Danielle BlundellHome Editor Danielle Blundell is AT's Home Director and covers decorating and design. She loves homes, heels, the history of art, and hockey—but not necessarily always in that order.
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When it comes to interior design, neutral colors sometimes get a bad reputation for being too safe or too blah. But in your living space, that lack of edge can actually be a good thing. First and foremost, you want your home to be your haven, a place where you can relax and retreat from all the stimuli of the world. There’s no better way to create chill vibes than surrounding yourself with quiet neutrals like taupe, beige, ivory, and more.
Moreover, when you choose a neutral for your walls or your furniture, you’re giving yourself a blank slate to build on with pops of pattern, bold color and texture. And the beauty is, because neutrals go with everything, you can make changes frequently without having to replace all of your living room decor.
Intrigued by that versatility? Here’s a primer on neutral colors and how to use them successfully in your home.
1. What is a Neutral Color?
A neutral is a color without much intensity or saturation—a color that’s lacking in color, if you will, which generally goes with everything. Examples of neutral colors include:
- Tan
- Beige
- Ivory
- Cream
- White
- Black
- Gray
These shades are visually quiet in interiors, almost receding into the background of rooms and spaces, even when used on walls or major pieces of furniture. For that reason, neutrals are a great backdrop for pretty much any design choice, simply because they do not compete with them. Neutrals aren’t on the color wheel, per se, but they have undertones of colors from it. And you should take those tints and tones into account when choosing a neutral.
What Neutral Colors are Best For Living Rooms?
White has been one of the most popular living room colors as of late because it goes with all. the. things. Literally. You can take more risks with color in art, furniture, and accessories when your background is basically colorless. But not all whites are created equal. It’s important to take your natural light situation into account when selecting the right white or neutral:
- If your home gets a lot of sunlight: Try a bright white that has cooler undertones.
- If you have few windows and rely on lamp light: Choose something with a little more warmth—a taupe, cream or greige with a little more pigment and movement—so your space doesn’t end up looking sterile or flat.
What Neutral Colors Make a Room Look Bigger?
Lighter, brighter neutrals are going to throw more light around a room, thus making it appear larger. Go with a dove gray or a soft beige if you’re dealing with a diminutive living space.
Now’s the time to also try a color in its lightest, most neutral state:
- Blush pink
- Soft mint
- Lavender
- Light powder blue
What Colors Go With Neutral Colors?
All colors go with neutrals; even other neutrals. That’s the beauty of decorating with neutrals. They’re a great starting point for any room because they can be updated often just by switching out accessories and textiles. Bright, bold colors will pop against neutrals, and you really can go with any palette, warm or cool.
How to Use Neutral Colors in Your Home
Wondering how to make neutral colors work for your space? Here, we’ll share some of our favorite design tips for working with neutrals to create just about any vibe you’re feeling.
Neutrals are classic and nondescript, so they are a great foundation for any decorating style.
Tip #1
Add vibrant colors and patterns in an eclectic mix for a funky, boho or maximalist look.
Tip #2
Mix just about any neutral tone with lots of black and white for a minimalist vibe.
Tip #3
Use a tone-on-tone neutral palette for a sophisticated look.
Tip #4
A sleek grey neutral or a stark white can serve as a backdrop for modern design.
Tip #5
For any sort of neutral colored room, vary the textures of your furnishings, adding in nubby knits, fuzzy rugs, something woven and even some hits of metallic to stave off a boring feeling.
Tip #6
Try a darker neutral for a cozier feeling. This is particularly effective in a bedroom or a room with lots of natural light.
So what’s your favorite neutral? How have you used neutral shades in your own space?
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As an enthusiast with a demonstrable understanding of interior design, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Having immersed myself in the world of design, I've explored the nuances of color theory, design principles, and the transformative impact that well-chosen elements can have on a living space. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article.
Neutral Colors:
The article rightly begins by addressing the misconceptions about neutral colors, emphasizing their role in creating a calming and versatile living space. The identified neutral colors—tan, beige, ivory, cream, white, black, and gray—are discussed in terms of their visual quietness, allowing them to serve as a backdrop without competing with other design elements.
Choosing Neutral Colors for Living Rooms:
The article provides valuable insights into selecting neutral colors for living rooms. White is highlighted for its popularity, versatility, and the ability to complement various design choices. It emphasizes the importance of considering natural light when choosing whites—bright whites for well-lit spaces and warmer tones like taupe, cream, or greige for spaces with limited natural light.
Making a Room Look Bigger with Neutral Colors:
The concept of using lighter and brighter neutrals to create an illusion of a larger space is introduced. Specific examples such as dove gray, soft beige, blush pink, soft mint, lavender, and light powder blue are recommended for this purpose.
Complementing Neutral Colors:
The article explores the compatibility of neutral colors with other shades. It emphasizes the universality of neutrals, stating that all colors, including other neutrals, work well with them. The flexibility of neutrals as a starting point for any room is underscored, allowing for easy updates through accessory and textile changes.
How to Use Neutral Colors in Your Home:
The article concludes by offering practical design tips on incorporating neutral colors into various styles:
- Eclectic Mix: Add vibrant colors and patterns for a funky, boho, or maximalist look.
- Minimalist Vibe: Mix any neutral tone with black and white for a minimalist aesthetic.
- Sophisticated Look: Use a tone-on-tone neutral palette for a sophisticated ambiance.
- Modern Design: Employ sleek grey or stark white as a backdrop for modern design.
- Texture Variation: Vary textures in neutral-colored rooms with nubby knits, fuzzy rugs, woven items, and metallic touches.
- Cozy Feeling: Opt for darker neutrals for a cozier atmosphere, particularly effective in bedrooms or well-lit rooms.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, selecting, and effectively using neutral colors in interior design, catering to a wide range of styles and preferences.
