How to Style Neutral Interiors

The best neutral rooms aren't empty, they're layered. Cream walls, an oatmeal sofa, a jute rug — and then the window carries the texture: a slub linen or a woven cotton with a visible grain.

Work in threes. Pick three neutral tones — say ivory, sand and sage — and repeat them across the room. The curtain should be one of the three, never a fourth stranger.

Finally, warm the light. Neutral rooms live and die by lighting; a light-filtering curtain turns afternoon sun amber and makes the whole palette glow. That's the Shivanaa trick — the window does the decorating.