There is a trend these days for bold color in interiors. After years of gray and white, many people are putting some negativity out in social media on neutral interiors.
I understand, it isn’t as eye-catching in an Instagram feed or on the newstands or in a showroom or shop (and goodness knows, designers want to stand out on Instagram :-). It’s also nice to change things up, (if you can afford it and have the energy to redo to follow the trends).
However, neutrals are not a bad thing and are the most versatile to use in an interior that you can build upon and change over the years.
Neutrals are often needed in a boldly colored space. A bright color will look even brighter with a white next to it.
I’ve written a post before about how neutral upholstery pieces can give you more flexibility and perhaps last longer for you than something with a bold or trendy color that you might tire of sooner.
There are plenty of ways to add color to a room, and have it read colorfully, while still having neutrals as a base.
The purpose of this post, is to give you insight and in fact, praise, if you’ve gone in with neutrals in your home. I feel like you’ve made a smart investment in your home by creating a neutral base and no, you don’t have to feel out of style if the design trends shift!
So, after celebrating all the color seen at Highpoint Market this year a few posts back, today, I’m going to celebrate neutrals!
First, I’m going to share some neutral vignettes I saw at Highpoint in my recent trip and I have to say, the word “timeless” immediately came to mind.
Then, I’m going to share good examples of how you can add color to a good neutral upholstery base.
Timeless Neutrals
This medium gray toned room was absolutely lovely, from Mr. and Mrs. Howard at the Sherrill showroom. (If you have a gray sofa, gray walls and gray and white art, don’t let the gray-haters get you down!)
Sherrill Furniture showroom, Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
The Thibaut showroom is known to be one of the most colorful at market and yet this vignette spoke to me as timeless.
Thibaut showroom, Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
This white bed looks great with a touch of wood in the panels and some gray and beige mixed in the bedding.
This white bed with wood panels and neutral pillow combination looked so luxurious. Lexington Furniture, Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
I love the textural look of Lauren Leiss’ furniture in the Woodbridge showroom. My own style is probably the most similar to hers than any other well-known designer out there.
I ordered this custom rug in more of a brown/black for my entry hall from L&M Rugs when I was at market. (The ability to do custom design is one reason why you hire a designer.) Woodbridge Furniture, Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
I love this iron bed, new in the Lauren Leiss collection. Her rustic, neutral style is so appealing to me. Woodbrige Furniture, Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
These textural stripes make a neutral space more interesting.
CR Laine Showroom, Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
Using dark colors in a light space bring contrast and interest.
Rowe showroom, Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
A neutral, textural vignette in the Regina Andrew showroom. carlaaston.com
The most neutral, organic looking showroom at market and for me, the most memorable, Taracea Furniture.
Taracea showroom, Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
Taracea showroom, Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
Use your color on the walls!
These next few images exemplify how you can keep your furnishings neutral and then paint the walls when you want a change, thus giving longevity for your big furniture purchases. Just redo the wall color for a totally new look when you are ready for a change!
Soft pink walls with neutral furniture make a pretty combination in the Highland House showroom. Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
Neutral upholstery with terracotta walls in the Wesley Hall showroom. Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
Designer, Corey Damen Jenkins, kept the upholstery here in a gray and introduced color in a big way on the walls in this room in the Hancock and Moore showroom, home of his new furniture line.
Gorgeous! I didn’t know I needed apricot in my life until I saw this room.
Hancock and Moore showroom with furniture and room designed by Corey Damen Jenkins. Highpoint Market
This white sectional against the dark charcoal wall and with a colorful rug has a timeless appeal. Lexington showroom, Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
A dark caramel wall color highlights this neutral sectional in the Rowe showroom. This vignette was designed by the design team of Gatehouse No. 1. Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
Add accessories, art, rugs, etc. to neutral upholstery
You can keep that big gray sectional you ordered during lockdown so you and your kids could all lounge together. After all, everyone on Instagram has one of those, right? :-)
You don’t even have to paint the walls to get a change or make your space more colorful. You can add accessories, art, rugs, pillows, maybe one upholstered piece like a chair or ottoman in a color to make a statement. It really doesn’t take much to make a big difference sometimes.
Colorful pillows, art and a rug make a statement with these white chaises in the Woodbridge showroom at market. carlaaston.com
A gray sectional in the CR Laine showroom was looking good with a blue ottoman and some colorful pillows. Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
The Norwalk showroom had a light gray sectional with warm toned pillows. Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
Peach and rust colored pillows with a neutral, cream sofa at Lexington Furniture. Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
The Highland House showroom had a room full of white upholstery with white walls and hunter green accents. There was just one chaise in the green, a dining type chair and then a couple of stools. The rest was neutral. It was really stunning.
Highland House showroom with neutral upholstery and green accent pieces. Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
Highland House showroom with neutral upholstery and green accent pieces. Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
Highland House showroom with neutral upholstery and green accent pieces. Highpoint Market | carlaaston.com
Check out more trends seen at fall market below.
Designers, want to learn how to shoot beautiful photos like these above with your iPhone? I took this course, below, to polish my skills.
If you are considering investing in furniture in 2023, I’d consider these trends when purchasing. Be sure to take note of what I have to say about curvy furniture. Some may be a more fleeting look and other types might be more timeless.
Here are more trends I spotted at Highpoint Market this fall….