Tips for Decorating with Neutral Colors

Decorating with neutral colors doesn’t have to be boring. This video by Better Homes & Gardens presents several tips for bringing a neutral color scheme to life:

Neutral colors aren’t restriced to white, black, gray and beige. Neutrals also include colors from the color wheel that are tinted with white or black and mixed with another color to create a new hue. Remixes include muted khaki, earthy taupes, steely grays, soft beiges and rich browns.

You can create a variety of looks by using different shades and intensities of neutral colors. For example, for a living room with a neutral gray scheme:

Apply charcoal gray wallpaper

Add a swirling area rug for graphic impact or choose a solid light gray that will withstand changing decor

Add pillows in different intensities of gray and a variery of patterns and solid fabrics

Balance the main color with contrast, like hints of golden beige on the sofa, ottoman, table, or lamp

Use a pattern to unify the room, such as a chair with striped fabric or accessories such as wall-mounted plates that feature all of the neutral hues

Include a pure neutral, such as black banding on the curtains and cornice and on the back of a chair, to sharpen the neutral color scheme

The same principles that apply to colorful rooms also apply to neutral rooms. To create a beautiful neutral room, use neutral colors you love, balance cool colors with warm ones and incorporate patterns in various scales.