Our Top Tips for Decorating with Neutral Paint Colours

What is a Neutral Colour? 

A neutral is a muted colour that is low in saturation and vibrancy. Visually quiet and subtle, neutrals work well as background colours that complement rather than compete with other colours in the space. They can be complex in tone as they typically feature subtle coloured undertones that affect the temperature of the colour and how it appears in different lighting. Whether you prefer the soft warmth of creams and whites or the cocooning depth of anthracite, there is sure to be a neutral scheme perfectly suited to you and your home. 

Why are Neutrals So Popular? 

Subtle and sophisticated, neutral paint colours have become a highly popular choice in recent years. Their muted nature means that they foster a sense of calm that works excellently in home interiors. 

The adaptability of neutrals is another key factor in their appeal, as they work well with a broad spectrum of colours. Their timelessness ensures that they will provide a suitable backdrop for any decorating style, making them highly adaptable to ever-changing trends. 

Neutral colours are a great foundation to build your home design on. They can be easily layered with stronger colours, allowing other features in the room (e.g. artwork, furnishings, architectural features etc.) to really shine. 

Our Top Tips for Working with Neutrals

Lighting & Aspect

The direction the room faces and the amount of natural and artificial light it receives can significantly impact how colour appears. For example, the light in a north-facing room may have a cooler quality than that of a south-facing room. Rooms with cooler light can benefit from a neutral with a warming undertone (e.g. red, yellow) Whereas a cooler undertone (e.g. blue, grey) would work beautifully in a space with warmer light. 

Incorporate Colour Pops

Adding pops of colour can provide visual interest throughout the room. This can be done by painting an accent wall, installing colourful painted wall panelling, or by hanging a vibrant wallpaper. Alternatively, introduce splashes of colour through carefully curated artwork, accessories, soft furnishings, and furniture. 

Texture

Evelyn Wheatley Curran, a seasoned Colour Consultant in Galway, emphasizes the importance of texture when working with neutrals. She advises “Think in terms of hard and soft, rough and smooth, shiny and matt. Some ways to add textural interest include wood, metal, and glass. Consider the types of textiles you use too, for example linen, velvet, cushions, rugs, etc.”

Don't Just Limit Colour to the Walls 

If you want to try something new and different, why not experiment with ‘Colour Drenching’? This technique refers to painting the walls and trim in the same colour, creating an elegant and cohesive effect.. You could also try incorporating colour onto the ceiling, aka the oft-forgotten ‘fifth wall’. 

Recommended Neutral Colour Palettes

Evelyn Wheatley-Curran, a Colour Consultant in our Galway store suggests “When decorating with neutrals, using tints, tones and shades of a single colour can give a space a designer look.” Whether you’re decorating a whole house or a single room, these palettes are sure to look sleek and stylish: 

• A green-tinged palette made up of Perfect Light, Sea Grass, Olive Leaf, Bookworm by Ralston 
• A soothing white scheme comprising School House White, Shadow White, Shaded White & Drop Cloth from Farrow & Ball
• A cool Scandi-inspired palette including Chiltern White, Romney Wool, Quartz Grey, Pebble Grey from Dulux Heritage.