Here our experts from within the Apollo Blinds franchise network answer frequently asked questions about styling a home with neutral colours.
How would you define neutrals?
In interior design, neutrals refer to colours that are subtle and understated, typically including shades of white, beige, grey, and taupe.
More recently, grey became the ‘neutral’ to have – largely due to explosion of #Instagramhomes and influencers like Mrs Hinch applying this look throughout their homes, alongside mirrored furniture and a very clean, full neutral look.
A popular new neutral is cashmere which looks fantastic in all types of window coverings from Roman Blinds to Twilight Blinds. I’d say that beige and cashmere have now taken over from grey as the preferred neutral in 2024.
Would you say that neutrals go with everything?
Neutrals have always been popular colour in interiors because it’s often thought that they ‘go with everything’.
I wouldn’t say that neutrals go with absolutely everything; while they are considered as an easy set of colours to work with thoughtful consideration and planning are still necessary to ensure a cohesive and harmonious look. The specific shade of neutral chosen can influence how well it pairs with other colours and materials.
How do you recommend using neutrals in interiors?
Neutrals are often considered as a versatile ‘foundation’ for a space, allowing other colours and elements to stand out while promoting a sense of balance and harmony. They are often used to create a calming and timeless aesthetic in a room. For those who love a minimalist look, or opt for a scandi style of décor, using neutrals is about mixing whites and light shades with natural woods and white washed floors.
Overall, neutrals are highly adaptable though and can enhance many different design schemes, but colours I would avoid would be reds and certain oranges.
I love neutrals with black and charcoals for a sophisticated look.
Shades of white, such as pure white, off-white, and ivory, are often considered the most versatile neutrals because they have a clean, crisp appearance and can complement a wide range of colours and design styles.
Additionally, light shades of grey and beige are also highly adaptable and can serve as excellent neutral foundations in interior design.
Do you have any advice on how to avoid making design mistakes when decorating a home with neutrals?
Neutrals can have different undertones, such as warm (yellow or red undertones) or cool (blue or green undertones). Mixing neutrals with conflicting undertones can create visual discordance and an unbalanced look.
Pairing neutrals with extremely bold or vibrant colours can sometimes result in a jarring effect rather than a cohesive design. It’s important to balance neutrals with complementary colours or use them as accents to prevent overwhelming the space.
In spaces with inadequate natural or artificial lighting, certain neutrals may appear dull or flat, impacting the overall ambiance of the room. It’s essential to consider lighting conditions when selecting and incorporating neutrals into a design.
Using too many neutrals without any variation in texture, pattern, or tone can lead to a lack of visual interest and a feeling of monotony in the design. Adding accents of colour or incorporating different materials and finishes can help enliven the space.
We have lots of options for made-to-measure window blinds in neutral shades. Book a design consultation with your local Apollo to find out more and view the collections.