Play with pattern
“Even if the colour palette I’m using is simple and pared back, I like to add interest with pattern or eye-catching stripes. Grey and white is such an elegant combination. By combining them in stripes you can transform neutral colour schemes into something bold and creative.” Heleen van Gent, Head of the Global Aesthetic Centre
Use varying tones
"My top home improvement tip is: don't think that neutrals aren’t striking on their own. Not every room needs a bold colour. I find that restricting the palette by varying the tone of a single colour creates one of the most stunning and elegant decorative effects." Willeke Jongejan, Senior Global Colour Designer
Add contrast with black
"This is an old interior decorating trick, but it really works: if you place one black object in a room, it adds a sense of depth and character like no other colour. So, for real impact, try contrasting a black piece of furniture or accessory against a neutral colour scheme." Marieke Wielinga, Global Colour Designer
Get back to nature
"Natural materials perfectly complement a neutral colour scheme. Use small bursts of natural colour, such as marble or granite in a bathroom, copper pots in a kitchen, a wooden frame in a bedroom or a bouquet of flowers in a living room." Stephanie Kraneveld, Global Colour Training & Knowledge Manager
Combine warm and cool
"My favourite way to use neutrals is with colour combinations of warm and cool shades of varying depth. This keeps the look simple and understated while maintaining interest. Add natural materials to continue the theme, such as slate and tan leather." Louise Tod, Senior Global Colour Designer
