When Is a Neutral Not a Neutral?

This year,neutrals are big. We always like neutrals; the elegance and versatility make them perfect for many painting jobs.

But some neutrals aren't truly neutrals. One of the favorite shades this season is lilac. Not the stunning colour of the flowers above, but the shy colour from the very interior of the palest blossoms. The example below is "Peplum" from Dulux, but all of the paint companies are offering a version.

The great thing about working with a not-really-neutral colour like this year's lilac is that it's as elegant and versatile like an ordinary grey -- but a little bit more exciting. Without calling attention to itself, it gives your room a greater sophistication and drama.

 

Another example is "Amethyst" from Wattyl. It's in the purple family, just as "Peplum" is, but it comes off like black. Less stark, a little more luscious, but nothing about it shouts "purple."

We're seeing a lot of this type of colour this year, in shades from green and blue families as well. If you like neutrals, but you're ready for something just a little more dramatic, this is the way to go.