Working with a Neutral Palette

Dear Jon,
Although we like most of our furniture and accessories, our room seems boring. We've kept our upholstery and flooring a versatile neutral beige and now no matter what we do we can't seem to generate any excitement. Any ideas to add some "wow" without a big expense?

Beige and Boring

Dear B&B,

Although you may be second guessing your choice of neutral upholstery, it is the perfect starting point for a warm and exciting room. One of the least expensive and easiest ways to add interest to a space is with color. A few gallons of paint and an afternoon of effort can create a completely new space.

Almost anything can act as color inspiration. A painting or print, a piece of pottery, or even your favorite scarf or blouse can provide just the spark you need to get started.

In addition, every year color analysts within the paint industry predict hot colors for the coming year. Color trends for this year range from softer tans to the big new neutral; warm gray. Pair it with tans, whites, and creams for a relaxing Zen-like feel.

Turquoise and teal are also back in a big way. A little richer and warmer than their 70's counterparts, these hues impart your room with a relaxing yet vibrant feel.

Lavenders and Purples are being revitalized this season too. A great companion to the new gray they also work well with neutrals and white and offer a sophisticated and unexpected background to your interiors.

In addition to deciding on what color, you must also decide what areas to paint. For well proportioned rooms keep all 4 walls the same color but for long and narrow rooms consider painting the back walls a darker color or tone to help visually shorten up the room . Don't forget the fifth wall - the ceiling. Ceilings don't automatically have to be white. In fact most rooms can benefit with a little color on the ceiling.

Not sure of your color choice? Paint 3x5 poster board with the color(s) you are considering and tack them up in different areas of your space. Look at it in different light at different times of the day and adjust the hue or tone accordingly. And remember, relax. It's just paint and can easily and inexpensively be changed.

Now scatter that new wall color throughout the room in toss pillows, candles, accessories and art. You will have an exciting and vibrant room in no time.

Good Luck,
Jon