I received an email the other day from a lady looking for some inspiration for painting her home. She has always played safe and painted in shades going from cream to magnolia. Although she wanted to bring some colour into her home, she was scared and unsure how it would turn out.
So it got me thinking about designing with neutral tones. The Cream/Magnolia colour palette often gets a bad rep because it’s boring!
Not so!!
A neutral base tone creates a backdrop to a space and allows the beauty of your furnishings and accessories to shine through. The secret is to use textures, patterns, layers, artwork and accessories to create interest. Click to Tweet this Tip!

Image from Heart Home Magazine
The calm neutral tones of cream and chocolate brown creates an understated elegance in this living space. Interest is created using textures, layers and shapes.
With a neutral back drop, it’s easy to inject personality into your space using bold pops of colour.
Use contrasting textures, fabrics and patterns to liven up a space and to keep the eye moving around the room. Image from Emerald Interior Design
The neutral colour palette ranges from pale cream to mushroom, taupe and almost browns, and of course Greige a (made up) earthy shade of warm grey and beige. Image from Houzz.com
This monochrome dining area is a great example of understated elegance. The wall colour, artwork and furniture all work together to create a space that feels organic and warm. And the light fitting adds just a touch of sparkle. Image from Houzz.com
Dark brown and striped bedding and soft furnishings make a big impact in this contemporary bedroom. Image from Emerald Interior Design
Do you have a neutral backdrop in your home or are you more of a Neon than Neutral fan? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I love the lights above the dinner table. Remember to have seen similar ones at http://www.interior-deluxe.com