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 Ana Aguilar.
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NEW blog post: Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/ogA3Ggx4 #dbcollective
NEW blog post: Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/ogA3Ggx4 #dbcollective
Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior, feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/1BeXWikx
Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior, feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/1BeXWikx
Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior, feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/1BeXWikx
Thanks to @aguilarinterior for featuring some design pics in her new post for @hearthomemag ! http://t.co/1BeXWikx
“@IMKellyHoppen: Check out @hearthomemag 's neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior, feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/glHGtnx3”
Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior, feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/1BeXWikx
RT @IMKellyHoppen: Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior x http://t.co/WJWBNVFf
Have u seen @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior ?! Feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/1BeXWikx
Have u seen @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior ?! Feauturing a few design pics! x http://t.co/1BeXWikx
RT @IMKellyHoppen: Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior x http://t.co/WJWBNVFf
RT @IMKellyHoppen: Check out @hearthomemag 's new blog post on neutral schemes by @aguilarinterior x http://t.co/WJWBNVFf
Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/tTCHypXB via @hearthomemag
Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/tTCHypXB via @hearthomemag by @aguilarinterior #design #lewes
Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/tTCHypXB via @hearthomemag by @aguilarinterior #design #lewes
Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/tTCHypXB via @hearthomemag
Neutral – exciting or boring? http://t.co/tTCHypXB via @hearthomemag