Carmen Blake
The absence of color can have a soothing effect, a sense of serenity and add elegance to your home. Not so fast, decorating with beige, gray or any neutral can create a room that is far from “dull”. Well decorated and pulled together neutral rooms all share similar qualities, including the right balance of texture, tones and a sprinkling of panache.
Neutrals work with almost any design style, from Traditional to Nordic to Modern to Farmhouse.
Neutrals include gray, beige, brown, white and sometimes light blue. Here the walls have soft tones of beige on the top with crisp white on the bottom.
The sofa and arm chairs are the same creamy colors with beige patterns of various tones on the upholstered seats. Once a foundation is in place, it is easy to bring in layers of extras like pillows, trays, accessories, curtains, art, etc.
In this dining room the wood floors, table and chairs adds contrast.
The adage “Every room needs a bit of black” definitely holds true when decorating with neutrals.
Black adds depth, draws the eye and is an incredible contrast to rooms with neutral tones. Be it chrome, brass, silver or pewter metallic accents creates a bit of drama to a neutral room.
Metallics bring shine and contrast which is vital to a room decorated with neutrals. In this case the sculpture of the headboard, foot board, desk as well as the chair makes this room visually wonderful and tranquil.
Although it is not crucial to have an entire room of expensive furniture, just have one or two items to break the monotony. So, keep the room interesting by bringing in varying textures through pillows, quilted throws, rugs, even seating.
Don’t forget, leather, suede, mud cloth, rattan, caning, the stone from the fireplace and more. Don’t go nutty trying to find perfectly matched pillows and accessories, let the different tones create a layered look.
Vary textures by using objects around the room, such as accessories and books, provide small instances of color while keeping the space interesting. Whether it is family photos, a travel souvenir, a collectible, even plants – make the room personalized. By focusing on the details and staying within your color palette a neutral space can be tranquil, warm and inviting.
