Neutral News.
I am currently working with a client who, generally speaking, prefers living in spaces that are neutral in value rather than colorful. She prefers neutral colors because she says they make her feel relaxed and help create a casual environment. True, neutrals can certainly offer those qualities. And, if I’m being honest, I prefer a neutral palette to one based in strong color. She and I do have that as common ground.
The Challenge.
At our first meeting she spoke of her dilemma. She thought her current space had become boring…there was no additional color that offered any visual interest or helped direct focus to different places in the room. She explained that she loved many shades of green and rich deep yellow tones…from evergreen to marigold. She knew that she wanted a touch of these colors throughout her interior, it was my job to make sure they did not overwhelm the space.
Scheming it up with…
Schumacher: Cymbeline Charcoal and Gold
Carlisle: Empirium Collection; Biscayne with heavy cerusing
Fiberworks: Alps Collection; Hazy Trail
Walker Zanger: Studio Modern; Claremont with Thassos & Steel
Artistic Tile: Brass liner
Holland & Sherry: Winter Road hide
Rosemary Hallgarten: Wool Pique in Dijon
Colefax & Fowler: Fen in Pale Grey
Cowtan & Tout: Pavillion wide braid trim
Jerry Pair: Moo La La in Glimmer Grey
The Concept.
To create the space that my client wanted, I had to find a component in each space…. A bed, chair or pillow…. A place to add a pop of color that made sense to the whole, but still allowed each space to be unique. I didn’t want to be repetitious with ideas…each room needed a singular focus. The color had to be the correct value, but not overpower.
The Remedy.
Early in my career, I worked with a designer who referred to this as working with “enhanced neutrals”. I loved that idea and employ it quite often. To establish the structure of the palette, neutral tones are selected. Then, a color will be added to stretch the palette. This creates interest and provides depth. But, most importantly, it allows the neutral tones to keep the space serene and quiet. The color choice, and its placement, are purposeful and bring clarity to the design. For me, that resonates strongly…
The Look.
In the room schemes shown, the fabrics and hard surfaces keep
neutral tones in the forefront of the design, while creating visual interest along the way….
Scheming it up with…
Cowtan & Tout: Mecox in Slate
Holland & Sherry: Hide
Gregorious Pineo: Fine Hemp Wallcovering in Hemp Olive
Anne Kirk Textiles: Nomad Lamb Boucle
Holland & Sherry: Mad Hatter in Chocolate
Fireclay: Magnolia with Black Patine
Samuel & Sons: Flanders tape
Walker Zanger: Stardust Midnight