Decorating with Neutral Colors

It may seem like a strange decorating idea to consider neutrals a great decorating color palette, but in fact, they are.  Neutral colors offer a unique look that bold and bright colors simply cannot give a home.  If you are thinking about redecorating that living room filled with wine wall decor and rich crimson coloring, consider a neutral palette to give your room an entirely different feel.

What is Neutral?

Neutral colors are those colors that go with just about any other color.  In decorating, they are usually whites, creams, and tans or beiges.  While the variations between the different colors may seem minute, they are actually very different in their undertones.  Whites tend to be cooler colors than creams and tans are always slightly darker than their beige counterparts.  Understanding the different variations and how they work together can make a big difference in the success of decorating with neutral colors.

On the Walls

Neutral colors on the wall are a must for most any room.  When you are decorating only with neutral colors, the shade that you pick will set the tone for the rest of the room.  A darker color will give the room a more sophisticated feel, while a bright white will make for a cool and light space.  Carefully consider the color you choose, because it will be the main color in the room’s decor.

Furniture

Furniture in a room with a neutral decor tends to be slipcovered or upholstered.  Neutral colors work well with either modern contemporary or traditional furniture.  Wood grains are also frequently used in neutral decors, because wood goes very well with the beiges and creams that are commonly used.  If you have furniture that is slipcovered, because there are small children in the house, choose either the darkest beige that will match the room’s look or pure white that can be bleached.  A neutral decor is beautiful, but when small children are climbing on the furniture, it can be a disaster.

Accessories

It may be tempting to add in a bold accent color to your neutral decor.  If you feel the urge to do so, opt for a dark brown or a robin’s egg blue.  These colors match the style of the room’s decor, add spots of colors and can be commonly found.  You can also add metal accessories to the room if you have the wall space.  Many outdoor wall decor pieces can work inside as well as outside and help to provide a fun and unique look.

Decorating with neutral colors may seem like a boring way to redecorate your living room, but it will open up the space and create a feeling of openness and brightness.  Do not be afraid to try this decorating style and see how it makes your room feel.  If you find that you simply cannot live without bold, bright colors, add them back in through your room’s accessories.  A colorful pillow tossed on the sofa or a vase of bright yellow tulips will undoubtedly brighten a room’s atmosphere.