WRITER | GUEST DESIGNER: KATELYNN SCOTT of DECORATION DEN INTERIOR
The Benefits of Following a Neutral Color Palette
Following a neutral color palette doesn’t have to involve boring beige. Here are some benefits of neutrals and how to take advantage of them in your home.
What is a neutral color palette?
A neutral color palette is any group of colors that have been muted or desaturated. They’re typically combined to create a color combination that looks cohesive with a variety of patterns and textures.
Although the most popular shades are pure neutral colors — black, white, brown and gray — your color palette isn’t limited to these.
You can create a neutral look with many different colors as long as they share the same undertone. Here are three additional variations:
• Near-neutrals: The result of mixing a primary color with a pure neutral. This creates a shade with low saturation levels; for example, off-white.
• Warm neutrals: Created by mixing warm primary colors, such as yellow or red, with pure neutrals to achieve a palette that’s warm but not overly vibrant. Popular paint colors in this category include tan and ivory.
• Cool neutrals: These come from mixing cool-toned primary colors, such as blue or green, with pure neutrals to create shades such as taupe, cool white or deep charcoal blue.
The key to identifying what colors belong in each category is to pay attention to the undertones that come through each shade. This will also help you find other colors, accessories and decor pieces that complement your palette.
If you follow a neutral color scheme, you can create a variety of different looks, from contemporary to classic, by combining them with brighter-toned accessories and decor or customizing an entire paint palette that you can use throughout your home.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! That way, you’ll know which combinations suit your style and space the best.
Benefits of following a neutral color palette
A neutral color palette can help you create a cohesive look that’s easy to maintain. It also allows you to add pops of color in other areas like artwork, accessories and even furniture fabrics — making it easier for you to change things up as needed.
If you’re indecisive about what colors go together, a neutral color scheme is a great place to start. Here are five reasons why:
1. They create a calm and tranquil atmosphere
When you’re choosing a color palette, it’s essential to consider what effect you want your home to have on people.
A peaceful environment is always a welcome change from the hustle and bustle — especially if you’re trying to create a space that feels relaxing and inviting.
Neutral paint shades can be used in any room of your house to create a calm and tranquil atmosphere. That’s because they don’t compete with each other or the room’s other features, making it easier on the eye.
2. They give you the opportunity to play with colors in the decor
If you’re a fan of color, then you’ll love the way neutral colors can help you play with decor. Since they have such a lighthearted feel, it’s easy to incorporate eye-catching accessories like bright rugs, throw pillows and accent chairs into your home. This gives you the opportunity to make unique pieces stand out in your space without taking away from the overall feeling of tranquility that a neutral palette provides. Your hardest decision will be which piece deserves the spotlight.
You can also try combining neutral paint colors with metallic shades such as gold and silver, which adds a modern touch. This will help balance out the space and showcase the personality of your rooms.
3. They serve as a blank canvas for creativity
Neutrals are a great way to start your decorating journey. They’re easy to work with and can be mixed and matched with other colors and patterns to create a beautiful space that’s all your own.
As the seasons pass or your tastes change, you can switch out the accessories for new ones and make your room feel brand new again. That’s why you shouldn’t think of neutrals as dull or lifeless — instead, think of them as a blank canvas that can be customized to your style.
4. They brighten up your living space
In the world of interior design, light is a vital element. And while fixtures are beautiful and can be a great addition to your home, they’re not always enough.
If you’re looking to really brighten up a room and make it feel more spacious, consider adding some neutral paint colors to your walls. Light, near-neutrals such as off-white or cream are great for this purpose because they reflect light from outside sources and bounce it throughout your home.
5. They provide you with flexibility in design
When you follow a neutral color palette, you give yourself the flexibility to change your mind. You’re not stuck with a color scheme that you can’t easily alter, and you have the ability to experiment with different styles and trends as they come along through statement pieces and accessories.
Following a neutral color palette may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about decorating your home. But when you consider the many benefits of this approach, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
Hopefully, we’ve convinced you that neutrals are more than just beige. But what makes neutral colors so special? Neutral colors are timeless because they work well in any room of your house, from the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and living room. It’s not just their ability to adapt to any style or budget but also their versatility and longevity.
