How to Rock a Neutral Color Palette

We’ve all seen a room that is white on white, or cream on cream that just isn’t interesting and doesn’t call you in to enjoy the space.  To avoid this result, incorporate some basic guidelines to make your neutral interior design plan interesting. 

When selecting a neutral palette, be sure you have color value contrast in your design which means a combination of different lightness and darkness, so your eye moves around the room to take in the details. The black grass roman shades on the windows have great texture, along with the operable lining that lets you select how much light to let into the room from filtered light to full darkness when the lining is lowered. Note the value variation in hue in the shades of black on the textured coffee table, braided gray pouf and interesting textural throws and pillows. The necessary pop in this room is the addition of the plants which add color but also offer an interesting shapely design element.

(photo courtesy of Horizon Shades)

The following photo on the left is a no! The white walls and flat white linen roman shades on windows that are devoid of any trim details will be very uninteresting unless you use choose a more detailed shade style such as a relaxed roman shade or add embellishment to the window treatment with contrasting or textural trim at the bottom or sides. Another option while keeping to the minimalist theme is to use a contrasting color fabric on a simple cornice or valance hung above the window. This serves two purposes – it makes the architecture of the window more interesting and adds that value contrast to provide a place for the eye to land.

(Photo from Mix client)

(Photo from Horizons)

The photo below is a mostly neutral palette of taupe walls with cream furnishings. The carefully selected orange accents are simple and remarkably effective and can easily and inexpensively be changed with the season or your mood! You might even make “winter” slipcovers for the two print chairs or swap them out to another room. When you start with neutrals you have many more options to update the look without breaking the bank. Note that the sheer shades on the windows are quite simple but allow the view to be enjoyed while filtering the light in the room.

(Photo from Alta)

Patricia Benson is the owner of Mix Montclair, a contemporary window furnishings and interior design company located in Montclair village. Call to make a free 1-hour in home window treatment appointment and she will bring the showroom samples, fabrics and 20 years of experience to you.  (510) 559-3229.