Put it in neutral

Work in some well chosen neutrals for a relaxed refresh and timeless style, says SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

WHEN it comes to stylish simplicity, neutrals give us the freedom to play with paint finishes and layer natural textures that can be tweaked and tailored to create the perfect backdrop – without the worry of making a ‘big mistake’.

After all, a pale silhouette can be styled up with a shot of colour if you think your beige landscape is, well, too beige. And ivory soft furnishings blend beautifully with pastels, if your dark woods and dove greys call for a sweep of blush. Easy-on-theeye neutrals certainly don’t need to be bland and boring.

Here’s how to echo a relaxed scheme with rich taupes, two-tone neutrals and a wash of white...

Cotton rich woven monochrome stripe throw

£29.50, Marks & Spencer

This woven throw – complete with stripes and tassels can be draped over a sofa or accent chair, or styled at the bottom of a bed.

Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year 2022 - October Mist 1495 - Aura Matte, from £32, Benjamin Moore

Sage green has been trending for a couple of years now and has the potential to make any space look clean and fresh – one of the reasons designers love it. This gentle shade evokes a sense of calm and we’re big fans of the split-wall paint effect, teamed with ivory and natural materials for a soothing atmosphere.

Holwell dinner plate - white, side plate - tarn blue, and side bowl - white, £12 (other items from a selection), Garden Trading

Much as we love a buff tablescape, this contemporary tableware features a pale blue glaze as well as classic white when you want to break up a panoply of beige. 3 wick candle,

RIGHT: Henry Holland long tall sally metal 2 door highboard (left), £279 (was £399); the side piece metal 2 door cabinet cabinet (right), £244 (was £349); Henry Holland little bean 40cm blob mirror with terracotta frame, £29 (was £49), and Henry Holland bone chilling table lamp with tripod base,

£48 (was £75), Freemans

A curios cabinet with glass doors is an ideal way to clear the clutter and make a style statement at the same time. Here, the freeform mirror and contemporary table lamp completes the cool Scandi look.

LEFT: Battersea easy fit pendant shades - domed (other items from a selection), £120 and £100 respctively, Garden Trading When you want to switch up your summer lighting, a Scandi style woven rattan shade will hang beautifully among your bleached woods, linen blinds and globe glass vases for a bright, airy feeling – and touch of texture for good measure.

£7, Wilko £18; £12,

Safi fringed pyramid natural rug from £59.99, Carpetright Whether you have wooden flooring or carpeting, there’s nothing like a throw rug to create a focal point – not to mention the barefoot luxury of sinking your toes into its soft weave.

Small glazed decorative jug, £15; terracotta citronella £12.50, and 5 wick sand blast citronella candle, £29.50, Marks & Spencer Putting the flair into al fresco, this trendy selection is great for outdoor gatherings

Wilko rustic retreat natural woven sectional caddy Whether it’s cutlery, knick-knacks or bunches of dried flowers, this handy caddy is a fab find.

Pack natural woven coasters £6, Matalan These woven coasters are made from a natural weave and hint at boho-chic.

A soothing neutral colour palette is ideal for creating a calming haven in your home

A coffee table in the shape of a surfboard? We’re in. Bleached bamboo teamed with fin-shaped metal legs offer a sleek contrast. *All prices correct at time of going to press and while stocks last

ABOVE: KASEBERGA coffee table and KASEBERGA rug, (120 x 180cm) IKEA £80 and £40 respectively