Color is Back: Spicing Up the Neutral Palette

(Above: Interior Design: Heather Vaughan Interior Design)

Neutral palettes have dominated in recent years–think whites, creams, beiges, and grays. However, there is a refreshing shift happening. Designers and homeowners are embracing vibrant hues, eye-catching patterns, and layered textures to breathe life into otherwise muted spaces. Whether it be a bold wallpaper, a striking light fixture, or unexpected patterns, bringing a little color back into the home is a sure way to transform a neutral space into a truly captivating place to live.

Elevating Neutrals with Colorful Accents

For those who love the elegance of a neutral base, adding pops of color is the perfect way to maintain balance while infusing a little flair into a room.

(Above) In this living room, Betsy Bassett Interiors added color through pillows, drapery, art, and table lamps to enliven the neutral base elements. The Colefax and Fowler drapery fabric features a historical pattern that has been recolored and rescaled for a modern twist. (Interior Design: Betsy Bassett Interiors)

(Above) Drawing inspiration from their client’s love for French blue in this Rhode Island residence, Taste Design Inc. incorporated lavender tones and touches of plum that complement the overall palette. (Interior Design: Taste Design Inc., Architecture: Paul Weber Architecture, Photography: Nat Rea)

(Above) In a Chatham beach house, Carolyn Thayer Interiors opted for hues of sand and sea to further enhance the home’s sense of place. “All of the colors were selected to work in concert with the surroundings,” says Thayer. Anchored by light-toned oak flooring reminiscent of sun-kissed sands, Thayer’s design features a neutral color palette with natural fibers, and carefully curated furnishings that speak to a beachside retreat. (Interior Design: Carolyn Thayer Interiors, Architect + Builder: Polhemus Savery DaSilva, Photography: Jared Kuzia)

(Above) Beyond color, patterns and textures can add layers of interest to otherwise neutral spaces, complementing color choices, enhancing art pieces, and amping up the room's overall vibe. (Interior Design: Carter & Company Interior Design, Photography: Warren Patterson)

(Above) For this Laurie Gorelick Interiors project outside of Boston, pops of emerald green add intrigue and panache to the space, while the base of neutral tones pulls the look together for a cohesive, sophisticated and livable look. Laurie integrated a striking pair of emerald and gold etageres from the client’s own collection into a neutral color scheme by judiciously incorporating hints of green throughout the space, from the velvet swivel chairs to the window treatments. (Interior Design: Laurie Gorelick Interiors, Photography: Sabrina Cole Quinn)

Fun with Patterns, Textures, and Color Combinations

Sometimes the unexpected can create true brilliance. Custom window treatments, statement light fixtures, and funky upholstery are wonderful ways to have fun with design.

(Above) A custom banquette covered in a kaleidoscope-esque Missoni fabric inspired the vibrant palette of this dining area designed by Heather Vaughan Interior Design. "I love starting off with a statement fabric to set up where I’ll go with the design," says Vaughan. "To complement the purples and reds on the banquette, we went with a chartreuse on the walls, bringing in the greenery from just outside the window." (Interior Design: Heather Vaughan Interior Design)

(Above) This vibrant sitting area designed by Heather Vaughan Interior Design serves as a music room for a creative family. "The jumping-off point for this space was the blue and white wallpaper designed by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Joffa. I tried to emulate the excitement of enjoying music together, and wanted the walls to dance along," says Vaughan. "To bring out the blue even more, I incorporated luscious ruby and peach fabrics on the chairs." (Interior Design: Heather Vaughan Interior Design)

(Above) Texture abounds and brings dimension to the neutral elements of this living room designed by Laurie Gorelick Interiors. The polished marble on the new fireplace surround, nubby tweed on the sofa fabric, velvet on the swivel chairs, and a faux sharkskin on the Parson’s style coffee table, work together to make a beautiful space that is engaging without being overpowering. (Interior Design: Laurie Gorelick Interiors, Photography: Sabrina Cole Quinn)

(Above) A chic living room designed by Eleven Interiors combines cool, sophisticated navy and teal tones with a bright, playful pop of orange. These opposite colors complement each other perfectly, providing a vibrant contrast. (Interior Design: Eleven Interiors, Photographer: Greg Premru)

Textiles: The Perfect Pop

Textiles like rugs, curtains, and cushions are a simple yet effective way to introduce color into a space. These items are often easy to swap out, making them perfect for those who want to play with seasonal hues or cater to evolving taste.

(Above) In a project where art selection was central to the overall design scheme, a large metal sculpture inspired endless possibilites for color. While keeping the walls and couch neutral, Heather Vaughan incorporated the colors of the art piece into the ottoman, throw pillows, furnishings, and accessories. (Interior Design: Heather Vaughan Interior Design)

(Above) This vibrant, art-inspired dining area by Kotzen Interiors features perfectly matched dining chairs. "Often when I’m collaborating with a client, we are looking for ways to punctuate a more neutral space with a pop of color," says Barbara Kotzen. "Whether it’s a unique piece of art or an unusual color palette or pattern, it usually stems from the client’s willingness to embrace the unexpected." (Interior Design: Kotzen Interiors, Photography: Sean Litchfield)

(Above) A truly timeless rug (that you’ll probably never want to swap out!) can also provide an anchoring color base. In this dining room, Betsy Bassett Interiors started with an oriental rug that informed the room’s overall color palette. Custom china cabinets feature blue painted backs for an unexpected pop of color. Custom drapery and border tape also beautifully echo the rug’s color and pattern. (Interior Design: Betsy Bassett Interiors)

(Above) In a classic dining room, Carter & Company Interior Design selected rich hues of blue for the dining chairs, with an anchoring rug that brings dimension, color, and texture. (Interior Design: Carter & Company Interior Design, Photography: Warren Patterson)

Playing Up Hardwood Floors

Honoring the beauty of original wood floors can offer a warm foundation for a rich color palette.

(Above) In this living room designed by SV Design, original wide plank floors bring depth to the space and inspire an elegantly rustic color palette. The warm, golden oak finish of the wood pairs perfectly with the hand-carved marble Chesney fireplace. (Architecture + Interior Design: SV Design, Builder: Payne Bouchier, Photography: Casey Photography)

(Above) Lighter-toned wood can also create warmth and depth—especially if accompanied by an assortment of patterned textiles and bold upholstery. “Sometimes, the use of color is so discreet that it can be mistaken for a neutral space, but even caramel and butterscotch tones evoke a deeper sense of color than beige and white,” say the experts at Eleven Interiors. (Interior Design: Eleven Interiors, Photography: Greg Premru)

By playing with bold accents, experimenting with materials and patterns, and embracing personal style, spaces become dynamic, inviting, and uniquely their own. The key is to choose colors that resonate with your personal style while keeping the overall harmony of the space in mind. Don’t be afraid to infuse your neutral spaces with a splash of color—it’s time to turn up the vibrancy and let your home reflect who you are!