neutral colour palette

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My Design World

Rustic kitchens with style 154

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I am not sure if it is the marble/stone itself or the soft colour palette of the finishes in these kitchens but they do seem to all have a similar look and feel.  It is very much the look and feel that I love.
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It is rustic, yet somehow of the moment. It exudes warmth as well as simply loads of style !!!
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The brass detail for this suspended shelving compliments the brass tap ware perfectly .. rustic elegance !!
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Super rustic .. and super slick.  What a fabulous combination.  The soft wash of light on the stone above is beautiful. I must say I do love a stylish table lamp in the kitchen. It softens what is often a harshly lit utility area and turns it instead into somewhere that is inviting to spend time in. This works particularly well in an open plan kitchen/family room situation.
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Perfect for washing those pots and pans … sheer genius.
images: pinterest. Apologies for lack of photo credit.  These were saved as favourites over many months with no intention of reusing.
 
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My Week in Sydney

Manuel canovas … my edit for spring 79

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This fabric works perfectly in a neutral scheme .. a punch of colour for cushions on string coloured linen sofas … or as lavish curtains.

 

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Note the hint of lime.  Fabulous cushions for a lime sofa !!
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This elegant paisley is a statement.  Look how well the pattern and stripe work with it.
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A fabric which works beautifully on a feature piece of furniture or on mass as upholstered wall fabric.  Perfect in a charcoal room or with pristine white.
The supplier of Manuel Canovas fabric is Colefax and Fowler.
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My Design World

When a rustic interior isn’t all rustic 56

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There continues the trend for the earthy and rustic, natural materials, texture and a predominantly monochrome colour palette. On closer inspection it is really contemporary with an industrial edge.
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There is a strong emphasis on collections and the owners possessions playing an integral part in the softening of the hard edges.  Ones books, paintings and photographs, the decoration and character, without which would be minimalist.
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A timeless monochrome palette with the addition and warmth of subtle shades of taupe, faded washed out grey, blue and green linens, leather, worn wood and stone.
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There is something rather calming in these modern spaces with vintage detail … the sense that we have been there before.
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images:capecodcollegiate
My Design Tips

Winter greige … your warm colour palette 80

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I am taking my winter inspiration from The Wild Rabbit in the Cotswolds.  This is yet another stylish project by Carole Bamford of the Daylesford Organic empire.
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The classic English Country House style that we have loved for so long has come of age.  Still deliciously warm and inviting, the colour palette has changed and is very much of the moment … stone, putty, greige, khaki and cocoa … just perfect for a cold climate or in fact, our winter.
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We do a cooler version of it here with our warmer climate, however in winter it is all about replacing the crisp white with softer hues of rich cream, biscuit tones and greige.
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Stone flooring in warm tones (see The Wild Rabbit above) can underpin the overall feeling of warmth and can be layered with wonderfully textured rugs in a similar colour palette.
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The introduction of soft bleached timbers works well with this colour palette as does a fabric choice of stone washed linens or aged leather in faded shades.
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To complete the picture just add an open fire and a cashmere throw rug …
My Design Tips

How to do black and white … softly 112

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it is all in the detail …. a predominantly neutral palette with a hint black or charcoal …

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or a hint of buttoning, antique stud trim or cushion detail

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or a smart contrast … just one

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a distinct contrast in style, line and materials … this works

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black, white and stone to soften

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the detail softens what would otherwise be … just black and white

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black, white and shades of grey … always !!
My Design Tips

Neutral palette with a splash of colour 71

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Any neutral palette will come alive with the introduction of a little colour !

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It could be anything from muted dusty shades to vibrant colour !

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A black and white scheme looks sensational with a splash of … well, any colour really … hot pink, soft pink, bright orange, brilliant yellow or cobalt blue …

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Refer to previous posts for tips on how to introduce colour into a neutral palette but it can be as simple as fresh flowers or a bookcase full of books.
My Design Tips

A hint of gold … 59

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A touch of gold or gilt adds an element of warmth and style to any interior.  It looks best I believe, where the palette of colours used is minimal or neutral.

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There are no hard and fast rules for the placement of gilt mirrors except to say, the larger the better.

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This palette of colours and textures works like a dream.  Gilt … furniture or mirrors, adds a touch of elegance … or even faded glory !!

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For all your restoration requirements … whether it be regilding mirrors and picture frames or conserving your Old Masters, it is worth speaking to International Conservation Services who have a very impressive portfolio.

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Images: tumblr
My Design Tips

How to do white well … 43

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Crisp, stark white is not for the faint hearted.  In fact most clients I work with shy away from white, on the basis that it is cold and uninviting !!  I beg to differ …

It is all about using it effectively and achieving the right balance.

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A white interior looks its absolute best where there are timber floors … of any shade or colour.  It is the perfect balance, with the timber providing the warmth.

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White on white is the ultimate in elegance … and it is all about the texture.  Try layering  rough and smooth.  I love the combinations of smooth white bedlinen and the texture of an antique marcella quilt or white linen loose covers on a sofa with silk velvet cushions.

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Of course you can always weaken and do white with a hint of …

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And for something really luxe … white with that touch of gilt.  Oh so elegant !!

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Working with white and its varying textures and tones will allow you to create a very sophisticated interior … not always achievable with colour.

images via thisisglamorous
My Design Travels

5 ways with the warmth of wood 84

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1.  Timber floors, walls and ceiling create a warm palette, all complimented by the stone clad wall in similar hues.

2.  The balance between the texture of timber and stone, and the crispness of the minimal white wall, porcelain freestanding bath and bedlinen, is perfect.  Note the contrasting timber shades of the furniture.

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3.  Beautifully designed timber furniture provides the warmth, texture and perfect scale in this otherwise simple white interior.

4.  The contrast between the smoothness of the timber floor and the rustic nature of the timber furniture gives this room another dimension.

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5.  If you can be bold enough to follow the warm tones of the timber and stone with soft furnishings (rather than contrast with additional colour) the end result will be extremely elegant.

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Images: wiesergut hotel, hinterglemm, austria

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