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Scheming with Color: The Neutral Zone

Published August 15th, 2008

Ah, the neutrals… the safe haven of color choices. Or at least that’s typically the school of thought- when in doubt, paint the walls white or “a nice earth-tone”. I know I’m coming off as negative right now, but I want to abolish this old way of thinking. The truth is, I love neutrals as much as I love a splash of color. A neutral backdrop can be just as dramatic, if not more so, because the room is treated as a blank canvas for you to “paint” with furniture and accessories. Yes, it’s a safe bet to go with a neutral as the dominant color, but it gives you more options for decor… meaning, everything under the sun!

This is where it can get a little tricky because I think people that pick neutrals (white, grays, “earth-tones” as in browns) typically can’t make up their mind, so resolve themselves to a neutral because its the go-to solution in the end. Kinda like waving the white paint-covered brush of surrender. No worries. There’s a lot to be said about neutrals and the freshness they provide.

White is classic, clean and pure. Brides wear white to show purity, doctors wear white coats to show cleanliness, a white picket fence is a symbol of security and comfort. White shows every speck of dirt and basically forces us to keep it clean. Its a great color to use if you want a fresh beginning because it encourages mental clarity and organization.

Something I personally struggle with is the idea that white walls make a room look bigger. I never really subscribed to this way of thinking because I’ve painted rooms darker and they appear bigger as well. To me, white simply makes things look as fresh and new as possible, which in turn makes you realize more possibilities with a space and psychologically makes it seem bigger and better.

Greys are such a popular color of choice right now, it would almost be appropriate to deem them the new white. What at one time was a depressing, dull color is now seen in nearly every design magazine I pick up and really has more life than ever. It now takes on a classic and sleek look that, while typically more conservative in choice, is beginning to branch out. Every value of grey, from dark graphites to silvery tones, is a great pick for a space, but a lot of this depends on the mood you would like to set. Check out some pictures below for examples.

Grey finishes are a great way to counter-balance an ample use of warm finishes, such as woods or warm colors. Using grey concrete or silvery metals gives a coolness and touch of the modern into these spaces. Black and dark grey accents can offer drama against a lighter color and will lend itself towards the Hollywood regency style.

Going towards the warmer side of neutrals, browns and tans, or earth-tones, are another classic choice in the world of neutrals. Associated with stability, wholesomeness, and reliability, it is a comfortable color that puts us at ease. There’s a depth and flexibility in this color family that makes it a popular choice for finishes in furniture and accessories. It is only natural that we reach for the natural finish (wood, organic materials)! But be careful not to overuse natural finishes in a space because it will appear flat and dimensionless. Check out the examples below on how to incorporate other elements into a space with earth-tones as the dominant color.

Choosing a neutral color for your accessories, in particular lamps and lampshades, is a great way to give you a classic look that will never be outdated. Check out some of our favorite neutral-colored murano lamps below (which will be anything but neutral in your space).