15 Tenets Of Gender Neutral Decor And How To Nail The Look For Every Room Of Your Home (2024)

Gender-neutral design is decorating in a style that leans neither feminine nor masculine. It waves away the notion that colors and certain design choices are related to specific genders. For example, blue is often related to masculinity and pink is typically synonymous with a more feminine room. But times have changed, and gender-neutral rooms put design first, rather than limiting a space’s creativity and appearance with preconceived ideas.

Rooms in a gender-neutral style often embrace neutral palettes or use color schemes in a way that make the space fit for any person or purpose. Sometimes, gender-neutral design takes colors and design concepts that are traditionally associated with a certain gender and uses them in a unique way that breaks those stereotypes. If your goal is creating a space like this, there are plenty of ideas that’ll match your personal design style and embrace gender neutrality.

Read on for 15 different ideas for designing your home through a gender-neutral lens, from chic nurseries to cozy living rooms.

1. Work in Pops of Color

Blue has managed to really break away from its reputation of being a masculine color. When a room is doused in navy walls or decorated solely in blue, it might feel a touch too bold. To soften the look, use bursts of blue (or other colors) in a room that’s mostly neutral. This adds a little more saturation, but won’t heavily lean towards a masculine-style space.

2. Decorate With Gray

In most cases, gray is seen as a fantastic gender-neutral color. It’s a foundational color that works as a perfect jumping off point for decorating a room with other colors and patterns. If you’re trying to maintain a neutral palette, gray—whether in a light mist hue or deep charcoal shade—adds depth and dimension.

3. Rethink Pink

Many colors are deemed masculine or feminine, but that doesn’t mean they’re inherently that way. Pink is a great example of a color that is almost always tied to feminine rooms. The sharper lines in this space and modern overall appearance makes pink feel more like a neutral rather than a frilly hue. If pink still sticks in your mind as purely feminine, choose edgier shapes and more muted shades to neutralize it.

4. Aim for a Modern Look

Though modern design can sway one way or another, it’s a great style for leaving gendered design stereotypes out of the equation, as this modern living room shows. It’s a well balanced space thanks to the mix of edgy and soft. There are lighter colors present, courtesy of the rug and artwork, that help balance out the sharp lines of the furniture (and vice versa).

5. Try Black and White

Black and white is a classic duo that will never feel dated, nor is it adhered to masculinity or femininity. There are numerous ways to work in this scheme, whether you use small splashes of each, or designate one as an accent and one as a primary color. To prevent the space from feeling too cold, copy what this kitchen does and implement wooden finishes (or another natural texture) throughout.

6. Reconsider Your Nursery Palette

Nurseries are one of the biggest offenders of gender-neutral design. Though there’s nothing wrong with choosing blue or pink for a baby’s new room, you shouldn’t feel limited or controlled by the typical shades. With splashes of pink and blue both present in this room, along with yellow and other neutral tones, this space allows the design to shine through.

7. Go Coastal

The “Coastal Grandmother” trend has taken the design world by storm this summer, and it won’t be going anywhere. The concept centers itself on creating a cozy interior with beachy touches, so you’ll always feel like you’re right next to the shore—even if you’re miles and miles away from it. Nautical stripes, grays, yellows and whites are a big part of this trend, and it doesn’t lean one way or another when it comes to gender.

8. Bring in Dark Green

Dark green is a sleek shade, but because it’s green, it has an earthiness about it that feels more welcoming than, say, a dark purple or navy. As this space shows, it’s great on cabinets and brushed onto an island. This nice combination of modern, yet inviting, will make any cook feel right at home.

9. Modernize a Minimalist Nursery

Here’s another prime example of a great gender-neutral nursery. Overall, it’s a relatively minimal and modern space and cuts out the oft-seen gendered decorative items. That being said, it’s still a comforting place for a little one thanks to the soft colors, playful toys and fun artwork. The modern twists make it a room fit for any baby, too.

10. Add Warmth and Coziness to a Kitchen

Another trend that’s been front and center this year is “Cottagecore.” Pulling textures, colors and materials that would likely be found in a countryside cottage, this style doesn’t have to feel feminine or masculine. This particular kitchen remains neutral, but the burst of sunshine yellow coming from the lower cabinetry provides an energizing touch for any home chef.

11. Pick a Bold Accent

Home offices occasionally lean masculine or feminine in homes. For instance, dark blue rooms with leather furniture are typically seen in a masculine light, whereas pale pastel walls and acrylic accents are considered to be more feminine. The wooden desk and shelves and range of neutral tones make this office a great match for any person. What makes it more fun is that bold pop of orange that the accent chair provides.

12. Don’t Shy Away From Patterns

While neutrals are a smart move when you’re aiming for gender neutral, they can feel slightly underwhelming, especially in a monochrome space. To spice things up, aim for flooring or a backsplash that stands out. In this kitchen, visually interesting tile covers the floor. It’s the perfect pop of color, as is the powder blue pendant light.

13. Experiment With Primary Colors

Don’t feel hindered by neutral palettes. Though they’re common for gender-neutral designs, you can sprinkle in as much color as you’d like. For a nice balance between vibrant colors and quieter options, mix and match a few elements. This corner of a living area shows how a muted palette serves as a nice background for a splash of green, orange and blue. The vivid shades still shine without overtaking the space.

14. Opt for Green

One timeless color that’s not tied to feminine or masculine styles in particular, is green, as mentioned above pertaining to the dark green kitchen. But you’ll find that all shades and hues of green are gender neutral. For a more light-hearted look, try a pale, lichen-inspired green on the cabinets and pair it with leather pulls for an upbeat kitchen that appeals to a wide range of design preferences.

15. Play With Jewel Tones

Looking for something bolder? Deeply saturated jewel tones are a great move and will win the approval of everyone at homes. Usually, one or two jewel tones make an appearance in a room, but when they’re selected as accents, an eclectic combination of multiple shades is never a bad idea either.