Decorating With Neutrals: 5 Tips to Master Tonal Styling

Turn that frown upside down, there’s nothing ‘sad’ about a beige space.

Cozy, minimal, and peaceful, neutral spaces will always have a special place in our hearts. They may look simple and refined, but there are a few rules you need to abide by to get that effortlessly soothing aesthetic rather than a bland look.

Focusing on the finer details, creating the perfect neutral room is all about the little things. Lighting and texture play a huge role in the overall warmth and atmosphere that your neutral space emits, as well as choosing tonal materials that meld into the space.

Whether you're wanting to go for that 'quiet luxury' look or you appreciate a visually calming space, here are five tips to help you nail the neutral-toned aesthetic and make your home look anything but boring.

1. Play around with texture

Different textures and materials are your best friend when it comes to decorating with neutrals. Play around with different textural furnishings to create contrast, depth, and interest in your space. Natural materials such as jute, stone, cane, and marble all complement neutral shades beautifully – so head to your nearest op-shop or hardware store and get decorating!

2. Use different shades

When choosing neutrals as the base color for your room, take a look at other shades and colours that are in the same family. For example, if you opted for an Caramel Bedding Set in the bedroom, adding some Cacao European Pillowcases, or a White Sheet Set will add intrigue while still having a tonal feel.

3. Lighting is your friend

In neutral rooms, the power of lighting is particularly important as it illuminates the different elements you've put into your space, such as shades and textures. Remember to keep your curtains/blinds open during the day so the natural light can flood your room, and at night, add some lamps and candles to your space to radiate warmth and coziness.

4. Show off your decor

Similar to adding different textures, the addition of decor in a neutral space is the key to keeping things dynamic and interesting. A flat and monotonous room is the last thing we want, so fill that vase with flowers, frame your pictures and prints, and buy the vintage lamp you've been eyeing off on Marketplace.

5. Plants, plants, plants!

Adding natural elements is a great way to spruce up your home. Plants with lush green foliage and rich wooden branches make for the perfect living decor – just be sure to plant them in something that blends into the rest of the space. Wicker baskets and lime washed pots are perfect for masking the generic plastic pots they come in.