How to introduce color into a neutral palette A monochrome room design can be magic, but a monochrome room that includes a conscious degree of color is the difference between a magic wand and Professor
How to introduce color into a neutral palette
A monochrome room design can be magic, but a monochrome room that includes a conscious degree of color is the difference between a magic wand and Professor Dumbledore’s Elder wand. The former creates magic, but the latter creates top-tier magical wizardry.
Taken to an extreme, a neutral room palette risks shifting from soothing calm oasis to a flat “vanilla” room where objects blend so well that they lose individuality and definition. Homes & Gardens magazine described Hollywood star Brie Larson’s neutral living room as a “beige and tan paradise” that includes a “tan, patterned carpet” (we’ve inspected the photos, and it appears to be an antique or vintage Persian rug). While we applaud her design sensibility, her rug could be swapped for one that features shots of color or one with an overall pastel vibe without undermining her goal of creating a calm aesthetic.
Strength is your magic power to take a neutral room from good to glorious. By strength we mean either a single strong statement element with color that will instantly elevate your room (see our April blog on Theory of Unexpected Red) or the subtle strength of pastel. A rug – particularly a large rug that becomes the room’s “statement” foundation – is without question one of the best (and easiest) ways to achieve either color option. Choices run from monochrome pattern-free rugs to pattern-rich rugs. If you are still unsure about introducing statement color to your neutral room, why not choose a strong color that pairs well with the classic neutrals? If your room is shades of beige, choose a rug in shades of sunflower yellow – from pale to punchy. If your room is shades of grey, choose a rug in shades of blue – anything from pale to navy.
But for those who shy away from bold interior colors, a classic way to introduce color into a neutral room is with pastels. Light, soft colors will blend effortlessly with beige or grey neutrals; they won’t pull focus from other objects in your room, and pastels will create a harmonious visual flow. You might be surprised to learn that there are several historic Persian rug styles that will help you to create this look. An antique Khotan or Khotan-inspired rug is a good choice as these rugs were often woven in patterns that used subtle pastel and earth-tone yarns – a perfect way to enliven your neutral room without creating a distraction. Another good choice is the perennially popular Oushak (or Ushak) rug. Available as antique, vintage and Oushak-style, these patterned rugs are distinctive and delightfully modern-looking and were often woven in pastel colors.
Whether you prefer a magical neutral pace like Brie Larsen’s or a wizard-level room with a pop of color magic, we promise there is a rug out there that can help you achieve both looks. Let us help you find it!
