Color Combinations - Working with Neutrals

Detail of Hickory Chair Wingback - Taupe and Cream Damask

I thought talking about neutrals would be easy.  In doing my (admittedly limited) research, I found many different definitions and illustrations about what is a neutral.  I thought Wikipedia's definition of a neutral color scheme interesting:

A color scheme that includes only colors not found on the color wheel, called neutrals, such as beige, brown, gray, black and white.

A decorating source (http://yourdecoratinghotline.com/exploring-color-neutrals/) used a very broad definition:

Neutral is a very broad category.  It covers everything from buff to chocolate brown; from ivory to mocha; from tan to espresso.  At the lightest end of the neutrals you’ll find ivory, bone and cream.  Add a little gray and you’ll get mushroom and taupe.  With a little yellow undertone straw, sandstone and biscuit will warm your walls.  Khaki has a hint of green.

Neutral Tufted Loveseat (sold)

Discussions about "the feel of neutrals" were particularly useful - Neutrals convey calmness and can be either refreshingly cool or softly warm.  What all the discussions had in common was the versatility of using some or many neutrals in decorating and how easy it is to add just small color accents to change the look.   I must admit, I am a brighter color person but do like to add neutrals to a more colorful setting to create a sense of balance and peace.

Sandstone and Cream Damask (sold)

Cream on Cream Pattern