Understated neutrals: 10 ways to use them

Neutrals are often associated with being "safe" and "boring". But I love how they can create an impact without being too loud. Here are 10 ways to use them on your projects. :)

Quick and easy burlap bags

1. Mix your textures.

Play up the contrast of textures like I did here with the rough burlap against the soft feminine lace and pretty bloom.

My first love is altered art

2. Try a little gold and bling.

Mix different shades and textures of gold on your elements to create interest but maintain colour harmony. And bling makes everything better. :)

Afternoon tea

3. Add black.

The contrast of black against the browns, beiges and whites really draws your eye to the focal point.

When elements appear to be unrelated

4. Add interesting elements in similar tones.

Take out all your neutral toned embellishments and put them in a pleasing cluster.

The need to lace-cify everything

5. Use lace.

White lace makes everything pretty. Nothing more to say...*winks*

The embellished white wood monogram

6. Make something classy and timeless.

See 5. 

Using up little bits of lace on a mixed media canvas

7. Use white gesso.

The top portion of the canvas was a mish mash of leftover white lace which were coloured with a gold Faber Castell Gelato. I then dab white gesso to bring out the lace details. The patterned paper was toned down with watered-down gesso so as now to compete with the blooms.

Handmade invitations

8. Go for a fun vintage vibe.

A little distressing on the edges, random splashes of tea stain and a cluster of vintage-inspired embellishments and these cards scream fun!:)

Will you be nicer to me Paris?

9.  Give the brown, white and gold combo a go.

Mix up the textures for an old world charm feel.

What do you collect?

10. Glam it up!

Play with gold and silver on walnut-ink stained vintage paper. Add a velvet bow and glam hardware for vintage glam! :)

There you have it. 10 ways to play with understated neutrals. Do you have a fave?