When you think neutrals, typically muted earthy tones like white, black, brown, cream, and gray come to mind. This is because neutrals are hues that appear to be without color —they don't compete with primary colors and instead complement them. Well, we have good news for you: neutrals are making a big comeback this season as people search for calmness and tranquility in their at-home lives. Neutrals go with any color scheme, making them a perfect choice for the more permanent areas in your home, like floors and walls. Laying a neutral foundation is key as trends change and colors of the year fly by because these neutrals remain a present fixture that can withstand the test of time and provide a beautiful canvas for other colors to pop on. But how do you choose which neutrals complement other neutrals? Let us guide you through some graceful and straightforward ways to incorporate neutral tones throughout your home.
Cool-Toned Rugs on Dark Woods
Everyone loves a dark wood floor like mahogany or walnut as it can elevate a space and give an air of formality; cool-toned rugs with bits of gray, blue-gray, or greige work well with darker woods and give your room a bit of dimension and a break from all that darkness. This gray-flecked neutral rug works to add more texture to the room through its composition, and when placed over dark, fine-grained wood, it heightens the space, giving the room a layered, cozy look despite its cooler tones. For those worried about neutrals feeling drab or one-dimensional, don't fret, as you can also add dimension through lines, curves, and unique shapes in your furniture while still sticking to a neutral color palette.
Pulling Colors from Neutrals
Pulling a color tone from your neutral carpets can distinguish the decor from the flooring while also remaining cohesive in the design theme. The easiest way to find a color in your neutral carpet is to search for its undertone. Is it a cooler gray carpet? Then maybe opt for sage greens or light blues. Is it beige? Try sandy browns and burnt oranges. For instance, this speckled marble carpet from International Design Guild's Dabbieri line holds gray, beige, and green tones. This is played with throughout the room with a gray armchair, suede beige couch, and green accents of plants and wallpaper.
Slight Variation of Neutrals
The best part about a neutral color scheme is that they all work well together. Use this knowledge to your advantage by designing your space with slight variations of the neutral color throughout. Using this logic, you can stay true to the room's cohesive aesthetic while also maybe warming up the room a bit. Installing a light-aged wood allows you to marry colors like a tanner beige and blush pink infusing warmth throughout the space. You can also play with contrast by adding dramatic lighting or installing a light luxury vinyl floor but layering in darker wood cabinets.
Stick To Black and White
When all else fails, stick to the traditional black and white. This trend has been around for a long time, and for a good reason: it works. Monochrome color schemes are a popular design trend, as they lend a fresh, clean look to any space. Don't fret about your room looking too cold or formal, though, because you can always let other neutrals come to play via artwork, curtains, lamps, furniture, and other decor in the space. Not to mention, black and white make a strong solid background for other colors to take center stage in your design vision.
Show us how you've introduced inspiring neutrals into your space!
