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How to Add Character While Using Neutrals 

January 24, 2020 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

Neutral color themes in homes are always a great choice. They are traditional and timeless designs that work in any environment. However, neutral colors are not typically found on a color wheel. They agree with almost any color without giving influence to a warm- or cool-tone atmosphere. That being said, colors are wonderful for adding character to a room. So without adding color, is it possible to achieve a full-of-character space? Of course, it is! Neutral colors can still have powerful impacts. Understanding other elements in your design theme can allow you to indulge in the neutral color palette and still create a very versatile and lively atmosphere.

Texture

While color can add a dramatic effect to your space, texture is another great tool to consider. Think of a room that was completely white from the floors and walls to the furniture and décor. What makes this room “pop” is the textures. A marble countertop has an entirely different texture than stucco walls or a plush carpet. Putting together different elements of texture like smooth, rough, fine, or coarse can make a room have more appeal. It does so by allowing each texture to stand out against one another.

Hard Contrast

When you are designing with all neutral colors, you are using colors like beiges, browns, blacks, whites, and grays. To create more depth to your design, allow for hard contrast. Black and white are very opposing colors. Having a white marble countertop with black cabinets can create a very hard contrast. These hard contrasts help create depth in your design. This depth is a great way to allow neutral colors to have an even more powerful influence in your home.

Metals and Woods

Neutral colors are commonly called “earthy tones.” Without incorporating warm- or cool-tones, you can still mix in woods and metals to your design. These materials will also add more character to your room since wood is full of character with its grainy texture and design and metal can also add a sheen or shine to your design.

These subtle but powerful tools will create your neutral-themed design and make it truly awe-inspiring. Neutral themed designs are perfect for any home, especially a home going into the real estate market. While not everyone may want a room with painted pink or lime green walls, generally speaking, neutral colors are accepted by everyone. A home can always feel the move-in ready with these tips and tricks.

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Filed Under: Design & Decorating, Inspiration Tagged With: adding character, decor using neutrals, decorating, design, neutral colors, neutral colors in decor, neutral décor, neutrals, neutrals in decor

Using Neutral Colors in Decorating

January 13, 2012 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

In decorating magazines and blogs today there is so much talk of colorful decorating and pops of bright colors.  This might make you think everyone is decorating their homes in washes of strong colors and bold accents. This isn’t the case. Many people prefer to use neutral colors and whites in their interiors. No matter whether this is a preference or a fear of color, You can still create inviting and warm interior using neutrals of creams, white and browns as this living room shows.

The color palette for this room is set by the architectural elements of the fireplace and wood column.  Leaving the stone fireplace and wood column natural lets their beautiful materials be the stars.  The two colors are then carried throughout the furnishings, curtains and flooring to create a well designed room.

The wood of the column is repeated on the coffee table. The warm hue also becomes an accent color in the area rug below the coffee table.  The rug ties in both the cream of the walls and furniture along with the stone fireplace and wood colors.

Using different shades of neutrals creates a layered look.  Pattern and texture can add interest like they do in this living room.  The pattern of the rug as well as the texture of the wood, stone and upholstery mix together to make for a more lively design.  Adding patterned throw pillows to the seating or a bit of the wood or stone color would bring more interest to the cream upholstered sofa and chairs.

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Filed Under: Hints & Tips, Interior Finishes Tagged With: cream colors, decor using neutrals, decorating, home decor, living room, living room decor, neutral colors in decor, neutrals in decor, warm hues

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