For those who love color, say "neutral" and bland decor with shades of white, black and gray are what they see in the mind's eye. However, there are so many different types of neutrals as well as ways to make the muted tones more interesting in a space. Here are a few ideas:
What Palette is Right for You? - There are so many different shades of "white" and "gray" with hundreds of of tints of colors injected in them. Choose your favorite neutrals with what speaks to you. For instance, if one of your favorite colors is a hot pink, think of a neutral palette that would be a perfect backdrop for that color. Don't add a muted color in your neutral palette if it's going to clash with other accessories in your space.
How Can Neutrals "Pop"? - White on white can make a space one dimensional and cause different pieces to blend into each other. Make your favorite features jump out with the proper contrast. Put dark pieces by your white or other light shades of neutral. For instance, white walls? Use dramatic drapes or shades or deep rich woods with a light trim.
What Bling Can Help? - You can have a super neutral room and add a lot of color with accessories! Pillows, throws, window treatments, knick knacks or even a piece of furniture can really change the feel of a neutral space. Plus, accessories can be changed out easily and often if you like, without redoing the entire room ceiling to floor.
How Does It Look and Feel? - If you do want more neutral on neutral, you can also add interest by adding different textures! Contrasting textures work the same as contrasting colors. Think of how an item feels. Is it soft or rough? Much like a glass top on a rustic wood bottom, mixing different textures creates some needed drama in a neutral space.
Naturally Beautiful - Using natural things in the space such as wood, or jute will add bit of color without really being obvious with it either. Green plants don't hit your eye the same way a green painted wall would, but live plants definitely make a space cheery and full of life. Plus, if they have colorful leaves, they will also add a lot of natural color without clashing with your beautiful neutral palette (or any other palette for that matter!).
Neutrals are a great way to help your space feel clean, serene and even unique. You just need to see what you can add or change to make it right for you. An added bonus of using neutrals for the "bones" of your space is, if you ever decide to put your home on the market, making it more appealing to every buyer will be much easier because you can put away those hot pink accessories when you need to!--Jen Lush
This blog was inspired by an article in the Feb/March 2019 Issue of American Farmhouse Style.
Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema
