As much as I love color, I also appreciate a good neutral aesthetic. Neutrals can make a space feel uncluttered, sleek and modern, like a city penthouse. Neutrals can also make a space feel cozy and comforting, like a ski lodge. A neutral room can showcase fabulous art. We really have many choices in the range of “neutral,” from chocolate brown, to beige, to taupe, to charcoal grey. And, of course, black and white.

I have a few guidelines when you’re creating a space with a neutral palette.

First, note that fabrics and furniture should be of very good quality. When your eye isn’t engaged by color, it focuses on the texture, shape, quality of the wood finish, and other details of the design. Of course, I always recommend my clients invest in the highest quality they can reasonably afford, but it bears emphasis when you’re using a neutral palette. It is harder to get away with less than excellent quality. Upholstery, pillows and window treatments ought to be tailored properly and professionally. Architectural details are extra important.

Likewise, if you happen to be fortunate enough to have excellent quality furniture, you can easily let those pieces shine by keeping the setting neutral. For example, antiques dealer Tara Shaw kept her New Orleans house neutral to let her collection shine.

Second, while form is always important when selecting furnishings, it becomes especially crucial when the palette is neutral. Without color to interest us, each piece of furniture needs to have a carefully selected shape. It is that much more important to vary your curves and straight lines, introduce some interesting shapes, and play with scale a bit.

For example, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent’s living room:

Third, as you can see from the above, contrast is vital. Contrast textures and materials (smooth and rough, shiny and matte, metal and wood). Also contrast light neutrals with dark. Add either deeper shades of the same neutral, or black. Again, contrast is always crucial, but a nearly colorless room is less forgiving. The other elements of design are that much more important.

And one more suggestion—houseplants or fresh flowers can add life to a neutral room if it’s feeling flat.

There you go… Now go create your neutral paradise, or contact me to help you!