Fall in love with the new neutrals

Whether you’re a fan of crisp white walls or just too nervous to try attention-grabbing hues, neutrals are the wall shade of choice for nearly 40% of homeowners, according to a recent AkzoNobel survey. But muted doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Here, show you how to pack a punch with neutral paintwork and banish magnolia for good!

Cool, edgy neutrals work well in busy kitchens, and keep their cool when the temperature rises. Here, crisp, pale grey has been paired with turquoise cabinetry to create a contemporary space that feels cool and fresh. A taupe feature walls adds warmth to the space, and makes the room appear larger.

A successful study space should stimulate and soothe in equal measure. Achieve this perfect equilibrium with a cool neutral backdrop punctuated by warmer accents. Choose a crisp white or grey for the walls – think porcelain white or a very pale stone grey – and pick one warm neutral, like a soft pink or brown with purple undertones, to breathe new life into forgotten spaces, like this windowsill.

Transform the entrance to your home from bland to striking with a sophisticated palette of warm neutral shades. Here, an earthy tone on the walls has been paired with an off-white ceiling and bold black trim to create a look that’s both subtle and welcoming.

Add warmth to an open-plan space by taking inspiration from nature. Think rich, earthy tones of sepia, sienna brown, ochre and stormy grey. To add interest to a large room, consider breaking up the space by using colour to frame a window, or choosing a complementary colour for an accent wall.