Color Palette Minimalism

There is nothing basic about black and white. Homeowner and interior designer Soleil Maxwell shares how she maximized style despite a minimal palette.

PLAY WITH PATTERN. Be fearless! Overcompensate for a restricted color palette and go wild with eye-popping prints including wide cabana stripes, complex geometrics, and retro florals.

LAYER SHADES AND SHEENS. Ebony, ink, bright white, or candlelight, even the slightest deviations in hue can provide interest. The same theory applies to finishes. Matte, glossy, honed, and polished surfaces reflect light differently, resulting in increased depth and dimension.

PILE ON TEXTURES. For rugs and upholstery, choose feel-good fabrics like wool, jute, leather, and linen that are soft on the eye and to the touch.

WORK IN WOOD ELEMENTS. Let natural wood tones “neutralize” high-contrast interiors and infuse spaces with warmth.

INCORPORATE THE ARCHITECTURE. Let the bones of the house get in on the action. Carry out the color scheme in your millwork, cabinetry, and stone selections.

The patio off the main suite was inspired by the couple’s favorite Calistoga resort, making every day feel like a holiday. The lush landscape acts as a privacy screen and a sound buffer for ultimate tranquility.