When you think about it, neutrals really are the gift that keeps on giving. Some shy away from these unassuming shades, but we get it. Without the right styling, neutrals can sometimes seem a little bit… boring. But that’s why we’re here. Firmly on the neutrals bandwagon (that doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon), we’re got some handy styling tips to help you use neutrals to elevate your style. Because they don’t have to be boring.
Some of the most common criticisms of neutrals that we often hear are that they can be a little bit… safe. While it’s true that they can be a little bit boring if not styled right, we think they’re a super versatile addition to your home furnishings. Neutrals are a super reliable choice when decorating, after all – they’re practically timeless! If you’re curious how you can upgrade your neutrals game, then keep on reading!
What are they?
Let’s start off with the basics. What actually are neutrals? It’s certainly a term that gets thrown around a lot, without any real description of what it actually means.
It’s simple! Neutrals are exactly that… neutral! A neutral shade is one that doesn’t take away from other colours around it, or exist as the focus of a palette. Neutrals serve to elevate the space around them, and support any statement pieces or colours. Top neutral shades are colours like grey, white, beige, and cream. But, you say; where’s the contrast? Well, each colour has a range of shades to choose from – you’re not limited to just those four. You can also incorporate dark, smoky greys, and crisp bright whites, along with deep browns to create a striking contrast and add some visual interest to a room.
Before You Begin
To start off strong, go for a strong base. The big, statement pieces like your sofa, coffee table, and even your rug are the foundation of your room. Choosing a neutral piece like this creates a blank canvas for you to work on as you build your style around it. A tip to keep in mind here is to have some variety – if your sofa is a lovely cream colour, go for something a little bit different when choosing your rug – a soft grey or even a taupe shade will make all the difference and avoid the ‘boring’ look.
The next step is to add some dimension. One of the most efficient ways to make a neutral space feel more layered and inviting is by experimenting with textures! It makes sense that if everything is the same, we’ll think it’s a little bit lifeless. So the key here is variety! If you’ve gone for a leather sofa, then incorporate some different fabrics in the form of a throw or a cushion to add a bit of depth to the space. The Ada and Quilted cushions and Eia throw are some good examples of products that fit the bill exactly!
On the other hand, if you’ve gone for a soft fabric couch, then adding some chunky knit, a wool rug, or even a slightly rustic coffee table will do the job fabulously. Play around with some different textures to get the perfect mix!
I’m Still Not Convinced
A really handy way to add some visual interest to a room and add balance, without feeling too monotonous, is by contrasting the shades. If you have a dark shade of grey, or brown, use some lighter cream accenting to give it some character! A good rule of thumb is that if you have a lot of light, add some dark – and vice versa. Easy-peasy. You can bring your walls in on the fun too! If you have lovely bright walls, darker furniture is a great way to add more depth.
If we haven’t convinced you yet, and you’re still clinging valienly to your bright and vibrant hues, never fear. You don’t have to give up on your vivids just yet! Use your neutrals as your blank canvas, and paint as you please with some pops of colour. Cushions can be a fun way to experiment with accent shades, or if you’re feeling really brave, The Doran Rug is a good option to incorporate some vibrancy while still keeping it neutral. Another good option is to add some artwork you really love. The Coillte and Dancers are favourites of mine, and really add an extra special something to any space. The bright colours will really work to draw your eye and catch interest, especially when highlighted by the softer shades in the room. They really pop!
And here we conclude our argument on behalf of neutrals everywhere. Did we do enough to convince you, or are you still on the fence? (Is it a neutral fence?)
Let us know what you think!