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Decorating with Neutrals

Think neutrals are boring?

That's not the case when they're paired with stylish furnishings and rich textures.  The best design and decorating ideas don't have to be pulled out of thin air.  Scout out inspiration from a picture or photograph, a great fabric or piece of clothing, even jewelry.  Keep your eyes open for anything that captures your interest and personality, then create a room that is exceptionally you.




A Pop of Color

Neutral rooms are often at their finest when a dose of color is added in the mix.  Emerald green or any jewel tone will add richness and depth.  A neutral backdrop also gives you freedom to change the look of a room without breaking the bank.  Throw pillows and accessories in new colors can be brought in for an instant, budget-friendly makeover.





Refined Neutrals

Using a neutral color palette allows dramatic furniture, like this four-poster bed, to take center stage.  But neutral elements do more than just stand in the shadows.  The creamy bed linens and golden-hued wallpaper are understated, but refined and elegant.



Mix and Match

A sea of neutrals can easily become a visual jumble.  To avoid the confusion, use elements with different weights and sizes in your neutral hued space.  An oversized silver vase and thick drapes add oomph.  A glass table lamp and light gray walls add softness to this room.  The accessories and color palette create contrast and balance between rich tones and an airy feel.

 

 

Tie it Together

 A custom vanity with a thick marble countertop has a vintage look yet includes modern-day storage below. The standing cabinet beside the vanity provides floor to ceiling storage. Mosaic tiles in darker and lighter neutral tones tie it all together and balances the weight of the dark brown vanity.







Character Molding

Furnishings with silvery tones, the mirrored buffet and pewter accessories, compliment the mixed-media art celebrating nature.  The rectangles of white molding on the wall lend a clean, contemporary line.




Harmony of Old and New

Pairings of darks with lights and antiques with trends evolve into a space bursting with personality
and style.  Neutrals ranging from chocolate brown to white wrap the room while contemporary furniture mixed with antique accents sets a unique tone and brings old and new together.


 

Dine in Style

A clever window treatment - sheer fabric with bands of raw silk at the top and bottom - has a dual purpose.  The design doesn't block sunlight yet hides the room from the view of the neighborhood.  Clean-lined furnishings let elements like the mirrored chandelier stand out.






Stripes of Fancy

Neutral on neutral wallpaper adds interest without being overwhelming in this small foyer.  The vertical stripes in the wallpaper draw the eye up toward the feature architectural elements like this coffered ceiling and graceful open staircase.  Darker elements, like the stained wood floors and stair railing, add weight to the airy room.





Bedroom Beauty

French doors in the master bedroom look out onto a dramatic skyline.  A soothing palette of browns and icy blues keep the room from competing with the view.  It also creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a master bedroom.





Neutral Nook

A small chair on wheels is easy to
move around for conversation or entertaining.  The small scale of the chair and demure striped fabric make it a more subtle element.  The subtleness ensures the chair will not look out of place in any location, nor will it leave a void in its "permanent" spot.







Repurposed Picture Frames

Installing millwork can be tedious and time consuming.  A quicker alternative - picture frames.  Paint the frames, decide on a layout and hang away.  Make sure the frames are extra secure so passers-by won't knock them over.









Warm Up

Keep neutrals from looking stark by incorporating a gallery of artwork paired with plush pillows to welcome family and guests to gather for laughs and conversations.  Patterns, like the checkered rug and floral pillows, add warmth and depth.







The New Classic

With its comfortable, stylish seating in neutral shades, the living room sets an easygoing tone.  All the upholstry was done in look-alike microfibers that stand up to daily use.  Natural elements, like the plants and forest scene painting, bring life and vitality to the room.

 

 from Better Homes & Gardens www.bhg.com