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Black, Beige & White Done Right by Darryl Carter

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

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inspiration, Darryl Carter, color combinations

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Comments (4)

I would love to know the white paints used for the walls, they seem softer than most whites. Love the depth created here, very calm and comfortable.

posted by stt64 on July 19th 2009 at 11:01am
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Dead on. This room is primitive-chic at its very best. Five stars!!!

posted by medusa12120 on July 19th 2009 at 12:42pm
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Greetings from Darryl Carter, Inc.,

I wanted to share an answer to the question on paint color. Darryl Carter likes to use Moonlight White by Benjamin Moore Paints on walls and Simply White, also by Benjamin Moore, on trim. Thank you for your comments!

Darryl Carter, Inc.

posted by Darryl Carter Inc. on July 20th 2009 at 2:43pm
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Thanks!

posted by stt64 on July 21st 2009 at 12:31pm
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