Taking their cue from gentle tones found in nature, neutrals have acted as a decorative backbone for centuries. At times maligned or considered insipid, they are more than the off-whites, beiges and greys that came to the fore a couple of decades ago. In fact, almost any colour that is dialled down in terms of its saturation can act as an effective neutral in a scheme. These days, interiors are returning to the idea that earth pigments such as oxide red, ochre and umber offer a warm yet muted quality. Of course, natural materials make effortless neutrals too. “Timber, soft terracotta and limestone feature inherent textures which can be an ideal neutral base,” says Squire & Partners’ Maria Cheung.
In addition, texture, from cork and micro-cement to limewash and sisal,…
