Designing with Neutrals

Why we love neutrals | Neutral Home Interior

We are aware that everyone has their own taste when it comes to their homes feel, design choice and their homes color scheme. Choices can range from an array of neutrals to the boldest of hues. And we cannot deny the power of color and character in a home, but there are many reasons why neutral color schemes are taking on a whole new life.

 Perhaps you've had daydreams of coming home from a long day of work to relax in your calm minimalist cozy home. Somewhere you can wash away the weight of the outside world. Well, a neutral home can help do just that! It’s rather simple, neutral colors are much easier on the eyes. They are visually pleasing because they do not fire up neurons in your brain. In contrast, when we tend to think about a color such as red... It's a strong color that makes you feel alive, energetic and maybe even bold. However, on the other hand, it can be rather exhausting to see too much red. Right?

Simple, clean lines teamed with natural, soft hues, interesting textures, lots of natural light and organic elements all combine to create a warm and inviting space. A neutral home palette, creates a calm and tranquil atmosphere. Which can be a great escape from the hectic outside world. These tones do not compete with each other, they go hand and hand. Which is easier on the eyes creating a cozy, inviting space.

Cool neutrals such as light shades of blue or gray are particularly known for their ability to create a soothing effect. Aside from the soothing and coziness effect of neutrals in the home, we also love how easily it is to incorporate changing seasons, trends that may come, pops of color and holiday decor.

What’s In

Curved shapes, textures, and nature inspired interiors + lots of greenery are all trends named by top interior designers! Many believe we're going to see a return of earthy browns from cognac to burnt umber in homes. Specifically, chocolate browns, camels and caramels, displayed in fabrics + furniture like leather. 

Designers are also seeing a rise in nature inspired surfaces and accents, think lots of cozy textures such as marble, terracotta, ceramics. Anything that feels warm, welcoming and cozy.

Less Is Better

Less is better in most aspects of life, as we continue to focus on what really matters during life post pandemic. What goes on in the outside world directly reflects in our home. 

With the push to escape the chaos of the outside world. People are wanting to simplify all aspects of their lives, including their home. This can come in many forms all the way from ditching the clutter to shifting their design scheme of their home to more of neutral palette. Which leads me to... a new very popular design trend by the name of, Organic Modern style. This is a new design trend that we are seeing and people are raving! Why is everyone loving it? This design style is timeless, harmonizing both minimalism with nature's beauty. This design duo marries warm neutral tones, textures and natural materials. Creating the ultimate peaceful escape. 

Creating Contrast

Yes, even neutral color schemes need a little contrast, it is important to create this because you do not want your space to lack life. Avoid only sticking to light neutrals such as ivories, light grays and beige. Incorporating depth and texture is very important to the harmony of your home. Adding in pops of black, browns and darker grays can all achieve this. This creates layers of color and warmth into your home, making it feel cohesive and not boring.

Kitchens 

The biggest shift we’re seeing in kitchen spaces lately, is organic modern kitchens. If done correctly these kitchens will be timeless. Long gone are the all-white stale, lifeless kitchen trends. People are craving cozy homes, and well, the kitchen is the heart of the home!  Interior designers are seeing wood and warmth come back into the space. Think warm natural woods, mixing of textures and airy earthy colors. All adding coziness and warmth to the space. Which creates a much-desired welcoming environment.

As for kitchen cabinet colors, we are seeing an array of neutral earth tones. Including natural cream cabinets, off whites, natural wood, oak, beige, black and even some greens. Cabinets are being paired with open wood shelving and beautiful organic stones and tiles. Think marble and beautiful quartz. With touches of black and gold in the hardware, finishing touches and light fixtures. To keep the space looking updated but yet timeless. Giving you all the flexibility to incorporate your own touches.

Nature-Inspired Surfaces

With people looking to bring magic into their lives after a couple of tough years, we see earth's magical calming abilities, taking center stage. I believe in some way we’re all seeking calmness and the pull to strengthen our connection with the outdoors. This has undoubtedly inspired more natural surfaces and greenery to be seen in our homes.  Imagine stoneware, terracotta, marble, earthy neutral toned colors and travertine being used across the board. 

We’re seeing this from backsplashes to bathtubs and even in our decorative objects. The raw, imperfect nature of these organic materials adds depth, uniqueness, and warmth to any space. All while giving off a calming ambiance of the nature. Which pairs immensely with a neutral home color palette.

Textiles and Textures

Textures and patterns are a wonderful way to add depth to our spaces. One of the essential fabric trends, much like mentioned above, we’re looking into neutrals, simplicity, nature and the outdoors. The more we tend to appreciate nature, the more our creativity towards natural products increases. This overflows into the interior design world, as we’re seeing a demand in plant based and raw materials such as flax, hand-woven leathers, linen blends and hemp. 

These fabrics and materials go seamlessly with the natural neutral home trend. Raw color palettes naturally infused with warmth and coziness of groups of beiges, earthy greens, whites, and browns.  Incorporating these textures into your home can be easy. You can add them into your home by adding pillows, woven baskets, soft cozy blankets, rugs and bedding.

Now you know why we, as Interior Designers, love using a neutral color palette. Overall, designing with neutrals is win in every space.