Counter to common design beliefs, neutral palettes often leave more powerful impressions than those featuring splashes of bright colors. Subtle neutral shades command attention while inducing relaxation. In particular, cool neutrals have a transformative quality, where any space can become a peaceful retreat for even the most harried of minds.
But what are cool neutral colors? Neutrals often indicate the lack of warm or cool qualities, but they can be more complex than that. In general, white, ivory, silver and gray constitute the cool neutral palette. The undertone of a neutral color plays a large part in whether it is considered cool or warm; the less golden and the more sliver or gray the undertone, the cooler the neutral.
The use of this color scheme lends itself best to certain design goals.
The following are some ways to use a cool neutral palette:
- An open-plan living space, such as a studio, can benefit greatly from cool neutrals. Because every part of the room serves a different function while still being a part of the whole, it is easy to coordinate the room in a cohesive way with similar cool neutral colors without making the room feel stifling.
- Cool neutrals are an excellent way to put the attention on the architecture of the room and its furniture and decor. A cool neutral room is like a canvas: a way to showcase the different qualities of its contents.
- The different textures in a room are also highlighted by a cool neutral palette. Wooden floors, embossed wallpaper and patterned furniture stand in the spotlight with the help of a cool neutral color room scheme.
Hickory Furniture Mart employees are well-versed in color planning and can provide ample advice for your different designing needs. How else can you use a cool neutral palette to add character to a room?