Understated rooms offer beauty through subtlety

Originally published August 15, 2014 at 8:01 PM | Page modified August 15, 2014 at 10:19 PM

Paint your walls a bold color and friends will likely praise your creativity. Invest in a standout piece of furniture or striking work of art and your decorating is bound to earn compliments.

But creating a noteworthy room with subtle, understated elegance is a bit more complicated.

Understated style rides the fine line between too sparse and too cold, says designer Brian Patrick Flynn, creator of the FlynnsideOut design blog. A lack of objects makes a room feel unfinished, and a lack of color can also read as lifeless.

But finding the right, subtle balance can be worth it. Although bold decorating has been in the spotlight for a while, a more neutral room, if well-designed, will never become tired, Flynn says.

Every once in a while, its nice to have a space thats just simple and clean, he says.

Without warm, vibrant colors, you can create warmth in understated rooms by filling them with soft, elegant materials that look and feel appealing.

Think of a camel cashmere sweater, says designer Betsy Burnham of Burnham Design in Los Angeles. Its the simplest thing in the world, but its timelessly beautiful and feels great.

Materials like cashmere, silk and breathable fabrics such as linen or cotton blends bring a sense of warmth and comfort, Flynn agrees.

He also recommends wood surfaces softened by whitewashing, smooth stone surfaces, and broadloom carpet that adds texture and softness underfoot.

Go here to read the rest:
Understated rooms offer beauty through subtlety