Using a Neutral Color Palette

In celebration of neutrals for furniture & decor

Neutrals and decorating—it’s a pairing as perfect as peanut butter and jelly. And just like PB&J, there’s a reason for its popularity…they’re good together.

 

Gray is the hottest new neutral and can be found in everything from wall colors to upholstery, such as in the stunning Eaton sectional from Sam Moore Furniture. The beauty of gray is that it can be enhanced with accent colors to create emphasis, drama and “pop.”

The Eaton sectional from Sam Moore

 

The Eaton sectional from Sam Moore

For the feeling of starting with a fresh canvas, there’s nothing better than walls painted in a neutral shade. Twenty years ago that meant cream or antique white and more recently the choices have expanded to tan and taupe. Today, gray and shades of greige (grayed-down beiges) are becoming increasingly popular.

 

 

 

Neutral paint shades (such as “Storm” from Benjamin Moore) provide the perfect backdrop to a room.

Neutral paint shades (such as “Storm” from Benjamin Moore) provide the perfect backdrop to a room.

These versatile shades are both cool and soothing. Not only do they give a space an updated feel, they also provide an excellent backdrop for accent colors.

From beige with a little gray to gray with a little beige, shades of greige make excellent wall colors. Here are The Decorista’s top 5 greige picks for wall colors:

Decorista’s top 5 greige wall picks

Decorista’s top 5 greige wall picks

When you start your painting project, be sure to test a sample on your wall before painting a whole room—you’ll never regret it.

Benjamin Moore’s “Revere Pewter” is one of my go-to paint colors. It’s a lovely, neutral light gray that can be taken in any direction.

Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter

Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter

 

Grays are ideal for more than just wall color. Sofas, chairs, end tables and coffee tables are now sporting this versatile hue—with a bit of luck they’ll eventually replace the ubiquitous brown. In addition to hiding dirt and wearing as well their predecessors, gray upholstery fabrics also add undeniable style. Plus they allow for easy updating, for example: add green pillows in the spring for a fresh look and trade them out in the fall for accessories in a shade of orange or navy.

The stylish Fitch chair from Homeware features a steely gray brushed-cotton cover accented with pewter nailhead trim and legs with a silvery finish.

Homeware’s Fitch chair

Homeware’s Fitch chair

Grays are also increasingly popular in painted furniture and accent furniture, as seen in this round mirrored accent table from the Sanctuary collection by Hooker Furniture.

Mirrored accent table

Mirrored accent table

One of the best features of gray is its versatility. Pair it with others shades of gray and white and you’ve got a classic monochromatic look.

Gray + white= monochromatic, but never boring.

Gray + white= monochromatic, but never boring.

Or, accentuate the look of gray by adding tonal accents of brown and black for an earthy vibe.

This bathroom is eclectic yet unified. Unique choices in materials are tied together by a simple color palette of white, greige and brown.

White, greige and brown color combination

White, greige and brown color combination

Looking to nature is the perfect way to find your inspiration for greige. From bold to soft, every variation of this wonderful neutral can be found outdoors. You’ll find more of these color palettes on my Inspired Neutrals Pinterest board.

A subtle, soothing palette of grays.

A subtle, soothing palette of grays.

Soft grays come alive when paired with a vibrant color such as these shades of raspberry pink:

Grays & pinks are vibrant combination

Grays & pinks are vibrant combination

As I think about it, it seems gray has gotten a bad rap in the past. A ‘gray’ day sounds yucky and feeling gray implies being down. Maybe it’s time to makeover gray’s image. After all, it’s the middle ground of black and white, the ideal neutral for decorating, and nature’s flawless transition before dusk and dawn.

 

By Trisha McBride Ferguson

 

Call Sacksteder’s Interiors for your personal in home design consultation!

 

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