Using neutrals with interior designer, Juliette Byrne
Chelsea-based interior design studio, Juliette Byrne, utilises the highest quality materials to create elegant interiors that blend classic and contemporary style. Explore a selection of spaces where they have employed Paint & Paper Library’s ‘Architectural Colours’ palette to provide a seamless, neutral backdrop.
Discover expert insights from award-winning designer, Juliette Byrne, as she shares their key considerations when selecting neutrals for schemes.
What are the main benefits of using neutrals in interior design?
“Neutrals create calm, longevity and flexibility. They allow materials, artwork and furniture to sing, while giving a space visual coherence from room to room. They’re easy to update seasonally, they often make small rooms feel bigger, and they’re kind to the long-term budget, because you can refresh accents without repainting the whole scheme.”
Walls: Slate I
Interior design by Juliette Byrne
What are the most important considerations when selecting neutrals for a space?
“Light & orientation: North light can read cooler, while south light warms everything. We always test large swatches on multiple walls and view them at different times through the day.
Architecture & function: Period detailing, ceiling heights and how the space is used (for example, whether it’s a family room or a formal reception) should guide your choice of colour depth and sheen level.
Existing materials: Flooring, stone, timber and metals should set the undertone for your chosen hues.
Walls: Slate I
Interior design by Juliette Byrne
Continuity: Consider how the shades link to colour schemes in adjacent rooms and hallways.
Finish & durability: Select a matt finish for walls to soften the scheme. Combine with an eggshell/satin sheen on woodwork to add resilience and a gentle contrast.
Lighting temperature: Ensure your bulbs match the mood you want to create. We find that warm white lighting often flatters neutrals best.”
Walls: Stone IV
Interior design by Juliette Byrne
Why does Paint & Paper Library’s Architectural Colours palette provide an ideal backdrop?
“The tonally stepped families in the Architectural Colours make specifying effortless. You can build a whole scheme including ceilings, walls, woodwork and joinery within a single family, and know the undertones will relate beautifully. The colours have nuance, so rooms never feel ‘flat’, and the palette works across classic and contemporary projects alike.”
Which Paint & Paper Library neutrals have you used the most?
“We tend to use the Slate range as our go-to neutral, because it’s refined, adaptable and elegant across different lights.”
Walls: Slate I
Interior design by Juliette Byrne
Can you share your expert tips for creating elegant, understated neutral interiors?
“Layer textures: Neutrals pair beautifully with linen, boucle, timber, stone and unlacquered brass for added richness.
Play with tone: Consider using two or three steps within the same neutral family, combined on different elements of the space.
Vary sheen levels: Juxtaposing matt walls against a satin sheen on woodwork creates quiet contrast.
Walls: Stone IV
Interior design by Juliette Byrne
Mind the details: Coordinate your radiators and sockets with the wall colour. Keeping the ceilings a touch lighter will lift the atmosphere of the room.
Edit accents: Add restrained touches of colour through art, textiles and books. Repeat those notes throughout your scheme for cohesion.
Test properly: Always sample large swatches of colour and live with them through a full day’s light before committing.”
Walls: Salt I
Interior design by Juliette Byrne
Explore the palette of neutrals from Paint & Paper Library, or browse the gallery of neutral design schemes.
