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Design Dilemma: Neutrals with Sizzle

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The design mantra for every decorator comes in one simple word: neutrals. But neutrals used ad nauseum can become a little boring. How can you inject a little life into an over-reliance on neutrals?

1. Use texture and more texture.
The way to bring interest to palettes that are neutral is to bring in surfaces and fabrics that are glossy, nubby, rough, and shiny. Below, a neutral living room gains pizazz with a rough, brick wall.

Above, a big leather ottoman adds a touch of life to a quiet, beige room. And below, purple velvet adds a spark to an otherwise neutral, traditional living room.

Here, a nubby throw and a flokati rug over sisal carpet pack a wallop in texture.

2. Incorporate organic materials, like wood and brick.

Reclaimed wood warms things up:

Below, a neutral living room incorporates brick.

3. Use saturated colors.

Just because a color is neutral doesn’t mean it can be bold. Try using deep grays, browns and dusky greens to add verve to an interior.

Below, deep gray cabinets in a kitchen are modern and unexpected:

And here, a carbon wall adds drama to a sitting room: