Neutrals in the home are gaining popularity. The versatility is just one reason interior designers love them. But neutrals can be an intimidating place to play. Do you mix and match neutrals? Make a statement and add patterns and colors? Designer and blogger Sarah Sherman Samuel is going to share some of her interior design tips and tricks for outfitting your living room with the latest color trend — and her easy way for keeping neutrals, well, neutral year-round.

Neutrals are so trendy because they work with so many other colors or they can stand alone. Regardless of whether you choose to add bold colors, the first rule of neutrals is to stay away from using only mid-tones, Sherman Samuel says.

“Think browns and taupes. These can read as drab, while brighter whites, ivories and creams, or dark and moody neutrals like charcoal, navy, and blacks, can stand on their own and have so much more impact. You can mix in some mid-tones for variety in shades, but keep away from using them solely” Sherman Samuel says.