When it comes to paint colour, neutrals can get a bad rap. Often being labelled as ‘boring’ ,’safe’ or ‘unimaginative’, (but only by people who don’t know what they are talking about).

 

In fact, neutrals are far from safe. Along with ‘whites’ they are actually the hardest colours to get right. Which is why it’s so annoying when people say “You can’t go wrong with a neutral’. Er, Yes you can. Or, “Neutrals go with everything” Er, no they don’t.

 

It’s so easy to get neutrals horribly wrong. They have sneaky undertones that can be hard to detect until you’ve painted the entire room when you stand back and realise your neutral paint colour jars horribly with your neutral carpet (that will be the undertones clashing!). They are also very influenced by the natural light, so the neutral colour that looks perfect in your south-facing study can look awful when used in your north-facing kitchen.

 

But when we get it right, neutrals can be totally beautiful. I love, love, love them and will always champion them.

Three good reasons to decorate with neutrals.

1. THEY MAKE SMALL ROOMS FEEL LARGER

Very useful for our tiny UK homes. Pale neutrals are the perfect choice for small rooms to make them feel more roomy. This is because light colours make the walls appear further away, making the room feel bigger. This effect can be enhanced even more if you choose neutrals with a cool undertone such as bluey greys or green greys. Cooler colours make rooms feel more airy and light.

             Cox and Cox definitive greys collection

 

2. THEY MAKE ROOMS FEEL EFFORTLESS

The trick to making neutrals feel really elegant and sophisticated is to layer them. Use several neutral paint colours in the same space to create depth and interest. So one colour on the walls, another on the ceiling, and another on the skirting and trims. You can then build on this foundation with a mix of textures and fabrics from your furniture, soft furnishings and accessories. This will make your room look understated but feel totally wow at the same time. Winner, winner.

Image credit Neptune

3. THEY ALLOW OTHER ELEMENTS TO SHINE

If you’ve fallen for a blue velvet sofa or some other statement piece, a neutral backdrop can be perfect for showing it off. You don’t need everything in your space to be wowee so let your walls be quiet with a beautiful neutral, and let your new sofa sing.

Crumpet sofa by Loaf

 

Have you been convinced to try a neutral colour palette? Ready to roller over the magnolia with a more sophisticated neutral. Let me know in the comments below.

If you are planning a redecoration project and would love some interiors help then you can hire me. I offer my paint colour consultancy and other design services across Hampshire and Dorset, check out my services here and get in touch to arrange your free discovery call now 🙂

 

Happy decorating!