If You’re Not Getting Along With Neutrals, Then You Might Be Making These Decor Mistakes

Experts often state that neutrals are the secret to a sleek, striking home with lasting power. After all, styles like minimalism are some of our longest-standing home interior favorites, while easy-going neutrals like a good shade of magnolia can certainly ensure a home that’s difficult to hate. But, what if you’ve gone down this route, and find that neutrals simply aren’t working for you?

You wouldn’t be alone. Plenty of homeowners struggle to get into the swing of what neutrals have to offer. But, this might not be a sign to completely redecorate just yet. After all, even the most cottage-core maximalists can fall in love with neutrals. You just need to avoid a few fatal mistakes on your quest.

Neutrals certainly have the capacity to be a little bland, but they shouldn’t be if you position and style them just right. So, if you’re struggling right now, why not ask yourself whether the following decor mistakes might actually be to blame?

# 1 – The Curse of One-Note Neutrals

Neutrals might seem fairly limited on the surface, but did you know that there are actually an unlimited number of neutral shades to play with? With that being the case, you definitely don’t want to make the mistake of sticking too closely to one neutral base note.

Instead, making neutrals work is all about playing around with shade and tone. For instance, all neutrals have a different undertone, from cool blues to warmer reds or yellows. Even white comes in slightly different shades! Choosing your tones carefully based on everything from the use of your rooms to the amount of natural light in that space is guaranteed to set you on the right footing.

Designers also recommend incorporating varied hues of your chosen neutral within each room to keep your home up to date. For instance, warm neutral furniture can work well with cooler-toned walls. These efforts may seem small, but they add much-needed subtle contrast, and it’s not overly surprising that your room feels a little flat if you’re lacking this right now!

# 2 – Keeping Your Walls Bare

Neutrals might be all about stripping back to basics and keeping things slick and clean, but that doesn’t negate the fact that a house filled with blank neutral walls will end up feeling a little lifeless. If you’re making this mistake right now, then rest easy – it’s a simple enough problem to address.

You simply want to think about different ways you can break those bare neutral wall spaces up a little. Adding colorful art prints is undeniably the best way to do this, especially if you opt for large prints that add interest to a sizable amount of wall space. Entire gallery walls are also now synonymous with minimalist neutral styling, and they’re much-loved for the interest they can add.

If you don’t fancy prints, mirrors, wall hangings, and even well-positioned shelving can have a similar impact. The key is to make sure that you add at least some detail to the most prominent neutral walls in each room. This avoids that airy, empty feeling and ensures interest, variety, and neutrals that never look boring.

# 3 – Foregoing Color Altogether

Too often, homeowners assume that a neutral color scheme means skipping colorful elements altogether, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While it might be surprising, color is actually essential to ensuring that neutrals look good. You just need to get creative with how you’re using it.

Perhaps the most obvious example of neutral/color combinations comes from the iconic feature wall. This decor style involves choosing the most prominent wall in your room, and painting that wall a bold color to pop in an otherwise neutral space. This can be a great option if you make sure to pair that color with your existing neutral tones (remember those warm and cool variations), but it can also be a little off-kilter with a more minimalist style.

And this isn’t the only way to use color alongside your neutrals. Additions like colorful furniture, textiles, and rugs can also go a long way to adding much-needed contrast, interest, and variation in even an entirely neutral room. Great colors to pair with your neutral walls may especially include royal blues, neon pinks, and rich greens.

# 4 – Not adding Natural Materials

You don’t necessarily need to add natural materials to a neutral decor scheme, but it definitely can’t hurt. This is especially the case if you want to steer clear of bold colors, as natural elements like deep, textured woods and earthy tones provide a far subtler opportunity to add the interest you’re looking for.

Obviously, natural materials work best within your furnishings, with additions like raw wood tables and natural wood flooring guaranteed to look great. The rich, green depth of well-selected houseplants can also prove transformative, and should include everything from houseplants at floor level, to trailing plants on your shelves.

# 5 – A General Lack of Texture

Neutrals might be a subtle color choice, but a complete lack of texture in your rooms isn’t going to look good. That’s why you should always make sure that you’re piling plenty of texture into neutral spaces.

Pairing texture with color can be especially effective for lifting a neutral room, but even textured variations on a neutral shade can be effective, and could include fluffy rugs, cushions, and even simple sofa throws.

Other furnishings, like well-chosen curtains or blinds, can also add some much-needed texture, which, when paired with other neutral shades or colors around the room, will ensure a cohesive, striking space.

Conclusion

Neutrals aren’t a naturally bland option. In fact, their lasting power is largely down to their versatility, and the ability to style them in any way you like. If you’re not getting along with neutrals right now, then why not consider reversing these mistakes to see how your rooms change? You might just find that you can get along with neutrals after all!