Sunday, September 29, 2013

How To Create Elegant And Relaxed Neutral Interiors




There are many good reasons to decorate with a neutral color palette. Neutral colors are considered a safe decorating choice and they are advantageous if you consider your home an investment with an eye on resale. 

Many people find the neutral decor pleasing and relaxing. You can have your space totally without the stimulation that color creates or you can add small pops of color in whatever degree you please.They are easy to dress up with touches of color through accent walls, furniture and accessories.

Decorating with neutrals can be a very chic approach to a room, you just need to create enough interest in the space so it doesn't put you to sleep. You do this through the layering of texture and pattern, lighting, and interesting artwork and accessories. Be very careful when using neutrals or your room will end up looking very flat. I like to use varying shades of a similar color throughout the room, and using patterns to keep the eye moving throughout the space. Also mixing metals and woods creates a "collected over time" look, helping the space look comfortable and lived in.

A neutral color palette leaves all your options wide open. It works with all design styles, and it is versatile enough to accommodate changes and trends. Just remember to treat it as a deliberate color scheme that has to be well thought out. You just can't "let it happen" because it is neutral.



Two words that best describe the neutral interior....elegant and relaxed.


Walls are often painted, but the ceiling can also be wallpapered or given a treatment to add dimension and unity to the whole room.



The same is true for the floor. If a room is all one tone, try sea grass or another highly textured rug to add interest.



It's important to have some depth in the room even when a single color dominates. You can do this with shape and texture.


Layered window treatments are another way to create depth. This helps you manage lighting intensity and add visual appeal.




Choose fabrics which are soft and inviting if you want to create a cozy feel to your living room.

Add a plethora of hues from your chosen color palette with accents, like decorative pillows or blankets. Layer them on sofas and chairs.

John Fowler


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Your new neutral palette is especially helpful if you love to decorate for major holidays, any color works beautifully.


Don't forget to add natural elements such as plants or decorative twigs into your decor. Nature does inspire most neutral color palettes!


pinterest.com

Here is an example of layers of pattern and the depth they bring to the space.


Bobby McAlpine

I love neutral tone on tone wallpapers!

Accessorize with metallics, glass, and mirrors.They not only add shimmer, but make neutral shades feel more glamorous.



Combining rough and smooth, or shiny and dull makes for tension between the elements and a more interesting design.



Your neutral space can be sophisticated, serene, interesting, and inviting when done right.It’s all in the details

William Eubanks

The neutral interior doesn't have to be the beige or cream palette that this post is dedicated.  There are many shades of neutral including grey and black. Check out the post from May of this year called Grey Interiors....Refined and Sophisticated.

William Eubanks

Last bit of advice when decorating with neutrals. Neutrals have undertones, so be sure the undertones of your selections work together. Whites, creams, beiges, and taupes may have undertones of blue, green, yellow, or pink. Undertones can change the entire design.





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This blog post was published by

Lisa Farmer

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Decorating With The Pantone Top Color For Spring 2014.....Dazzling Blue





Every season, experts at Pantone decide on the top colors in fashion for men and women. This month Pantone revealed the top hues for spring 2014, and the No. 1 color is called "Dazzling Blue".

Since interior design takes its cue many times from the runway, don't be surprised to see more of this color popping up in home decor stores. I have gathered some images to help give you inspiration if you have considered using this shade of blue in your home. If so, now is the time because it couldn't be more popular. Just stay away from royal blue that has a more purple base and you will be fine!!

"Dazzling Blue," a bright royal/electric blue may remind you of something. It's the same as the nail polish Facebook sells in its office, called "Social Butterfly Blue" and is meant to match the company's signature blue. Mark Zuckerberg actually chose to make Facebook blue for a very specific reason: He can see it. He is red-green colorblind, so he chose blue for Facebook. "Blue is the richest color for me. I can see all of blue," he told The New Yorker in 2010.




Dazzling Blue







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Thomas Britt





Miles Redd

Charles Faudree