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As much as we love color, there is no denying that neutral rooms can be just as complex and beautiful as those with a more daring palette. There are a few things that help neutral color schemes from falling flat and for me it’s all about contrast and variety. Contrast between darker and lighter hues, and a variety in finishes and textures. When working with a restricted palette, whether by choice or by necessity (the client’s wishes for instance), I think it helps to create tension by mixing in different elements that enhance each other: wood and metal, old and new, linen and velvet, woven finishes and more polished surfaces… When all the senses are engaged, the room becomes sensorial and interesting regardless of color palette, as witnessed by these beautiful rooms we’ve all admired over the years.
Below are a few items in a soft, neutral palette that have been on my radar lately. I picture them on a backdrop of that lovely Schumacher wallpaper (2) or beautiful vertical bead board paneling in a warm, luminous white – Farrow & Ball’s Pointing or Benjamin Moore’s Linen White are two of my favorites.
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
UPDATE: I apologize, the basket is already sold out, which is why the link won’t show, but I found a replacement if you’re interested:
Antique French Laundry Basket:
What do you think? Are you team neutral, or team bold and colorful? 🙂 Let me know in the comments below! Have a lovely weekend!
Beautiful rooms! My favorite is the last room by Daryl Carter. I’m a sucker for black and white and this kind of vibe.
I find that the neutral decor in our home gives me a sense of calm that I need right now. I can always bring in color with art, accessories,and seasonal accents. Flowers and plants are a big part of my decorating and bring texture as well as a colorful focal point to a room. Love these latest photos you have brought us and would be happy living in any of these beautiful rooms.
I could sense my blood pressure lowering as I gazed upon these beautiful, serene rooms. Have been living with teal, sage, and yellow rooms from my home’s former owner (lovely as they are) for four years now…a neutral scheme would be such a refreshing change. Thanks for the inspiration, Eva!
That Nancy Braithwaite image!! Oh my gosh – can’t stop staring at it. Great post, as always! and I love your selections.
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Thank you, Linda! Her rooms are breathtaking, aren’t they? xo, Eva
Neutrals always feel so timeless and those rooms tend to stand the test of time. Darryl Carter’s rooms are almost a decade old and yet they still feel fresh. And your selections are lovely!
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Thank you, Lena! You’re spot on with Darryl Carter’s rooms, they were done a decade ago yet are still looking fresh! xo, Eva