The rich neutral colours include the deep earthy shades, the warm caramel and coffee browns and spicy colours. These shades are all created by adding yellows, reds, or oranges to the paler creams. Immediately, this makes them more interesting.
Patterns and Textures in Rich Neutral Colours
Think of food and drink when creating combinations for decorating with the rich neutral colours. If the living room has cappuccino coloured walls, go for cream woodwork and chocolate accessories. Patterns and textures can be mixed when decorating with a restricted palette, so look for fabrics that add depth to the richness of the colours, such as velvet and silk. For sheer opulence, beading and sequins on cushions can look stunning.
Contrast pieces could be in pale turquoise, whilst toning colours would include peach, apricot or even a soft warm pink.
Decorating with Strong Colours
Stronger colours in the rich neutral palette would be the spicy cinnamon and ginger, cayenne pepper and turmeric. These colours need a little more care and are probably best suited to large rooms with high ceilings. However, in smaller quantities, they can be wonderfully dramatic. Try painting a feature wall and add highlights of gold and copper metallic accessories to the room to reflect the light.
Decorating with a Victorian Theme
These rich neutral colour schemes could work well around a Victorian decorating theme, especially if textured wallpaper is used. Victorian patterns against a reflective background will add light to a room. With stronger chocolate browns, use darker turquoise or jade accessories to make a dramatic statement. Use fewer pieces for maximum effect. A beautiful piece of decorative glass or a mirror with a jade coloured frame can create a mood of warmth and interest as well as a focal point in the room.
Choosing Floor Covering with Rich Neutrals
Flooring can be pale or dark depending on the shades selected for walls and furniture. Paler floors will make a room feel lighter and larger. Dark floors can be covered with paler rugs but avoid patterns with this scheme. Here again, textures can play a part in the rich neutral scheme.
Lighting the Rich Neutral Palette
Rich neutral colours look best with warm lighting. Look for lamps with ivory shades, use lots of cream candles and avoid harsh central lights. Lamp shades can be another source of interesting texture but avoid paper or more brittle textures in favour of the more tactile.
Changing Accessories
The beauty of decorating with the rich neutral palette is that accessories can be changed to create a completely different feel to a room. Curtains and rugs can be changed with the seasons to make a room feel warmer or cooler. Using cool and warm colours as contrasts can change the feel of a room instantly.
Do experiment with the contrasting colours to put a personal stamp on any room. Decorating with rich neutrals is generally a safe idea as is decorating with shades of blue.
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