11 Ways to Spice Up Neutral Palettes
Side with texture and pattern in a neutral room for a look that commits to high sophistication and elegance
Houzz Contributor. I love interior design and all things houses. It has been my great privilege to create spaces over the last eleven years to a varied and loyal clientele.
Houzz Contributor. I love interior design and all things houses. It has... More »
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There has been a lot of talk about color lately on Houzz. Threads are buzzing with debate around Pantone's 2013 Color of the Year, Emerald, which seems to be getting mixed reviews. What about the loyal neutrals crowd out there? Isn't there anything new for them? In this season of green, red and all things sparkly, I didn't want to leave out folks who love cream, gray and beige.
Neutrals can also stir up mixed emotions. "Boring," "sad" and "flat" are words I've heard people use when describing neutrals. Well, I'm hoping to change your mind. Here are some fresh ways to use neutrals to create elegant, sophisticated rooms that are anything but boring. See for yourself: Neutrals have never looked so good!
Neutrals can also stir up mixed emotions. "Boring," "sad" and "flat" are words I've heard people use when describing neutrals. Well, I'm hoping to change your mind. Here are some fresh ways to use neutrals to create elegant, sophisticated rooms that are anything but boring. See for yourself: Neutrals have never looked so good!
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Mix different shades of the same color. The operative color here is beige, but different shades work together to create this sophisticated bedroom look.
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Use metallic details in rooms with neutral colors. Picture frames are excellent ways to add shimmer on walls or layered in with furniture.
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In a room with neutral colors, consider using distressed furniture for a textural layer that adds an interesting patina. These black lampshades have a great anchoring effect on the desk area.
by Branca, Inc.
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Use reflective pieces to add interest to rooms with a neutral palette. This beautiful room screen with an antique mirror is the perfect focal point for this neutral space.
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Use wood effects to create texture. There are so many great faux wood products available in beautiful neutral colors. This wallpaper is stunning and creates a textural elegance that is definitely not boring.
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| Use animal prints in fabrics and art against neutral colors. Another detail that works in this room is the negative space in the shelves. This room is quiet and calming because it is not cluttered. |
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| Geometrics within a neutral palette create a soft modern aesthetic. Notice the geometric patterns in the rug, the coffee table, and the circles of the end table here. |
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by Tara Seawright
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| With neutral palettes you can throw in an unexpected, whimsical detail. These cowhide chairs are just the thing to contrast the neutral colors and add interest. |
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| In a room of neutrals it's very important to add texture, and floors are a great place for this. Layering rugs is an easy texture trick. Notice this sisal rug with a white cowhide layered right on top. This can also be done with a smaller Persian rug on top of a woven rug. |
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Mix materials for a striking effect. Take a look at how many different materials are mixed together here. Wood, mirror and acrylic all blend together for a visually stimulating room. Don't match your woods; different colors and textures are more interesting.
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One of my favorite tricks for bathrooms with a neutral palette is to lay down a heavily patterned rug. It's really all you need to contrast the monochromatic color scheme. I love Persian rugs for this effect, but modern patterns work well, too.
Color guides: More ways to work with neutrals
Color guides: More ways to work with neutrals
Ideabook published on Dec. 24, 2012.
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Merry Christmas! Thank you for that kind observation. I really do try to select pictures that illustrate the point. It's equally important for me to expose readers to ideas they mat not have considered. Of course, I like a pretty picture too. I really appreciate your comments and always enjoy hearing from you. Best. Charmean
Charmean
I would do 2 walls in a light gray to make the orange pop more on the walls. Swap your curtains, blinds, throw pillows a other accents with material that is mostly white and gray with a splash of orange. I would also add some large wall art behind your couch. I would remove the green accents and keep a few of the red. For your hardware, light fixtures, and other non fabric items, I would stick with silvers, blacks and whites.