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Spring decorating: Neutrals
Long gone are the old-fashioned beige homeware collections – in their place are stunning shades of mocha, stone and chocolate. This sophisticated twist to the popular grey palette ensures that neutrals are here to stay.
The trend for simple pared-back interiors can be seen everywhere – unbleached linens are in abundance at a number of stores, including the Berkeley Square collection at Laura Ashley and the Modern Utility range at John Lewis. Texture is key to getting a neutral room scheme on-trend – use wool fabrics, with linens, pure white furniture and scrubbed wood accessories. It is a look that suits every home, from a Georgian townhouse to a 1960s semi-detached house.
The new neutrals
1 Sherwood dining table, £1,000; Sherwood bench, £450; bench cover made in Corby Amethyst fabric, price on application; Robin multi-shade pendant, £150, all Laura Ashley.
2 Timber shutters with frosted acrylic blades, from £640 per m², Santa Fe Shutters.
3 Perfect for feature walls, this Black Wrought Iron panel wallpaper by Young and Battaglia is printed onto fabric backed textured paper; the panels measure (W)50x(L)250cm, £70, Rockett St George.
4 Jab’s Soho range takes inspiration from the colours and materials of nature. Earthy browns, sands and creams form a palette of over 80 colourways. Pictured is New Zealand wool carpet, £39.40 per m².
5 Starley wardrobe, (H)200x(W)120x (D)60cm, made from walnut, £1,099, from the Conran Exclusive Design range at Marks & Spencer.
6 Carl Hensen CH25 oak frame chair, designed by Hans J Wegner, (H)73x(W)71x(D)73cm, £1,975, The Conran Shop.
7 Wheatgrass Neutrals Matt Emulsion (left), Smoky Mist Neutrals Matt Emulsion (right). Both £16.98 for 2.5 litres, Crown Paints.
8 Beige marble split face mosaic tile (left), (W)30x(L)30cm, £15 per m². Travertine honed beige tile (right), (W)30x(L)30cm, £69.77 per m², both Topps Tiles.
9 Newport bedlinen, made from 100 per cent brushed cotton, double duvet cover, £55; standard pillowcase, £12; all Peacock Blue.
Neutrals: Get the lookUsing a mix of textures is the easiest way to add interest and cosiness to a neutral scheme. Search out touchy-feely velvets, knitted fabrics and flock accessories. Team with wallpapers with a stripe or geometric design, and plain fabrics in shades of chalk, slate grey, oyster and camel. Keep flooring simple with wood or seagrass. If you want to retain your dark flooring, just add a pale rug to tie into your new scheme. While the neutral trend is all about celebrating the beauty of natural materials, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room to indulge in a few more vibrant pieces, such as a statement pendant light. |
More spring decorating advice...Add a splash of summer with bold citrus colours...Use teal and turquoise for a fresh and sophisticated feel...Use soft pastels for a timeless summer feel... |
FEATURE SALLY GILLAM
All prices and stockists correct at time of publishing
Featured in the February 2012 issue of Real Homes
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