To go neutral or not to go neutral, that is the question. Well, that’s a question I’m often asked by friends and clients alike. There are two opinions I find regarding neutrals: there are those who think neutrals are mediocre and want to avoid them at all costs and then those who think neutrals are too easy to work with and are ready to get drunk on them. ! So where on this extreme spectrum of opinions am I? I disagree with both: neutrals are definitely not boring, and secondly, they’re not as easy as most of us make them out to be. There are ways to do it.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you some simple and easy-to-follow hacks that will give you the confidence to decorate your space with neutral colors.
Tip #1: When in Doubt, Stick to the Monochromatic Color Scheme
I cannot stress this enough. This works especially best when you have a small space but want it to look spacious. That was exactly my intention when I set out to design this vanity corner for a client.
Decorating with watered-down colors of a particular color allows the eye to wander through tight spaces. I chose the subtle variations of the veneer clad vanity and used them on the aged tiles and ornate wood mirror. I’ve further beefed up the outline by overlaying it with metallic details for a luxurious feel.
Tip #2: Introduce key silhouettes
This approach works well for both traditional and minimalist styles, where the focus is on a few key pieces to keep the whole scheme together. These regal armchairs and cherub-shaped console table that we painstakingly designed and crafted (I have a lot to talk about our bespoke furniture, but would need a whole blog for it) bring loads of visual intrigue and sculptural appeal to the setting.
Remember to have at least 2 key pieces of furniture in neutral colors to build interest in your scheme.
Tip #3: Wield the power of all white
Oh my sweet God! A completely blank space? She’s crazy? I am sure that when I proposed this all-white kitchen to my client, they must have had this thought. Of course, they were too sweet to say that, but she could feel their inhibition. The thing about an all-white color palette that we color-loving Indians are skeptical about is, you guessed right, the lack of color, which means no fun, no life, no warmth and everything is too much. clinical.
But that’s not true and this kitchen proves it. The kitchen has this relaxing, sophisticated feel. I think the crispier and lighter a cuisine, the better. You will notice that I have strategically added another neutral to balance things out and add depth: black on the kitchen counter and island counter.
There’s another decorating detail that adds a certain level of warmth to all this coldness: the brick backsplash that creates a charming rustic vibe. Also adding to the variety in this clean scheme is the eggshell-toned fireplace.
Tip #4: Add a soft color to the neutral mix
This room with that blush honestly made my knees weak! As I was sitting with the client for this beautiful property and scanning through the many warm color tones, as that was what we initially had in mind, I saw this washed out shade of pink and knew right away that it was becoming my go-to color.
I created a mini design moment with the hue on the beautifully carved upholstered bed (can’t thank my team enough for this) and then used it in nice spurts across the accent pillows and paneled wall, which is the perfect touch. . of the rosy pink Neutrals and pinks look like a happy family together, don’t they?
Tip #5: For a fail-safe interior, go for classic black and brown
I totally go for this hack. You can never go wrong with this classic color combination. This foyer I recently put together for a client’s stately vacation home is a shining testament to this. The glossy reflective black of the pianoforte, the matte black of the wall sconce, and the aged wrought iron stair railing offer a choice of finishes. Black also provides the right amount of tension and depth to the foyer, which has another dominant brown color.
The browns come in the wainscoting, rug, chandelier, and pianoforte top, which contrast well with the blacks (both bring out the best in each other, right?). This is one of my all time favorite interior setups!
So that was it! I hope you no longer fear or sit on a fence over neutrals – they are beautiful and far from boring. As I was writing this blog post, I realized that I have worked with this scheme for longer than I can remember, and of course I will continue to work with this elegant and timeless scheme when the opportunity presents itself! Please feel free to ask me questions in the comment box below!