I love designing spaces with a neutral color palette! People often think neutrals mean only in white, but I enjoy a “mostly” neutral palette with the additions of soft accents such as the light green pillow in the above image.

The key to making a room designed in neutrals appear interesting and vibrant is by layering various types of neutral materials and textures to give the room depth and movement.

For example, using a pillow fabric made of mohair or boucle can add lots of movement to a space. Mohair can shine when the light hits it. Some velvets can provide the same changes in appearance depending on the light. The fabric might look flat on the seat of a chair but on the back where the light hits it differently, it can have a shine or shimmer to it.

There are many neutral color options now for furniture fabrics where the textures within the pattern create interest. The weave of the material can be made with multiple different shades of cream or white or different types of yarn. Those variations result in movement within the neutral material.

It is also important in a neutral color palette to add warmth and richness through woods and metals. For example in the image above, the side table is made of eucalyptus and has the richest dark brown. The addition of this warm material and color makes the eye take notice of the change in the colors so the space appears more interesting and calm.

Another key to designing in neutrals is to consider adding color through the artwork. Colorful artwork stands out and becomes the jewelry of the room.

So go bold with neutrals by adding lots of pillows, blankets, and different material weaves on your furniture to achieve a space that is still warm and interesting even if it is in one color palette!

JC ~ xo