Christina Haack's Favorite Way To Go Bold Without Using Color

If, like HGTV's Christina Haack, you're a fan of neutral interiors, then you may feel a little lost when it comes to introducing movement and contrast in your décor without resorting to big, bold pops of color. Worry not, as the "Christina on the Coast" host has all the best tips on how to liven up a neutral color scheme and, though they're not exactly obvious, they are pretty intuitive. Once you have the starting point, you'll be able to pick the method that best works for your taste and space. 

According to Haack, one easy design trick to break up monotony in interiors decorated in all light colors is to sprinkle in a bit of black. Now, you might be thinking that black is a bold color, but it is also commonly referred to as the absence of color and, therefore, the ultimate neutral. This dark shade will bring drama and depth to an otherwise possibly overly soft décor. 

Alternatively, if you're not interested in semantics and decidedly loyal to colorless interiors, you can add variety through materials, textures, and shapes. Your space can look and feel alive if you mix these elements in a clever and intentional way. Think pairing angular and curved furniture, large shapes and smaller accents, heavy and light textures, and contrasting surfaces like the organic feel of wood and stone and the more industrial vibe of metal and glass.

If you're not a big fan of using bold colors in a home, but still enjoy a bit of contrast in your décor, then black is your best friend. This strong, timeless shade will make an impression with very little effort, whether you're gunning for elegance or edge. A crisp black and white pairing is a classic, but bringing black to a space filled with warm neutrals will help soften its intensity. 

A black accent wall is a simple way to add dimension to any room, and black furniture is a surefire way to make a lasting statement. But, if those ideas feel like too big of a commitment, you can just as easily bring black into your interiors through accessories or architectural accents. Artwork, textiles, and lighting fixtures are fantastic opportunities for subtle black accents. Likewise, if you have a distinct fireplace, window, or staircase you would love to highlight, paint them black. The key to achieving a balanced result with this powerful shade is to be cohesive and selective, taking care not to overwhelm the space. 

You can bring visual interest into a neutral space without involving color by playing around with shapes, textures, and materials. Start small by introducing simple ornaments like ceramics in sculptural, designer-grade shapes. Or, go a step further with contrasting furniture. 

This can mean a difference in size, bulkiness, or design (clean and angular versus soft and curved lines). But it can also mean a difference in texture, such as having heavier fabrics like wool, velvet, and leather frame the airy lightness of linen or silk. Offset the coolness of marble, metal, and glass with the warmth of wood and rattan. Another option is contrasting glossy, shiny finishes with matte alternatives. 

The bigger pieces should set the tone, while smaller furniture and accessories can provide the contrast. Alternatively, statement items in a contrasting size, shape, texture, or material can be an attractive focal point, provided the rest of the space is subdued enough to placate it.