Having a neutral room may seem like taking the easy route. After all, beige goes with beige. Right? Well not necessarily. A neutral color palette if done well can create a beautiful space that sings even without lots of color. If not done well, a neutral room can be cold and boring. I’m all for color but when neutral rooms are done right, they can be downright breathtaking. Read on for the best tips to create a welcoming and calming neutral space.
Texture
Adding lots of texture to a neutral space is key to add coziness and warmth. Without texture, a neutral room will look flat and one-dimensional. Adding texture is what brings the space to life. Notice how in the picture below there is a lot of three-dimensional art, pillows, blankets, curtains and a pouf with a textured fabric. All of this contributes to making the room a neutral room that you want to spend time in.
Mixing Shades and Tones
Do not stick to just one shade throughout. This will also lead to a boring room with not much going for it. Vary the shades and tones throughout the room so that it’s not too monochromatic. Also, don’t stick with just one color if possible. Create a color palette with at least 2-3 colors. The varied colors don’t even have to be that different. A shade or two can make all the difference. See how in this room, there is some variety of whites and grays which make it a not boring space to be in .
Not too Matchy-Matchy
Don’t have matching sets in a neutral room if you can avoid it. This is because having different types of furniture and accessories will add visual interest and keep your room from being uninteresting.
A Punch of Metals
Adding a punch of black or any metal will immediately perk up a neutral room (or a non-neutral room.) Metals in any space help to ground the space and add a different depth. Look at how the black light fixture and black detail on the windows help punch up the space.
Interesting Shapes
Add interestingly shaped furniture or furniture with curves to add visual intrigue. When your palette is very simple, something has to supply the interest. Here, the curved floor lamp and the base of the coffee table keep the room from feeling too one dimensional.
Small Bursts of Color
Even if you’re drawn toward a more neutral palette, you can still add small bursts of color with accessories, art and pillows. In the room below, there are some pops of color from the painting and pillows that keep it fresh.
Natural Elements
Adding natural elements like wood and plants can pull the room together and fill in what’s missing. Here, the wood elements on the couch, table and lamp bring in the wood feels. The rattan mirrors and pampas grass also add to the natural vibes as well as the sheepskin.
Most of all, don’t forget to choose pieces and colors you love! If you need help with that, click here.
I recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
