Are you dreaming of a home that is timeless, versatile, and inviting? Using neutrals might just be your ticket! Some think neutrals are boring, but decorating with neutrals isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about creating a sophisticated backdrop that can allow your personal style to shine through, and can evolve with your changing preferences.  In this post, I’ve got 6 essential tips for how to mix it up with neutral decor, and create a home that’s anything but blah.

1. Choose Neutral Colors Like a Pro

Who said neutrals are just fifty shades of beige? Not true! The neutral palette spans a beautiful array of colors – from soft whites and cool grays to warm taupes and deep charcoals, and even navy blue. Mixing and layering these different shades will add depth and a little drama to your space, keeping things interesting. When you’re decorating with neutrals, it’s important to use a variety of shades (light to dark) to add dimension and contrast to the room, resulting in a sophisticated, and visually appealing living space. 

2. Texture Is the KEY

Wanna know the secret sauce to a captivating neutral space? Texture, texture, and more texture. Throw in a plush rug, a chunky knitted throw blanket, baskets, and maybe some rustic wood accents. All of those different textures create a cozy and lived-in look, that will make you want to stay in and binge-watch your favorite shows. Adding plenty of texture is the KEY to keeping your neutral color scheme from feeling flat.

3. Bring in the Natural Elements

Incorporate a touch of the outside world into your home with natural elements, like wood, stone, and plants. Not only do these items complement a neutral color scheme, but they also add an organic, refreshing vibe to your home. Whether it’s a statement wood furniture piece, a marble coffee table, or a bit of greenery, these elements will help to create a serene, grounded atmosphere in your neutral living space. If you have wood floors, you’re already ahead of the game with natural materials!  If not, focus on ways to add in natural materials with your furniture, decorative accessories, and plants. 

4. Play with Light and Dark

The interplay of light and dark neutrals can create drama in a neutral room. So, if you choose a neutral color scheme, be sure to include colors that will give you some contrast. Without a range of lighter shades and darker shades to spark visual interest, a room can often fall flat. Contrast is also a tried-and-true designer trick that can be used to highlight your room’s best features (e.g., a dark fireplace surround in a room with white walls). This includes using a range of wood tones! 

using contrast with neutral color palette

Source: Studio McGee

5. Sprinkle in Some Personal Touches

Now for the fun part – adding those little bits of ‘you’ into the room. While a neutral palette provides a calm and flexible backdrop, it’s the personal touches that truly make a space feel like home. A pop of color here, a funky pattern there, or some quirky decor pieces can really make your space feel personal and unique. It’s your home, after all, so flaunt what you’ve got!

gallery wall

Source: Framebridge

6. Create Variety with Patterns and Shapes

Geometric patterns and intriguing shapes are a great way to add focal points and personality into your room. With a neutral color palette, it’s important to find ways to add visual interest. An eye-catching pattern for your throw pillows, or a uniquely-shaped sculptural object on your coffee table, for example, can really enrich the overall look in a neutral room. Mirrors are another fantastic way to add in a new shape or metallic accent, while amplifying natural light in the room. 

using pattern when decorating with neutrals

Source: Studio McGee

Decorating with neutrals is all about creating a home that feels effortlessly sophisticated and versatile. With these 6 tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that’s not just stylish but also totally you. Now that you know the key ingredients for creating a gorgeous neutral room, here are a few more tips for taking your home to the next level.

Taking your Neutral Room to the Next Level

Here are some designer tips for taking your neutral room decor to the next level.

Create or Highlight an Architectural Detail

Architectural details, from crown molding to wainscoting, add a layer of sophistication and character to any space. You can use moulding, trim work, or paneling to create a beautiful texture on your walls. These elements get noticed, and really elevate the entire look and feel of the room. And, don’t forget about your ceilings! Adding ceiling beams is a fantastic way to add character, contrast, and a natural material into your space.

neutral bedroom paneling

Source: Studio McGee

Mix Warm and Cool Undertones

When it comes to designing good neutral rooms, you don’t have to be limited to just warm tones or just cool tones. Warm undertones create an inviting, cozy atmosphere, while cool undertones can offer a relaxing, casual vibe. Mixing warm and cool tones together can create a balanced neutral look that gives you the best of both worlds. So, don’t be afraid to mix your warm white walls with a cool gray stone, and your soft beige sofa with deep gray-green throw pillows. The combination of warm and cool tones is a trick that interior designers love to use when decorating with neutrals.

Mix Metal Finishes 

Using a variety of rich metal finishes in your neutral room can add another layer of interest, and make the room feel a bit more luxurious. For great results, choose two metal finishes for your room, and use each one about 2-3 times throughout your space. An easy way to add metals is in the form of light fixtures, mirrors, or decorative accessories.

Favorite Neutral Paint Colors

For a neutral scheme, there are several paint colors that designers turn to again and again. If you’re using a range of neutral colors in your room, you want to choose a paint color that can coordinate with light and dark shades, warm and cool tones, and a variety of metal finishes. Light neutrals, like whites and greiges, work really well in a neutral room. They create a neutral backdrop that can allow other pieces and colors in the room to take center stage. Here’s a list of some of my favorite neutral wall colors. You can check out my post on the Best Whole-House Paint Colors for even more ideas. 

Whites

  • BM Chantilly Lace – a bright, clean white
  • BM White Dove – a lovely warm white
  • SW Pure White – a sot white, with a hint of warmth
  • SW Shoji White – beautifully-balanced off-white

Greiges

Wrapping it Up

Neutral home decor is far from boring! It’s a blank canvas that allows for creativity and personal expression. Embracing a neutral color scheme is one of the best ways to create a relaxing and timeless interior, that can evolve over time with your changing preferences. By embracing the full spectrum of neutral tones and incorporating a variety of textures, architectural details, and natural elements, you can create a living space that is both sophisticated and inviting. Whether you’re designing a neutral living room, guest room, family room, or any other area in your home, remember that the best neutral spaces are those that feel balanced, rich in depth, and reflective of your unique style. 

So, what do you think about decorating with neutrals? Do you prefer a neutral home, or a more colorful vibe? Tell me in the comments!