It seems like a neutral color scheme should be easy to pull off - no messing with colors getting too loud or brassy. But, anyone who has tried to do a room with just a handful of neutrals knows that it is easier said than done - it can look ho hum rather than quietly elegant. Local DC designer Darryl Carter is an expert at this look, so we put together this post full of his rooms as a bit of a inspirational guide...

As you can see from the series of photos above, one factor in doing this color combo successfully is balancing the mix. In his rooms, Darryl Carter goes for lots of while (walls and floors) followed by a strong dose of beige (upholstery) and keeps things interesting with smaller punches of black (a single piece of furniture, lamp shades or fireplace surround).

The other key factor is to keep things rustic - Carter is not afraid to add in vintage wooden pieces that show their age. These warm wood notes add another level of interest and take the edge off of a color scheme that can veer toward cold and clinical easily.

See lots more of Darryl Carter's lovely rooms in his online portfolio right here.

More Darryl Carter on Apartment Therapy: DC can be found right here.

Images: via Darryl Carter