAT ECD NEUTRAL COLOR ROOMS!
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| Attribution at the bottom of this post. If there's a name on it - like Elle Decor is here - then it's obvious! |
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| Martyn Lawrence Bullard |
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| More Martyn Lawrence Bullard |
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| Ralph Lauren |
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| Curious Sofa |
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| Lonny |
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| Alexa Hampton |
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| Pottery Barn |
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| Pottery Barn |
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| Pottery Barn |
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| Rose Tarlow |
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| Pottery Barn |
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| Pottery Barn |
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| Pottery Barn |
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| My own ethnic cottage dining room wall. |
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| HGTV |
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| William Frawley awesomeness |
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| More William Frawley awesomeness |
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| Sibella Court |
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All the above unattributed photos or those that do not have the magazine logo on them are from - in order of use -
Apartment Therapy, Lonny mag and Pinterest.
All photos below are from Houzz.com. |
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