A Pop Of Neutral: Veronica's Myth-Busting Truth About Decorating With Neutrals

Neutral Living Room Designed by Veronica Solomon. Photography by Colleen Scott

No doubt you've heard the decorating term "a pop of color". What about 'a pop of neutral?" Not so much? As many of you may know, I am the queen of color, so I have used the term "a pop of color" more than my fair share of times. It is used so much so, that there is a popular myth making its rounds, that a neutral space is flat and boring. I am a color lover at heart, but I am here to tell you that neutral spaces can be just as dynamic and interesting as a space with color. It just takes a keen eye, and lots of layering to make it so.

Neutral Living Room Designed by Veronica Solomon | Casa Vilora Interiors | Photographed by Colleen Scott Photography

A great example of this truth is a space that the Casa Vilora Interiors team completed back in May 2018. This was our third project with these clients, and each project before was full of exciting color. The new home called for a more neutral palette in the main areas, and our usual burst of color in the more private areas. Our clients trusted us to create an interesting and dynamic space that would satisfy their color-loving hearts. I think we pulled it off!

The dark wood flooring and large entertainment unit remained the same at the request of the client, so we knew that we had to layer in various shades of neutrals, from medium to light tones, and add an accent of a tan/orangey color while still remaining in the neutral color family.

Neutral Living Room Designed by Veronica Solomon, Casa Vilora Interiors. Photographed by Colleen Scott

To add interest to the space, we brought in lots of textures and patterns through the antelope rug, the grasscloth wallpaper in the wall niches, pillows, the fringe leather ottomans, and the pom-pom tree in the corner - which also brought in a touch of nature.

Neutral Living Room Designed by Veronica Solomon. Photographed by Colleen Scott

We also kept the draperies in a neutral palette but added a color blocking technique to pull the eye up, and to add some interest and a custom feel.

We also layered in accents like pillows, books, greenery, and accessories to give the room some personality. The gold accents used throughout dresses up the space and juxtapose quite well with some of the more rustic accents. These are the things that make a neutral space come to life; the delicate balance between different elements.

Neutral Living Room by Veronica Solomon | Casa Vilora Interiors | Photography by Colleen Scott

When considering a neutral color palette, realize that every color has a neutral tone. Here you see the tan stools underneath this rustic console. Tan is a neutral version of orange. Same for the blue book that the gold horse rests on top of. It is a deep navy that reads neutral in the space. That is one major trick to creating a well layered neutral space. It does not have to be all beige and brown. Find the most neutral version of an accent color, and sprinkle it throughout.

Neutral Living Room by Veronica Solomon | Casa Vilora Interiors | Photography by Colleen Scott

You can see that this neutral living room is anything but bland and boring. A lot of layering and a careful mix of design elements made it a beautiful and comfortable space that our clients love.

Some takeaways:

1- Bring in lots of textures

2- Bring in a dynamic pattern mix while still using neutral colors

3- Bring in nature through greenery and floral

4- Add a bit of color by choosing the most neutral version of the color accent

5- Juxtapose elements - dark and light; shiny and rustic; rough and soft.

6- Bring in various neutral tones - dark floors with light upholstery

7- Keep the view and the volume of the space in mind

Neutral Living Room by Veronica Solomon | Casa Vilora Interiors | Photography by Colleen Scott

So are you thinking that you can switch to team neutral, or are you thinking "gimme more color"? Either way, we've got you covered.

Neutral Living Room by Veronica Solomon | Casa Vilora Interiors | Photography by Colleen Scott

Neutral Living Room by Veronica Solomon | Casa Vilora Interiors | Photography by Colleen Scott

So, the next time you hear someone say that neutral spaces are bland and boring, let them know it's all a myth. Some rooms call for a pop of neutral.

We would love to help you create the perfect space in your home. Book a consultation today!

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