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- Our Top Tips for Neutral Schemes
Neutrals may be many things – delicate or intense, warm or cool, soothing or striking – but with our top tips for using neutral paint colours, they certainly needn’t be complicated. For the ultimate guide to combining your favourite Farrow & Ball neutrals, check out our sixNeutral Groups, but if it’s ideas and inspiration for your next space you’re after, you’ve come to the right place.
1. Keep it Simple
Certain spaces call for simplicity, so rather than introducing various shades of grey, white or beige into a single scheme, why not try an ultra-minimalist approach and stick to one hue? The lower the level of contrast between colours used in a room, the less straining the eye has to do when looking at the bigger picture, creating spaces that feel inherently restful. Take your cues from the light, brightWevetstudy above, or the soft, diffused feel of this living room with itsAsh Greywalls and trim
Soft Focus
Wevet No.273 in Estate Emulsion; Strong White No.2001 in Estate Eggshell
Grey Haven
Ash Grey No.W9andSnow White No.W1in Estate Emulsion
2. Warm It Up
Warm neutrals have always had a place in our hearts (and on our colour cards) but they’re having something of a moment right now. Delicate greige, soft taupe, or a more robust grey-brown are all great alternatives to grey. Our sandy neutral, Jitney, shares many of the same charms as cult shadeElephant’s Breath, pairing its soft allure and incredible versatility with an extra dose of warmth – try it with rich, darkTanner’s Brown.Orange Coloured Whiteis another excellent all-rounder, especially paired withSnow Whiteon trim to create an inviting feel.
Golden Hour
Jitney No.293andSkimming Stone No.241in Estate Emulsion;Tanner’s Brown No.255in Estate Eggshell
Peachy Keen
Orange Coloured White No.W5in Estate Emulsion
3. Add an Accent
Few things bring out the best in a neutral scheme like a single, striking pop of colour. Rather than pulling the focus away from a carefully considered neutral wall colour, a flash of something bold adds balance, structure and personality. In thePavilion Graykitchen above, a ceiling-height alcove painted inCalaminehighlights well-loved pottery pieces, bringing in a personal touch without disrupting the flow of the room, while the Full GlossArsenicdoors of thisWevet-painted kitchen make a real statement.
Hint of Pink
Pavilion Gray No.242andCalamine No.230in Modern Emulsion;Pavilion Gray No.242in Estate Eggshell
Glorious Gloss
Wevet No.273in Modern Emulsion;Arsenic No.214in Full Gloss
4. Be Adventurous
When we think of neutrals, we often think of the lighter end of the spectrum – the ivories, beiges, off-whites, taupes and pale greys. But there’s a lot to be gained from jumping in at the deep end, too. We’re thinking intense dark greys and just-off-blacks that, rather than feeling claustrophobic, can blur the boundaries of a room, creating instant depth and a cocooning feel. Try paring dark shades with a white of equal intensity for a carefully considered look.
Teen Escape
Down Pipe No.26in Modern Emulsion
Modern Monochrome
Pitch Black No.256andAll White No.2005in Modern Emulsion
