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Are Pale + Neutral Paint Color Schemes Still Interesting?
By: Decorated Life Team
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Is Pale Still Interesting?
Pale or neutral paint color schemes are very popular, particularly if you want your walls to be a backdrop and not the main feature. You would think rooms in neutral or pale colors they would be easy to decorate. But too many neutral paint color swatches can start to blur until you can’t tell if its a beige, gray or yellow pale or neutral undertone you are looking at.
Use these ideas to transition from one season to another and keep your rooms looking fresh, modern and in the right season!
Its Not Only About Being Neutral
The aim is to create interesting rooms – pale rooms needs a little help so they don’t look monotone.
That could mean:
- using pops of contrasting or strong accent colors to help define the room,
- work out if contrasting cool or warm colors look best with your neutral scheme,
- making the most of an architectural feature as a focal or feature for your room,
- adding an architectural feature if none exists,or
- layering textures into the room to help define the space.
The simple addition of a strong contrasting colors or making the most of a fireplace or a chandelier, as a focal point, can make all the difference to a room, and help you decide what else you need to add or subtract to your rooms to make them sing and not sag from one season to another.
Traditional Neutral Colors
Traditional neutrals have gray-green undertones. They are work well in both traditional and modern, minimalist decor. They add softness; which feels familiar and yet classic. Details such as these dark gray blinds and matching fireplace are striking. The red throw and warm leather chair and stool add warmth; without them the room would feel flat.
Contemporary Neutrals
Contemporary pale neutrals have an urban feel. They might look like a standard gray but underlying lilac undertones add warmth, making rooms feel cozy even if minimalist and almost empty. Creating a simple color scheme from gray and white looks elegant and rich when fabric textures are used to create a layered focal point; becoming part of the color scheme.
Gray walls are very striking and dark gray, charcoal walls, like these below, need a certain amount of ‘pale’ to look their best.
Without a little pale, dark colors can become oppressive and make rooms feel small. Pale or neutral colors not only add some light but contrast.
Architectural Neutrals
These are very cool neutrals, with a blue undertone for a hard edged to city or minimal look.
Neutral Gray
Gray remains a very strong trend because it has a comforting look like the very popular Scandinavian decorating styles. They are understated, easy to live with and to decorate.
Warm Neutrals
Using red or lilac base creates very warm neutral schemes. These neutrals work in traditional and modern contemporary homes and look great when combined with stone or leather in modern homes of today.
Neutral Blue
Consider milkier shades of pale found on faded European walls, like chalk paint, that have a soft hue. A touch of blue with lavender in it creates a beautiful gray that is very easy to live with. Add accents of black, white, or rich leather or wood for more contemporary looks. Use yellow or orange for traditional looks.
Use neutrals with classic elements that make you feel good.
Neutral Whites
White is either obsessed over or totally taken for granted, but it remains a powerful design color. White attic bedroom above are beautifully balanced with warm wood stools and bench and charcoal accents. The attic bedroom below is calming and serene adding country elements.
Whether white is your wall color or accent color as a neutral color it has stood the test of time by adding or subtracting other colors,textures or features.
Yellow Neutrals
Yellow neutrals are often the simplest but prettiest of all neutral colors. Their creamy undertones work well in country, English and French decor for a hint of sunlight anytime of the year. Accents of black make it look sophisticated as well as special.
Neutrals are wonderful to work with and live with and that is why they are still so popular, practical and sought after.