Less can be more when you like a clean, neat palette for
your home. The key to making low-key
stylish instead of sluggish is hitting all the right au naturel notes.
One of the great things about neutral pieces is their long
term versatility. When the base stays
the same and the accent pieces around it change, you get miles and miles of
style out of your mainstays. To ensure
you can pull this off, choose high quality neutrals with staying power. Upholstered sofas in durable fabrics in
khakis, champagnes, light grays, and shades of white make fitting backdrops for
any number of throw pillow change-outs.
An upholstered headboard in similar colors can accommodate multiple
rounds of bedding selections. A neutral
rug can be placed under countless combinations of furniture styles. Or, any of these can be blended with more
layers of natural palettes instead of brighter or deeper colors to drive home a
cool, light feel in your color scheme.
Natural themes can also be conveyed through continuity in
large scale elements like wood or laminate wood-look flooring. When making a change, it’s important to find
balance between what is trending and what is going to be attractive for the
long haul. The same concept applies to
countertops and tile work; there is simplicity in updating a kitchen or
bathroom space with décor and accent pieces when the backdrop offers a neutral
look.
To create a natural feel through your décor, use
nature-based elements. Choose barn wood
frames for photos, art, or mirrors hung on the wall, or lean a grouping against
the wall on top of your mantel or in your entertainment center. Use wood-look candle pillars, lanterns,
trays, or woven-look storage baskets and bins.
Use butcher paper as covers for a jumbled collection of books on display
for a subdued effect. Go green without
the green thumb when you use dried naturals in vases, single stems of palm
fronds in tall vases, or other hardy greenery in bud vases.
Use water elements like river rocks or sand as bases in
glass bowls or glass cylinder candle holders.
Choose jar candles in earthy scents in shades of white and tan. Scatter shells or starfish on a tray or mirror
for coffee or end table décor. Use
birds’ nest décor or front door wreaths in a similar style. Consider linens and burlap fabrics for tablecloths,
placemats, napkins and even chargers for your table setting. Incorporate stone materials like a marble
cutting board that doubles as a display surface for kitchen décor or serving pieces.
Au naturel turns ooh la la not when you lay it on thick, but
when you make light oh so right.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star August 3rd.
