Since decorating our master bedroom in a neutral color scheme, I’ve been wanting (dying) to do our entire townhouse in these colors. It just makes me so happy. If you you’ve been thinking about going neutral, but are just not sure or maybe you think it will be boring or bland…it won’t be, I promise! Read on for tips on switching to neutral home decor.
Before we get started, I’d like to share what comes to mind when I think of neutral colors: White, Ivory, Beige and Gray
Neutral means without color. It’s calm and cool. It’s relaxed and restful.
Neutral Home Decor: Why I’m Switching
Several years ago, our home was decorated from floor to ceiling with color. I had teal and browns. You all remember this trend, right. All the window treatments were made from large-scale colorful fabrics. When I chose these colors, I did like it…but after a few years, it became oppressive.
I couldn’t change a thing because the colors were so specific.
It was dark.
There was no place for the eye to rest. There was so much going on that I literally felt edgy.
I chose fabrics that were trendy and when the trend was over, I was stuck with something I didn’t want.
How to Switch to Neutral Home Decor…and Where to Start.
In thinking through this, I’ve decided to correct my decorating mistakes. Since we are renting, I am a bit limited; however, that’s not going to stop me.
The first place I’m going to start is with the background.
Flooring/Rugs
Window Treatments
I keep telling myself, Rome wasn’t built in a day and all these changes don’t have to happen at once. That’s the beauty of decorating with neutrals.
They “go” with everything. Once these elements are neutralized, it’s time to decide if you want to stop there or keep going.
How Neutral Home Decor Can Save You Money
During my thought process, I’ve come to the conclusion that decorating with neutrals can save you money in a few different ways.
First, they go with ANYTHING.
Once you neutralize your window treatments, they are there for the duration. If you can paint your walls a neutral color, there will be no need to paint them again for years.
Tip: For window treatments, choose a classic design that won’t go out of style. Full, simple panels are a good choice.
Second, by choosing neutral colors for your “big ticket” items, color and style can be added with inexpensive soft furnishings and accessories. If you get tired of a color or want to add seasonal decor, you have a lovely neutral background to work with.
Last, by decorating with neutrals, it’s easy to give your home a fresh look without spending a dime.
Furniture and accessories can be moved from room to room because they are all in the same color family.
Although I honestly could be very happy in an all-neutral home, I still have some color here and there.
The most important thing is that you feel relaxed and happy in your home.
As I wrap up this post, I am reminded of being brought up in a neutral decorated home.
Both my grandmother and mother always had white walls and neutral colors. They never wavered with the trends.
I should have learned from them. 🙂
I suggest you stick around and follow me as we tackle this project.
As I mentioned earlier, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so this will be a work in progress, and I will gladly share with you every step of the way.
Here are a few items I am currently obsessed with and have in my shopping carts.
