Neutrals don’t have to be boring! Learn to mix and match cools and warms, bring in sheen and wood tones, and make your space look anything BUT basic. Let’s go, color crew!

Hey there, color enthusiasts all over this beautiful globe!

SIDE NOTE: LFB Color is expanding globally and looking to deliver professional color training in YOUR country. Do you represent a paint or design materials brand and want me to go to you for some color training? Please call the LFB Color Team ASAP or reach out via email.

We’re ready to deliver color training in English, Spanish, or Greek. Plans are underway to create and deliver content in Portuguese in 2024!

Now where were we? Oh, yes! We’re mixing and matching neutrals like professionals today. You know if you read my blog that I simplify concepts and use lots of visuals. Today we will review examples of warm and cool neutrals, discuss adjusting temperature and brightness with wood tones and sheen, and showcase warm and cool mixes using various decor elements.

1. Let’s look at warm and cool neutrals and some interesting pairings.

I’m going to show you examples of warm/cool pairings in neutrals. What do I even mean by neutral? For those new to the blog, I’m referring to those “colors” that aren’t really colors. They are mostly stripped of pigment. White, cream, beige, greige, gray, taupe, tan, brown, and black are all considered neutrals.

Neutrals are the building blocks of most design schemes and are known for being versatile. Most people think to mix neutrals such as white, gray and black, but today we will discuss other pairings or groupings that are equally useful as design staples.

CREAM & WHITE

As much as we celebrate color here at LFB Color, we also appreciate a simple neutral palette. Whites and creams are gorgeous together especially when mixing and matching interesting textures, fabric weaves and patterns.

BEIGE & GRAY

I’m always talking about mixing cool and warm tones. Here you go! Beige and gray just work! Now that the decor world has certainly moved from the gray trend over to warmer tones such as beige—-you see that the two tones and temperatures blend so well.

BROWN & BLACK

This always seems strong and masculine to me, and I love it for formal dining, living and study areas.

WARM TONED WOOD (Think orange or yellow) & TAUPE

For those new here, let me define taupe with some visual examples. Taupe is a result of mixing gray and brown and can sometimes have a purple cast to it.

2. Mixing wood tones is a creative way to experiment with neutrals. This adds visual texture, definition and variety to the neutral palette.

3. Let’s not forget to add sheen selectively!

A way to add dimension and interest to a neutral palette is through the strategic placement of high sheen, or high gloss, elements. This can be achieved through pottery, fabrics, wall coverings, furniture and/or art.

As you see, neutrals when mixed properly take on a life all their own. They create a welcoming, interesting and subtly “colorful” space. Which of these neutral schemes is your favorite? Let me know HERE or in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

Your color purveyor Lauren