What does neutral mean to you?
For me neutral isn’t about using a beiges and whites, it’s about something that grounds a space and makes it feel balanced. Neutrality can be personalised, extending beyond colours, to include textures, patterns, materials and nature. So what does neutral mean to me?
Nature
Whereas I use a lot of bold colours in most of my schemes, one thing that really grounds them is the use of nature.
As well as the health benefits, plants can really balance out the vibrancy of a room and introduce a sense of calm to a space, yet at the same time make it feel even more alive.
I also use a lot of natural materials as a neutral to add texture, warmth and enhance that connection to nature. Wood, rattan and stone work in any scheme, even ones with a lot of colour!!
Pattern
Both stripes and monochrome accessories feature heavily in my home. I believe they add interest and depth without overwhelming the senses
Pure black and white against a colourful backdrop works great under any circumstance. I guess you could say I like using pops of monochrome in my colourful schemes as opposed to the other way round.
Stripes are highly adaptable and are a brilliant neutral. For the maximalist, they pair well with busy florals, abstract and geometrics and help to layer patterns. But they also work hard at balancing a scheme and adding cohesion.
But stripes aren’t just for the maximalist! They work with any design style from traditional to art deco. The overall effect depends on the scale and colours of the stripes but their timeless appeal makes them a neutral in my book.
Colours
Pure neutrals are fully saturated and don’t have any undertones (black, white, grey and brown) and are often used in as the go to in interiors. However, I don’t find any of those colours relaxing and for me, I’d much rather use a “near neutral” such as a soft green or a calming terracotta if I’m wanting to create a relaxing scheme such as a bedroom or living room.
Previously this lounge was pure white and not a room we enjoyed spending time in, but the transformation through “near neutrals” has made it my favourite retreat
I’m interested in redefining what neutral means and how it can be personalised to reflect your own design style.
So what does neutral mean to you? Leave me a comment below and let’s bust the myth that neutrals have to be boring.
