Decorating with Neutrals

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Are you the type of person who just doesn't like to be overwhelmed with color? Your walls are painted white throughout your home, and you probably feel comfortable wearing khaki on a daily basis, right? Some people will immediately think of 'dull and uninteresting' when presented with the idea of neutral colors. However, a neutral color palette can be very comforting, uncomplicated, sophisticated, polished, and the list goes on. As you can see, decorating with neutrals can take a variety of directions and the result is anything but boring.

If you decide to take the neutral palette path for your home decorating project, you may be using colors and shades of white, off-white, beige, tan, khaki, gray and black. So, what next?

First determine the two or three main colors for your home decor project, then select a fourth color as an accent. For example, you may select off-white, tan and black as your primary palette, with a deeper shade of tan (or several shades) as your accent to use on pillows, a patterned area rug, artwork, etc. By using varying shades of tan you keep the decor neutral, but interesting. Black, if used effectively, can be quite striking even if in small quantities, and give some drama to the space. Or, you may decide to go down a different road and introduce a burst of cherry red in very small and select quantities as your accent color.

Texture is another way to bring about interest in a space with neutral decor, using it on the walls, floor, upholstery, window treatments, etc. If you are using carpet, think of a Berber of Frieze; try a textured paint on the walls; select a knubby fabric for window treatments; opt for a leather upholstered piece; find an interesting textured lamp shade. One word of caution, though, is to keep a balance to the room and not get too carried away with varying textures, or the end result may look a little wild and unplanned.

So go ahead and plan for your neutral decor. There are many ways to create a neutral color environment that run the spectrum from soothing and quiet to surprising and bold, so your completed space will be anything but dull and boring!

For more home decorating ideas from Candi Randolph please visit http://www.Great-Home-Decorating.com