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The simple lines and

flax-colour linen of the

sofa,

left,

help delineate

the seating area without

stopping the eye. In the

kitchen,

below,

some of

the solid cabinet doors

were replaced with

glass-panelled ones for

a modern touch.

Neutral Gear

Neutrals often get a bad rap for being drab, but designer Sally

Wheat offers these ideas to make them fab:

Mix It Up Add visual interest to a room by mixing light

and dark shades of the same colour. Using different tones

of one hue throughout your accessories can also create a

sense of cohesiveness.

Calm Down If you’re not a fan of grey, consider shades of

deep bisque and cool tan, for the same calming look.

Go Deep Pops of rich colour—think eggplant-hue chairs,

orange cutlery or red appliances—bring out the warmth of

a neutral foundation.

Make an Upgrade Ordinary furniture and cabinetry can

look expensive if you paint them in classic suit colours,

such as charcoal.

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BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS | JANUARY 2012