The ABCs of decorating with neutrals

Go with neutrals or not go with neutrals, that is the question. Well, that’s a question that I get asked quite often by friends and clients. There are two opinions that I find regarding neutrals: there are those who think that neutrals are mediocre and want to avoid them at all costs and then those who think that neutrals are too easy to work with and are ready to get drunk on their insides. ! So where on this extreme spectrum of opinions am I? I disagree with both – neutrals are definitely not boring, and secondly, they are not as straightforward as most of us think. There are ways to do it.

In this blog post, I’m going to share with you some simple and easy-to-follow tricks that will give you the confidence to decorate your space with neutrals-

Tip No. # 1: When in doubt stick to the monochrome color scheme

I cannot stress this enough. This works especially when you have a small space but want it to appear spacious. That was exactly my intention when I set out to design this vanity corner for a client.

Decorating with diluted colors of a particular color allows the eye to wander into tight spaces. I chose the subtle variations of the veneer clad dresser and used them on the distressed tiles and ornate wood mirror. I have further bolstered the scheme by layering it with metallic accents for a luxurious feel.

Tip No. # 2: enter key silhouettes

This approach works well for both traditional and minimalist styles, where the focus is on a few key pieces to bring the whole scheme together. These stately armchairs and a cherub mount console table that we painstakingly design and manufacture (I have a lot to talk about our custom furniture, but would need a full blog) bring oodles of visual intrigue and sculptural appeal to the setting.

Remember to have at least 2 key furniture in neutral tones to spark interest in your scheme.

Tip No. # 3: Wield the Power of All White

Oh my God! A completely blank space? She’s crazy? I’m sure 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 he could feel their inhibition. The thing about an all-white color palette that color-loving Indians are skeptical about is, you guessed it right, the lack of color, which means no fun, no life, no warmth, and too clinical. .

But that’s not true and this kitchen proves it. The kitchen has this relaxing and sophisticated feel. I think the crispier and lighter a kitchen is, the better. If you notice I’ve added another neutral strategically to balance things out and add depth: the black on the kitchen counter and the island countertop.

There is another decoration detail that adds a certain level of warmth to all this freshness: the brick backsplash that creates a charming rustic atmosphere. Also contributing to the variety in this clean scheme is the eggshell-toned fireplace.

Tip # 4: add a soft color to the neutral mix

This bedroom with that blush honestly made me bend my knees! As I was sitting with the client of this beautiful property and scanning the many shades of warm colors, as that was what we initially had in mind, I saw this faded pink hue and knew at the time that it was going to my star color.

I created a mini design moment with the tone on the beautifully carved upholstered bed (can’t thank my team enough for this) and used it in nice bursts through the accent pillows and paneled wall, which has the right track . of the rosy rosy. Neutrals and pinks look like a happy family together, don’t they?

Tip No. 5: For a fail-safe interior, choose the classic black and brown

I totally swear by this trick. You can never go wrong with this classic color combination. This lobby that I recently put together for a client’s stately vacation home is a shining testament to this. The glossy reflective black of the piano, the matte black of the wall sconce on the wall and the aged wrought iron stair railing offer a variety of finishes. Black also provides the right amount of tension and depth to the lobby, which has another dominant color, brown.

The Browns come with the paneling, the carpet, the chandelier, and the piano top, which contrast well with the blacks (they both bring out the best in each other, don’t they?). This is one of my favorite interior setups of all time!

So that was it! I hope you are no longer afraid or sit on a fence about neutrals – they are beautiful and far from boring. As I was writing this blog post, I realized that I have worked with this scheme more than I can remember and will of course continue to work with this elegant and timeless scheme when the opportunity presents itself. Feel free to ask me questions in the comment box below!