Home Decor

Naturals & neutrals done fun

Jessica Crawford
Cotton & Co.

(3/2020) In the past couple of articles, we have discussed incorporating color in tasteful doses throughout your home. But what about neutrals? If you go too neutral, it becomes colorless, texture-less and bland. I think that a common misconception is that the word neutral pertains explicitly to color, or the lack there of. But it’s so much more exciting than that. There are many ways to make a space, home or room appear full of texture and intrigue, while sticking to a neutral color palette.

When you’re looking to incorporate design intrigue into your home decorating, but aren’t keen on bold colors, there’s many ways to add interest without the use of bold color tones. While I personally love a pop of a striking color, I also love and appreciate the beauty in simplicity and natural tones. It comes down to breaking up neutral colors with textiles and texture. Whether these are natural, synthetic, hard or soft, these elements are essential to breaking up a neutral palette.

I am a huge fan of natural textures and textiles. A responsibly sourced cowhide or sheepskin rug is a great natural way to add texture to a space. A sheepskin rug is soft and snuggly, while a cowhide rug is a bit more industrial, masculine, but also rich in natural color. I like to picture a sheepskin rug in front of an open fireplace, snow on the ground outside and the family pet curled up sleeping. Or draped over the back of a vintage wingback chair, keeping you cozy during these chilly winter months as you nestle in with a good book. Wool is naturally antibacterial and odor resistant too, which is a fun little fact. It’s both a wonderful textile and texture, as it’s very versatile.

A cowhide rug is an entirely underrated resource that we have available to us. It’s all-natural and each is unique and one of a kind. They’re great for a multitude of spaces in your home; as an accent in a seating nook, under a dining room table, in the corner of an entryway, or in a library or office. Anywhere you’re looking to add a warm, neutral but natural, bold touch. And if you’re unable to find a sustainably sourced natural product, or are uncomfortable using a natural animal product, there are plenty of synthetic options out there and available.

White wool pillows with a delicate embossed design, or a braided synthetic wool look-alike throw are great textile additions to a space. I also have a soft spot for the oversized shaggy pillows that are trending now. We live in a time when there really are no strict rules to designing your home. Don’t want matching pillows? Then don’t, just stick to a common color, tone or hue scheme, and you can mismatch to your heart’s content. Textiles (rugs, pillows, curtains, throws, etc…) are about half the battle in transforming a less exciting neutral space into a neutral space with impact.

Reeds and grasses are also excellent for adding texture. They tend to be available in natural and neutral tones. Whether it’s adding long stemmed grasses to a large vintage glass carboy or jug. Or by incorporating these natural elements that have been manufactured into other products. An over-sized reed basket for storing blankets next to the couch. An open shelf in the laundry room, home office, utility room, lined with natural grass baskets for storing supplies. Natural baskets come in all shapes and sizes for unlimited options for storage and display. They’re Home Essential 101.

But you don’t just see natural reeds and grasses turned into storage baskets. You see them in all kinds of ways. One of my most favorite neutral displays that I currently use around the store, is a wall composed of various, vintage wicker baskets and trays. I like to seek out seven to ten varying wicker, bamboo, woven grass or reed baskets, trays, and trivets, and hang them equidistance from each other, and create a wall mural. Choosing mismatched, yet coordinating pieces packs quite a design punch. Each is unique, varying in shape and size and natural color. A wall mural such as this completes the room, by filling wall space in a non-complicated way and adding height. But again void of bold colors; a bold statement without bold colors.

Vintage wicker is a hot trend right now too. There is nothing more quintessential vintage wicker than a vintage peacock chair. Drape a soft faux fur white or grey blanket over that bad boy, with a coordinating neutral cushion and you have a maximum potential statement piece for any room in your home, that needs a pop of interest. Many of our vendors have been carrying vintage wicker recently because it suits so many styles and trends. Whether you consider your style to be mid century, farmhouse, boho, traditional, it seems that wicker can easily be integrated into your home décor.

Need a little design help? Don’t be shy. Drop on by the Old Mill in Keymar and see us, we are always happy to assist. Between our seventeen vendors, we have something for everyone, every home and every style. We have a great stock of neutrals and naturals (and bolds and colorful) in-stock and in-store right now. Bring us photos, Instagram feeds, magazine clippings, etc… of styles you’d like to emulate, and we can help. Our vendors update regularly, our inventory is always and ever-changing. We’re sure to have something to help you accomplish the look and design you’re seeking to achieve. We’re open every weekend, Friday through Sunday and located off Route 194 in Keymar, pop on down and see us!