NEUTRALS AND STONE

Versatile colours for a pared-back look

These are some of the easiest colours to use, work and live with and will suit just about any room or aspect. More interesting and forgiving than stark white, they are touted to be the ‘new greys’ by paint company Little Greene, and with good reason. Neutrals and stones have warmth and depth, never appear cold and, like grey, can accept any decorating style or additional colour. They also remain stable under different light conditions and aren’t affected by artificial lighting.

There are a multitude of stoney shades, from delicate linen to buff and beige tones, so choose the degree of warmth to suit you. Very warm stones can become too creamy and work best in poorly lit areas or smaller spaces. Or use them as an accent colour on panelling or woodwork, sharpening them up with black and white or crisp furnishings.

CALM AND COLLECTED Stick to a variety of natural shades, midcoloured woods and warm natural woven elements, then use areas of whites and creams as highlights

NATURE IN THE RAW Unadorned elements of natural materials expand the theme of off-white or stone-coloured walls in this old weathered workbench (above), which is loaded with textural interest and has been adapted to hold a carved stone basin

EASY LIFE Like many other versatile shades, stone works in every room in the house. A bathroom decorated in scales of the same shade appears harmonious and relaxed, as seen here in Little Greene’s Rolling Fog tones (littlegreene.com)