Neutrals are a go to favourite thanks to their amazing versatility and flexibility in making a space look classic, elegant, contemporary or cosy. They are easy to live with and have the ability to create a relaxed, calm and serene environment. The right neutral will provide the perfect canvas for all your furnishings and things you love.

What is a Neutral Colour

Neutrals consist of colours not included in the colour wheel (non-colours), purists will say they include white, grey and black. However in interior decorating neutrals have a wider definition and include a wider range of colours. These include natural earthy shades of brown, taupe and beige. Many neutrals have undertones of other colours like red, blue or green, making the range even bigger.

Neutrals lend themselves perfectly to a monochromatic harmony – a harmony created by varying tints and shades of the same colour. The key to achieving a beautiful neutral interior is texture and contrast. Fabrics may have a similar tone but texture will differentiate them in how the light is reflected. The introduction of pattern and metallic’s will also add interest.

Regarded as the safe choice, neutrals often get a bad rap for being boring. This could be because finding a neutral that’s just right is not easy, and when the right one is found some stick to it for life. I have had clients tell me that they painted their home 10 years ago with a colour; “Cream of Mushroom” for example, and that when they decide to paint again they will choose the exact same colour. That’s fine so long as the neutral colour you choose enhances and balances your space and does not take over it.

Neutrals are often split into two types; warm neutrals such as brown, tan and beige, and cool neutrals like white, silver and grey. Here are some examples of not so boring neutral paint colours.

Plascon Dried Leaf EC 25 – Soft Off White

Plascon Plaster EC 61 –  Cool Off White

Plascon Aluminum Snow EC 45 – Grey

Plascon Off Shore EC 50 – Grey

Plascon In the Mood O6-E2-3 – Warm Neutral

Daphne’s Dream Y1-E2-3 – Warm Neutral

Plascon Black Bean EC 71

Lighting plays a huge part in how the colour looks in a space. For example, your beige might have an undertone of pink or yellow which shows up in certain light conditions. Be sure to check the paint swatch and test the colour in your space, before rushing out and buying a paint colour you see surfing the web or in a magazine.

Have a wonderful week x