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I'm looking into using neutral colors in our home. I found this pic that I really like for inspiration. I love color but this room is just calming for me to look at. I could use textures to make it just a bit more interesting instead of adding more color. Am I right thinking that textures in a neutral room as this can be just as interesting as the same room done in the latest in style colors? TIA

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mountainbeach,

ABSOLUTELY! What makes a white or light monochromatic scheme work is texture and lots of it, especially those sourced from natural materials such as fibers, wood, or stone. Living plants, such as potted trees, add warmth and texture.

Tone on tone patterns and a gradation of white, cream or gray shades also add interest and a sense of calm. As does natural light filtered through sheer window coverings.

This is the direction I am taking in my new home, and I can hardly wait.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: aychihuahua,

I LOVE neutral rooms, they can be so pretty. As well as calming.

what is amazing is that the room 'looks' simple to put together, but is actually harder to do!

Thick natural materials and textures are more expensive. Wicker is a good buy for adding interest and using pattern too. I think in the photo you posted, a place to add texture could have been the accent pillows and the drapery. The rug looks interesting with all its pattern to.

My Pinterest board with textures for inspiration. Don't forget art and sculptural forms other ways of adding texture.
http://pinterest.com/mary_ruth/textures/

What an interesting direction to take with your new decor, I hope you post photos of your ideas for your home.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

I couldn't agree more. Neutral is easy on the eyes and one never has to worry about trends. As Aych says, use lots of texture. Don't be afraid to include some contrast on the value scale too. It will keep the room from looking like it's about to float away.

THE KEY TO NEUTRAL MONOCHROMATIC SPACES IS TEXTURE. This includes shinny, matte, knubby, woven, furry, soft, embroidery, velvety, ribbed, pleated, etc. etc. Using different hue values will add dimension. Mixing in scales of prints within the neutral palette will add visual interest. touches of black can be added if desired for bold contrast while touches of white add crispness. An accent color can be added at whim if/when desired, but if incorporated, should be scattered around the room to draw the eye.

Neutral spaces can be calming, easy on the eye and visually enlarging. They need not be boring in the least. Attention to details is important as well. An eclectic mix of furniture, personal touches, unexpected elements, an interesting and balanced room layout, variances in materials (woods, painted pieces, metals, mirrored pieces, glass, upholstered pieces, leather, etc.) should be considered which plays into the textural mantra.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

I agree, you need different tones and shades of neutrals to pull this off well.

Forgot to ask, what color is your floor? Back in 2002 when we moved into our Virginia house, we put our Apartment furniture in the house, the floors were off white Berber in the living room and dining area.
This I called 'furniture on a cloud'! And though the Berber had texture, it had no interest. The walls were flat and furniture plain. The wood was a good contrast, but too many legs... the trim was the same color as the walls and barely there (house was a builder package box) Imagine IF I had white furniture in there also! You would barely see it!
Those who saw our house AFTER know this changed as furniture went and the floor was done over.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

quote:

Originally posted by Mary Ruth:
Forgot to ask, what color is your floor?

Right now I have light beige carpet. When I redo the LR I want medium or dark wood floors, and I'll get an area rug.
Glad to hear that I'm right about the textures, lol.

That sounds good, remember to balance the color (wood tone) of the floor into your decor somewhere.

Hi MB,

I do agree with you about the neutrals and textures lending a sense of calm to a room. But also consider your personal color tolerance. I have tried many of the neutral paint colors and just can't live with them for very long. I do appreciate them in other homes.

I have used soft butter yellow as my personal neutral for a long time. It works with whatever else I add to the room.

Good luck with your design!

Mountainbeach,love the inspiration pic.I am no designer but yes to yout question.This room is cool,calm,beautiful and inviting to me.The textures are what makes it interesting.making the eye move around the room.

I was at a used furniture store today.She also reinvents & destress'pieces.I was noticing all the differnt styles together and textures she has placed all around.I was thinking this is what I am missing in my home.I need more baskets,fabrics and textures in my home.

Sometimes, it's not the "neutral" colors, but rather the fact that the room is monochromatic--there is a lack of strong color contrast, and that might be why it's soothing, regardless of what color it is.

For my eyes, strong color "contrast" equals visual chaos.

I would love to have a room completed like your example!

That is my favorite color scheme. I love white, I have lots of white sofas,very light wood tone floors, and color is brought by accessories which are also calming.
I have decorated my home like that, and would not consider painting my walls with any strong floors.

MB -- In case you still need to be convinced ,
here is a great article from Houzz: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks...utm_content=gallery7

And, another: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks...-Up-Neutral-Palettes

Thanks everyone!!! Aychihuahua, I really like this one:

You've got great taste, MB. That picture you show is a design from Mary Douglas Drysdale who is based in Washington, DC. When I was living in DC, she was a household name in interior design. Still is.

http://www.marydrysdale.com/

I love your two inspiration photos, very calming, serene and classy. And no, you are not wrong....you understand it perfectly.

quote:

Originally posted by aychihuahua:
You've got great taste, MB.

Great taste, but seldom the $ to back it up, lol

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mountainbeach,

For me, there is a big difference between beige and white.
Beige , I don't like at all. I guess browns are not my color. don't mind seeing them in accessories but not in walls or in furniture.