Ring the changes with new neutrals

Ring the changes with new neutrals

While classic off-whites, putties and sand tones are deeply associated with the concept of neutral decorating, that's only part of the story. Step forward a clutch of purposeful hues, from pinky-brown to anchoring blue and grounding green - all essential in the colour arsenal when it comes to creating a restful canvas that still carries a little punch.
 
These new classics are a great way to decorate with flair while still incorporating understatement. The key is to use them confidently, taking in fitted joinery, architectural features and woodwork, for an elegant, intentional look.

Form and flair

 
Many of us still associate understated schemes with pale tones, but it's also the case that darker colours make effective neutrals, whether that's through creating powerful accents with moss green painted stair risers and spindles, choosing a wine finish for tongue-and-groove woodwork, or a smart navy or powder blue on kitchen cabinetry.
 

(LEFT IMAGE) Woodwork, Panelling and Drawers: Forest Green 2047-10.
Walls and Window Trim: White Dove OC-17. Right Cabinets: Hollingsworth Green HC-141

(RIGHT IMAGE) Wall: Chestertown Buff HC-9. Bench: Gray Cashmere 2138-60.
Door, Panelling and Woodwork: Atrium White OC-145

The same goes for monochrome schemes - white walls complemented by off-black window frames and sills creates an immediately grounding feel, with light airy walls thrown into relief - and given a more contemporary twist - by moodier tones.

Think of a darker neutral as a canvas designed to highlight furniture, finishes and pattern. For example, alcove joinery painted in forest green, along with skirtings and trims, does an excellent job of grounding a vibrant floral wallpaper that carries the same green tones. Redolent of nature, deeper walls like this have the same effect as a forest showcasing colourful fauna, serving to almost disappear into the background without being insipid.

A considered use of mid-to-dark greens, blues and burgundies applied in an all-over approach can also work well. Deep blues for libraries and snugs create a cloak-like feeling of containment and security.

Key is to consider a room's orientation as well as its architectural features. North or east-facing spaces that don't receive much natural light benefit from blues with warm undertones, while cooler notes can be used in south or west facing schemes. Ceiling height, mouldings and the placement of windows will all impact how a dark neutral appears in a scheme. A room with higher ceilings will have more capacity to handle these shades without feeling too heavy.

Playing with finishes will subtly change the atmosphere of a scheme, too.

For example, powder blue in a lacquered finish looks exceptionally striking on fitted joinery, especially study or sitting room bookshelves. Add an extra level of detailing by treating cornicing and ceiling to the same colour for a luxurious feel. To lift the look of darker neutrals, pay attention to fixtures and handleware. These tones pair well with antique golds and brass, while mid-colour neutrals suit aged silver or a pewter finish.
 

Wines and browns also offer a softly modern edge. For a contemporary take, try plaster-hued walls with joinery finished in burgundy. These tones offer a softening canvas that works well paired with simple, graphic furniture shapes and textured neutral upholstery for a modern, unfussy look.

Colour wash

The ultimate -new neutrals', plaster pink and soft blush, rose or terracotta offer a warmer alternative to traditional barely-there colours such as sand or beige hues, because of their soft yellow pigments. These tones are both forgiving and flattering and work beautifully as an all-over finish in living rooms or bedrooms (bolder pinks can look sugary due to their blue undertones, so choose a warm-based pink for a fresh, contemporary feel).

One-tone canvases are both peaceful and restorative, and can provide a mellow counterpoint to original features such as exposed eaves or ceiling mouldings.
 
Bear in mind that tone and texture go hand-in-hand: the most successful single colour interiors combine movement and depth with tactile pieces to create an interesting narrative.

Build up layers to avoid a flat effect, pairing pink-toned walls with a boucl- sofa, a simple oak dining table, weathered wood pieces or rattan elements for added tactility. Knocked back sunshine tones also are also part of the new neutral family - instead of vanilla or buttermilk hues, turn to mustard or lemon.

These mid-hued yellows are powerful enough to be noticed but understated enough to act as a sophisticated backdrop. Use them for bookshelves, joinery in laundry rooms, boot rooms and cloakrooms, paired with crisp white for a fresh, modern feel.

A good rule for new neutral decorating is to take a favourite colour and opt for its knocked back version - burgundy instead of bright red; mustard instead of sunshine yellow; forest green instead of emerald and navy in favour of electric blue. Use these for the bones of your scheme, and you'll have a backdrop that is both considered and classic.