5 Points Designers Use To Successfully Mix Color and Pattern Into A Neutral Decor
At Times A Neutral Decor Needs A Little Nudge
When a recent virtual design client told us she was bored with her “too neutral” design we asked if she would like to introduce color and pattern back into her decor? “Yes…but I have no idea where to start!” – al
Simply Neutral
An all neutral interior is attractive to most of us for the initial simplicity it portrays. Who hasn’t dreamed of strolling thru an international city, imagining themselves living in a “white box” with the charming city lurking outside the window. Alfresco dining and a midday espresso would be a part of our weeks. This type of decor is in my comfort zone with the exception of a few added brightly colored, textural art both Mr. LBD and I crave, scattered here and there.
Neutral American Interior Design Trends
“Help me! My room does not feel finished.” More and more, we are meeting with soon-to-be clients who have spent time and money to create a space that is not as they intended. The bedroom above has very nice components and yet we wonder if the small floral vase is the beginning of this owner always wanting just a little more in this design.
We also see beautifully designed kitchens of new clients who are asking us to “personalize” their space. Somehow in the current trends of too many of the same neutral colors and patterns repeated, our spaces have lost their souls. Our clients want them back!
Color and Pattern Is All Around Us
We’ve said it before, inspiration for our homes interior design can come from so many different avenues in our daily lives. The combination of texture, color and pattern is evident in nature, architecture, food and especially textiles.
- Start with a Light and a Dark Color Combination as a Foundation. Black and White, Brown and Ivory, Gray and Pearl
- Add Elements with Bold Color. For this example we’ll use Red, Orange, Yellow
- Choose Patterns in Odd Numbers. 1-3-5
- Next Select Tangible Items – “Feel” the Dimension
- Have Confidence. Start, don’t pull back and finish!
What Are The Best Colors And Patterns For Your Decor?
Ladies and gents, look to your closets! This is where you will discover the colors and patterns you’ll feel most comfortable incorporating into your decor. “Oh, but I like too many different things!” This is exactly the point. We don’t want to wear the same thing everyday. Our closets reflect our personality…our souls. Let’s look at our home’s interior design with the same idea.
We’d like to introduce you to three gals that have enough soul for all of us! Jodie’s Touch Of Style Blog
Hop over to their blog and learn more about the amazing relationship these women share. It did not take a nano second to look at these lovelies and immediately know how to advise our client. Mixing color and pattern wins everytime!
Hi! Kristen here. Jodie and her gang above are not the only ones who love mixing color and pattern. Let’s take a look at some similarity in the fashions below. Then let’s leap into the fun of showing how all these colors, patterns and textures can make neutral color palettes our new soul sister!
Interior Design Color, Pattern And Texture Infused
Let’s Play With A Neutral Decor
The stair case and entry in this home is so charming! But what if it’s a little too monochromatic for your taste? Or, what about the time after we take down the holiday decorations and things feel a tad empty? How about a spicy leopard runner in the hall and an artistic canvas in lieu of the mirror? All portable for total decor flexibility!
Thanks again to Jodie’s Touch Of Style for keeping our creative design juices flowing. You can also follow Jodie and her gang on Pinterest and Instagram . It is also so much fun to work with another blogger!
And just so the gents do not feel left out, how about a quick look at this guy who certainly has textures, color and pattern mixing mastered. See Andy on Instagram in the link below.
Follow StyleAfter50 On Instagram
For More Ideas About Adding Color To A Decor
I do think that the splash of color adds everything to a room! I know you see these neutral rooms in the magazines, but that’s just not me (and most of the people I know!!)
Thanks for having fun with us!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
That’s the beauty of design…we can all be unique. Personalized design, like fashion, works for all of us. Some days we have a white mode and other days we need color! We certainly did have some fun today…thanks for the idea.
We all have a neutral and a colorful side…that’s what so great about interior design and fashion…we can have it all! Thanks to you for the idea for these shared post today. Fun!
The touches of red especially add a marvellous warmth to the room. I’m sure I can take these principles and apply them to my wardrobe! Lxx
Of course you can and I’m sure you will look smashing in red!
I love this! I think so many people scroll thru Instagram and Pinterest and see room after room after room of all white, or all grey rooms and think they should have the same. Then they feel as you said, like it is missing something. A pop of color in art, flowers, pillows, etc is a great place to start. I personally love collected rooms filled with pieces from family or that you have found in your travels. I am old fashioned, I love the look of an English country house with comfy sofas, piles of books and treasures. I like to see the places I have been or the people that I have loved in the things in my house.
Thank you for your comment. We help our clients curate their homes to a comfort level they enjoy.
It is unbelievable what designers can reach with mix collurs and patterns into a neutral decor! Thanks a lot for sharing this fantastic post – as usual very inspirational.
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Thank you!