7 Tips for Using Neutrals in Home Design

Laura Muller, principal for Four Point Design Build Inc. shares her tips for using neutrals in home design. It all starts with understanding the effect of neutrals. Often described as having equal parts of primary colors red, blue, and yellow and/or a color with very low saturation, a neutral color palette can be timeless and elegant when applied using these simple tricks and tips. There are warm neutrals such as black, brown, tan, and gold and cool neutrals such as white, ivory, silver, and gray. Either group can provide tranquility and unity to a space.

According to Laura, neutrals have attributes that allow for more flexibility and subtlety than their primary red and blue counterparts. This subtlety provides the perfect backdrop for other color stories and creates a consistent thread throughout the home.

To make life easier and keep the tones in balance, Laura recommends keeping warm with warm, and cool with cool. However, you should feel confident in adding a splash of color, remembering to keep the tones similar in saturation.

Layering is a great way to add a little excitement to a neutral palette. Consider texture, patterns, and slight variations in tone. Use a variety of textures from flannels to chenilles and don’t be afraid to throw in some sparkle. Just keep the tones similar and it will all work.