Our favourite cool neutral is fading from fashion. So what should we replace it with?
BY SIMONE PAGET
Interior design critics are calling the extensive use of grey and beige among the worst design trends of the last decade — but is white the latest shade to fade from glory? Designers say yes.
“Stark whites served their purpose for the last number of years. They performed their duty, acting as a reset for our homes and palette,” says Raubyn Rothschild, lead designer at Rothschild West. She explains that, like any trend, stark white has become overly saturated and monotonous. “When not done right, white spaces can feel austere or generic.”
After weathering the pandemic with our white walls and interiors, Rothschild says people are moving away from the overly sanitized esthetic and leaning into spaces that evoke warmer emotions. “This has translated to a shift to more nuanced neutrals and playing with textures,” she says.
Homeowners are leaning into earthy, layered palettes, with warm pinks, yellows and browns coming in hot to create inviting, cozy spaces that complement the natural environment.
“Being on the West Coast, we gravitate more towards organic interiors representative of the surrounding seascape, which has contributed to a push towards these warmer tones. Neutrals allow the beauty of our ocean vistas/views to become the focal point, introducing colour as the lighting shifts,” says Jenny Martin, founder and principal designer at Jenny Martin Designs.
While warmer tones are versatile, they also come with unique challenges. “For several years now we have been moving away from grey tones and embracing warmer neutrals, which can prove more difficult than you would hope on the West Coast! Just try to find warm pea gravel or exterior pavers, for example, and you will be directed back to grey,” says Rothschild.
However, she adds, “Where neutrals shine is their ability to layer effortlessly. They make for a personal mix of tone and texture that can be very soothing and beautiful, and they pair exceptionally well with many different wood tones and other natural elements, like stone.”
For those who are considering adding rich neutrals to warm up their space, here are a few things to consider.
Decide how you want to feel in your home.
Colour is powerful. The “neutral” moniker is in some ways misleading because even earthy tones can evoke specific feelings.
For example, a delicate terracotta pink can add a soft, nurturing touch to a space. “Yellows, on the other hand, can radiate energy and optimism, infusing spaces with a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. Browns bring a sense of earthiness and stability, grounding the room and promoting a feeling of security,” says Iván Meade, principal designer at Meade Design Group. When selecting neutrals, be clear on how you want to feel in your space and go from there.
Go with a bold print.
If you’re worried about neutrals making your space too subdued, Rothschild says, “Bold graphics or patterns done in neutral colours can be effective at energizing a space without a big commitment.” Think large-scale artwork or checkerboard patterns, which we’re seeing everywhere from tiles to rugs and duvet covers. “Is it a trend, and could it date? Sure, but if it’s done strategically, the longevity will be there and you will inject some very livable vibrancy into your space!” she says.
Get inspired by the West Coast.
If you’re unsure where to start, allow yourself to get inspired by the natural environment. Meade encourages people to create a base with warm wood floors. “Cedar perfectly combines with neutrals and warm tones that not just evoke the natural world, but they are creating a sense of calm and grounded atmosphere,” he says.
He then suggests layering in tones from nature, like taupes, greiges, sage greens, soft browns, red browns and even pastels. “These hues bring a unique ambience while maintaining a sense of calm and sophistication. They pair exceptionally well with organic materials such as wood, stone and rattan, cane, as well as warm metals like brass, oil-rubbed bronze and copper,” says Meade.
Take a tonal approach.
When in doubt, take a tonal approach. Choose a hue you like and use variations of it through different fabrics, tints, shades and textures. This strategy works for both contemporary and traditional homes, says Rothschild. “It’s a versatile way of approaching any range of colours within a space and is particularly livable with neutral tones,” she says.
Work with your existing white walls and décor.
If you are attached to your white walls, there are still ways to infuse your space with warmth. “We’d encourage them to introduce warmth through brass finishes, warmer woods and earthy tones in their furniture and décor selections,” says Martin.
Alternatively, wallpaper, throw pillows or curtains in a rich neutral shade can warm up a space without overpowering the white backdrop. “One of my favourite mixes is white and cream with hints of taupe,” says Meade. “It is sophisticated, yet refreshingly modern.”
Embrace natural textures.
You don’t need to completely overhaul your home to embrace the new neutrals. “If you’re someone who loves your white interior but just wants a little pick-me-up, then try introducing neutral tones via natural materials, like sisal rugs or a wood table or chairs,” says Rothschild. “It’s a way to add that warmth while maintaining a minimalist sensibility.”
You can also play around with neutrals by pairing different kinds of wood together. “Wood tones are neutrals, in my opinion, and can be mixed and layered,” says Rothschild.
Understand that neutrals aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Cozy neutrals are incredibly versatile but not every shade is going to be suitable for every space. As a result, Rothschild says, “You are seeing a very tailored, custom approach to neutrals because they are not as flexible to work with as whites. The lighting in the home, in each room, can drastically change how your eye reads the colour. What looks moody and has depth in one space can be drab or depressing in another,” she says.
Work with the space you have and be mindful of the mood you want to create.
Through the thoughtful layering of colours, textures and elements, you can create a space that’s balanced, harmonious and, most importantly, infused with personality.
