The little black dress of interior design

From pure white and dramatic black to earthy tones of grey and beige, you can create a neutral scheme from an endless range of colours. These hues are flattering in every light and incredibly adaptable as they can be paired with almost any colour, from soft pastels to rich, dramatic tones.

Think of the glow of polished wood, the sheen of gold, bronze or copper, the changing texture of stones – each neutral colour is beautiful in its own way. Use neutrals to make bright hues seem softer, or add them to a room that has two contrasting colours, such as mustard yellow and navy blue or plum red and emerald green. You could also add neutrals to a dark room to make it feel lighter – never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of crisp white paint!