We get it–you love your neutrals. A well-designed neutral palette is timeless and, when done well, can feel unified, sophisticated, and comfortable. But just because neutrals are your sweet spot, doesn’t mean you should close the door on experimenting with color.

We’ve worked with many neutral-loyal clients over the years to incorporate elements of color throughout their space in ways that they would have never imagined enjoying this much. If you’re looking to breathe new life into your neutral-heavy space, try these tips for incorporating color.

Embrace color gradually

1) Start with neutral fabrics on upholstery

If your furniture is due for an update, consider reupholstering with neutral fabrics. This gives you a versatile canvas that pairs well with almost anything you might choose to add later. Neutral upholstery doesn’t mean just white or beige; think greys, soft blues, and warm earth tones that offer a hint of color but maintain a calming effect. These shades don’t overpower the senses and can seamlessly integrate with bolder accents should you choose to introduce them later.

2) Introduce Color Through Accessories

Accessories are a great low-commitment way to bring in color, and can completely transform the feeling of a room with minimal touches.

Art: Choose artwork with pops of color that can act as a focal point in a room. This could be anything from a serene landscape with greens and blues to a modern abstract piece with strokes of vibrant colors.
Pillows and Throws: Cushions and throws can be swapped with the seasons or changed on a whim. A neutral furniture piece can serve as a wide canvas for accessories throughout the year.
Rugs: A rug can define a space and also serve as a gentle introduction of color. Choose one that ties in with the hues of your artwork or cushions to create a cohesive look.
Lamps: Lampshades are often overlooked, but a lamp with a colorful base or a vibrant shade is one of our favorite ways to add a splash of color without overwhelming the space.

3) Accent with paint to take advantage of architectural elements

Paint is a powerful way to pull in color without requiring a ton of effort. Sure, repainting a full room can dramatically change the feel of your space, but think beyond a full-wall refresh as a way to add accents colors while still maintaining a neutral-focused look.

Paneled Walls and Wainscotting: If your home has architectural details like paneled walls or wainscotting, consider painting them an accent color. This adds depth and interest without the commitment of painting entire walls.
Back of Bookshelves: Painting the back panels of your bookshelves can create a surprising pop of color that enlivens your room without dominating it.
Moldings: Colored moldings can frame your space in an unexpected way, subtly breaking the monotony of a neutral scheme.

Choosing the right colors

We are all for the challenge of helping our neutral-loving clients discover a palette that feels just right for them. Color choice has just as much of an impact as where color is used, and finding the right balance of color for your space can take neutrals to new heights.

Opt for Muted Tones

Muted colors are a fantastic middle ground for those hesitant about bright hues. These are quieter cousins of bold colors, with stripped back saturation, but still retain character. Think pastel blues, sage greens, or soft lavenders. These hues can introduce a sense of calm and are generally easier to digest than their more saturated counterparts.

Play with Color Temperature

Color temperature can significantly affect the mood of a room. Warm colors, like hues of reds, oranges, and yellows, can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Cool colors, like blues, greens, and purples, tend to have a calming effect, making them ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. Prescribing to an 80/20 approach to color temperature, with neutral pieces with warm and cool undertones, can provide a subtle injection of color that’s visually interesting and balanced.

For example, decide whether you want a primarily warm or cool color scheme and undertones, and opt for 80% of pieces and design elements of one temperature and add accent elements of the opposite temperature to fill out the remaining 20%. It’s a nice way to stick to the simplicity of neutrals, while adding unobtrusive character.