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Neutral – exciting or boring?

Nothing will calm and balance a space as neutral colours, they can enhance a space and allow the natural beauty of a room to shine through and not take it over. Here are a few tips for decorating with neutral colours:

Textures – Using different textures will appear as different tones and colours keeping neutral colours visually exciting.

Layers – Layer colours, textures and tones by using contrasting shades as accent colours or darker tones to add depth.

Contrasts – warm/cool or textured/polished i.e. pair wood furniture with the softness of upholstered pieces.

Patterns – Using patterns will add movement to a space, which can be lacking in a room ruled by neutrals.

Accents – If you find the place too bland then add a few pops of colour to liven up the space. Use it in accessories and throw pillows and a great way to inject some personality is to paint a doorframe or add an accent wall.

Another great tip is changing throw pillows or other small soft furnishings which will add a fresh, colour palette to your space.

But most important is to remember not all neutrals work together, especially if you are bold enough to go with a monochromatic neutral colour scheme. A neutral colour can have warm or cool undertones so when decorating with neutrals, be sure to choose a balance of warm and cool undertones so they will work well together.

Neutrals don’t have to be bland; used intelligently and in harmony with vibrant colours and centre piece objects they can bring rooms to life.

Pictures via Kelly Hoppen and Candice Olson.

Author bio

Ana Aguilar-Corney is a columnist for Heart Home and authors the blog Let's Blog Design. Ana founded aguilarinteriors.com after studying at Inchbald School of Design. She lives in Lewes, a town that mirrors her: quirky with a deep history and a sense of fun that doesn't take itself too seriously. You can follow her on Twitter @aguilarinterior. Read more posts by .

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Comments (18)

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  2. NEW blog post: Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/ogA3Ggx4 #dbcollective

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  5. Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior, feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/1BeXWikx

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  8. Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior, feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/1BeXWikx

  9. RT @IMKellyHoppen: Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior x http://t.co/WJWBNVFf

  10. Have u seen @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior ?! Feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/1BeXWikx

  11. Have u seen @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior ?! Feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/1BeXWikx

  12. RT @IMKellyHoppen: Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior x http://t.co/WJWBNVFf

  13. RT @IMKellyHoppen: Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior x http://t.co/WJWBNVFf

  14. Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/tTCHypXB via @hearthomemag

  15. Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/tTCHypXB via @hearthomemag by @aguilarinterior #design #lewes

  16. Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/tTCHypXB via @hearthomemag by @aguilarinterior #design #lewes

  17. Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/tTCHypXB via @hearthomemag

  18. Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/tTCHypXB via @hearthomemag

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