Brad Ford on How to Use Neutrals

Interior designer Brad Ford is renowned for his canny and refined use of color, often relying on a palette of neutrals--shades he returns to again and again. Ford shares a few of his favorites, explains what makes them tick and why they are the perfect backdrop and compliment to natural materials--wood, wool, linen, sisal, etc.--he likes to use.

Photo by Eric Striffler.

First, we asked Ford the basic question--why neutrals? "I like them because they're a smart investment, not something you'll get tired of. Plus you can play off of them in so many directions. They are easily manipulated--you can experiment with art and accessories when you have a neutral base."

"I usually choose warm tones, those with a little bit of gray in them. I find them more inviting, serene, and comforting than cooler tones." They're also flattering to people's skin tones and furnishings.

In this very large space, Ford wanted the stone fireplace to stand out, so the walls on either side are a couple of shades darker, while the remaining three are painted to match the stone. "There's enough of a contrast so that there's interest, but it’s not jarring." He used Bennington Gray HC-82 to frame the hearth, and Feather Down OC-6 elsewhere.

"With such a big room, it needed to be delineated, broken up if you will, to create a little bit of static. Using two colors prevents it from being a big white box."

Photo courtesy of Brad Ford.

Ford added texture to the hearth in this room by painting it in a glossier finish--but it's the same shade as the wall--both White Dove OC-17. "The shininess reflects light differently and makes it look almost like a different hue, but subtly."

Photo by Brian Fender.

Another of his favorites is Elmira White HC-84, which he uses often. "The nice thing about it is that it's still a warm neutral, but it does have a brightness to it. It's really reflective and adds the warmth I like, but doesn't feel dark at all."

It's also versatile and, along with the others mentioned here, really flatters those around it without hogging attention. These colors don't compete with, but rather compliment, both artwork and furnishings." For Brad Ford, that's the power of neutrals.

Brad Ford

Eric Striffler

Comments

[Toronto houses]

I have to agree. It is great to find posts like this, because they show possibilities how to work with our homes. It doesn’t matter, if you want to make over your old house or you move into new one. If you don’t know where to begin choosing neutral colours is always a good choice. They will be a great basic for every room in your house. You can mix them with furniture and accessories you like. It will look warm, inviting, elegant and stylish. Thank you for your types and tricks.

Best regards,
Elli