Pop it in neutral
BY IJMAL HAIDER
June 2022
We tend to do a lot of calming neutral colour palettes for clients and sometimes through the process it can be avant garde but at times it can feel sterile. There are so many directions you can take when you have white walls, you can find yourself Nordic, Mid Century, Wabi Sabi, Colonial, Farmhouse, and the list goes on. It comes down to what your story is. Clients always ask through the process how we intend to add life and warmth to the space to combat their desire for “bright and white.”
The beauty behind doing a neutral environment is that the world is your oyster, you can change it constantly and give it new life without ever changing the key players (ie; flooring, wall colours, etc).
Here are some of my tips to bring life to your new blank canvas:
Artwork - when creating a white space it allows so much room to let your personality shine. Make statements through visual breaks, allow your space to tell a story with your eye for art.
Textiles - texture plays a big role in my vocabulary because I personally love layers. There is nothing better than creating soft movement and cozy nooks through fabrics. In any environment textiles can play such a key role for all the senses. Doing a sheer for your curtains diffuses the exterior lights romanticizes the space, but if you do a textured linen or a woven fabric it’s commands more of a presence in a room. The same goes with your choice of fabric on your furniture, it can become a focal point but it can also disappear if that’s not what you want at the forefront. All of this also plays a part in sound dampening as well.
Greenery - adding a large plant into a big open space adds movement, texture, life, and architecture. It’s something that is going to grow and evolve and seasonally will look different in your home.
Lighting - whether it’s table or floor lamps or big statement lights the transformation in the space will be drastic from changing the lighting. Depending on the style of lighting you choose it can really dictate what message or story you are wanting to tell.