Shoreline Construction

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Flashback Friday: Neutral interiors are making a comeback!

After a whirlwind of bright whites and cool greys have swept the world of design, we’re excited to declare that the time has come to welcome warm neutral finishes back into our interiors. Many people have found themselves opting for cooler backdrops in their homes out of fear that neutral color palettes are outdated.

Despite misconceptions, a neutral color palette creates an atmosphere that is neither beige nor boring. While there’s nothing like a gorgeous grey, we are thrilled to pair warm tones with coastal inspiration as neutrals make their way back into the spotlight. If you’re nervous to use neutrals in your next custom build, consider some of the beautiful ways that earth-tones can enhance your Lowcountry home.

Neutrals are Warm


Most of us vie for warm and welcoming atmospheres. Cool color palettes can be calming or classy but can also make your space feel cold much easier than a palette that intentionally incorporates warm neutrals. 

If you are looking to integrate personality and fun into your custom home, warm palettes with earthy tones often make it easier to embrace statement pieces, astonishing accents, or whimsical wallpapers. The neutral paint and flooring in the guestroom of our Marshall home allow the accent wall in the space to make a bold statement without feeling too busy. 

One of the best ways to make your custom home more engaging is with lovely light fixtures and heavenly hardware. While mixing metal finishes in your new build is a great way to add depth to the space, consider the tone of your favorite fixtures when choosing cabinetry. Certain fixtures or too many cool tones in the kitchen can make a space feel more sterile than charming. 

We love the statement that every accent makes in the kitchen of our Dorchester home. Dark fixtures and the gorgeous backsplash make a huge impact on the room that would not be possible without warm taupe cabinets to offset the dark details.

Pair cool tones with the right cabinetry to keep any room in your custom home elegant, engaging, and bright. If you find yourself fawning over dark details, consider neutral cabinetry to make the features pop. Warm neutral finishes keep the heart of your home from becoming too cold or dim. 

Neutrals Add Space


The versatility of a neutral color palette lends itself to the creation of more depth in a space than its contemporarily cool counterparts. One of the most effective ways to create the illusion of more space is by using one hue in varied shades on different finishes throughout your home. Neutral colors are easy to vary and deepen– adding space and interest. 

We used an array of earthy tones and lovely neutrals in the guest suite of our Dorchester home. The natural color palette of the space allowed our team to subtly add depth to the coffee kitchen and make the room feel much larger than a traditional guest space

Transitions between different neutral tones will enhance spaces that serve more than one purpose without overpowering them. With intentional design, using the right neutrals in every nook and cranny provides endless opportunities to add space to your new home. 

Neutrals are Natural


While most people imagine neutral interiors to be bland and beige, when we use earth-tones we mean earth-tones. Any palette influenced by nature can be neutral. Opting to go au naturel with your backdrops doesn’t have to limit your options. The landscape of the Lowcountry inspires our designs and provides a plethora of beautiful tones from which to choose. 

South Carolina sunsets mean that delicate pinks and creamy oranges are just as natural as sandy shades and taupe tinges. The rosy walls in this bedroom keep the space bright and coastal without sacrificing any Lowcountry luxury.

Natural textures and stunningly stained wood finishes can make a statement all throughout your home. Neutral backgrounds help natural accents become the stars of the space. Without the elevated fawn and oatmeal backdrop in the living space of our Silverman home, the elegant front doors and gold pendants wouldn’t get the attention they deserve. A buff interior has the same effect on the french doors and exposed brick in the Mason II kitchen.

Beautiful neutrals have always been necessary to the elevation of classically coastal designs. As the timeless Lowcountry trend becomes more widespread, we can’t wait to create more irresistible interiors using perfect neutral palettes. If you’re looking for more ways to construct an enchanting home, contact our team to discuss ways to elevate the atmosphere in your new build.