Loved for their serenity and quiet sophistication, neutral interiors are enduringly desirable. Using these restful hues on walls, floors, furniture, decorative accessories, and fabrics ensures neutral room ideas create a calm and elegant ambiance.
But the attributes that make neutrals a favorite can make these palettes challenging to execute. The key to success? Mixing tones, textures, and finishes is fundamental to successful interior design, and in neutral color schemes, it’s what avoids the fate of blandness.
We asked interior designers to share their expertise in making neutral rooms as rich in detail and interest as their more colorful counterparts and these are their recommendations.
1. Choose Luxurious Neutral Surfaces
The muted color palette of a neutral living room allows impact to be made with other elements of the design. Aside from the opportunity to layer in different forms, these hues play perfectly on minimalism in interior design.
"Working with subdued tones in key living spaces grants us the opportunity to layer in more luxurious fabrics and textures," explains Ali Milch of NY-based Ali Milch Interiors. "Playing with organic stones, layered plaster, and cozy nubby materials keeps the space from feeling too sterile."
2. Use a Cohesive Neutral Palette to Stretch Dining and Kitchen spaces
Choosing neutrals for adjoining spaces creates a canvas to link them and boosts light to a space-expanding effect, as shown in this dining room and kitchen.
"We embraced a neutral color palette to create a timeless and cohesive flow between the kitchen and dining room," explains Megan Hoffman of JP Hoffman Design Build.
Megan says subtle touches of contrasting textures and finishes, "along with natural wood elements, added depth and warmth to the space without overpowering it. Neutral tones not only offer versatility but also enhance natural light, making the spaces feel both inviting and functional."
It's the perfect minimalist kitchen if you ask us.
3. Dress Walls With Neutral Pattern to Elevate a Living Room
If you picture a neutral room, you might see plain surfaces. However, there is a good reason to include patterns in the design — and walls can be the perfect place to do so, as demonstrated by this space. A pattern trend we've seen is the mixing of simple, neutral tones with subtle patterns that seamlessly fit into a space, and this design does just that.
"In this living room, there are plenty of patterns that enliven the neutral palette," says Kara Adam of Kara Adam Interiors. The living room wallpaper in each of the alcoves by the fireplace adds decorative detail and helps draw attention to the room’s focal point. Kara also used patterns in artwork, armchair upholstery, and sofa pillows, creating contrast.
4. Think Lighting to Bring Depth to a Neutral Bedroom
Striking bedroom lighting choices can add depth to a neutral bedroom, and Deana Concilio-Lenz of Deana Lenz Interiors chose them for this Hamptons home.
"When creating a room with neutral palettes, it is nice to combine different neutral tones and schemes so the room doesn’t feel flat," she says. "When I create a neutral room, I also add interesting and artistic lighting. It gives the room depth and an added sense of a jewel."
Lighting can impact the way a space looks and feels. For example, table lamps and low lighting can set the mood for a calm and tranquil space — which is ideal for the bedroom.
Price: $385
Designed by British designer Tom Dixon, this stylish silver and marble table lamp screams luxury in its finest form.
5. Create a Pristine Finish With Neutrals in a Living Room
Neutrals — especially the palest versions — needn’t be a challenge to maintain, even if they’re used for the spaces in the home that see the most daily use.
"In this living room, we used soft white and neutral fabrics to create an expansive and illuminated quality while also enhancing the textural impact of its earthy accents," explains Lorraine Enwright, founder of Intuitive Dwellings.
"Workhorse performance fibers with linen-like fabric weaves prevent staining and afford easy maintenance with enduring brightness," says Lorraine. "Similarly, the woven rug fibers have a stain-repellant treatment that shuns soiling and welcomes without worry."
6. Select Neutral Organic Materials for a Bathroom
Consider organic and sustainable materials as the source of neutrals for a modern bathroom to help create the desired relaxing feel. These tones will also help elevate your space for the perfect Feng Shui bathroom.
"Neutral tones allow for the seamless integration of organic materials like wood and stone, creating an inviting, spa-like atmosphere," says interior designer Stevi Fourouli of House of Meraki. "A neutral bathroom is not only a sanctuary of calm but also a refined canvas that can evolve with trends and personal taste."
7. Include Flooring in a Neutral Kitchen's Shade
A decoratively rich neutral palette rests on a number of shades, and the flooring is an important element, as this design shows.
"Neutral does not have to mean stark or boring," says Andrea Lackie of Andrea Lackie Design. "Consider the color undertones of each material and make sure to select a variety of shades," she advises. "Add two to three textures to create visual interest and a satisfying tactile quality."
For example, the expert says, "If the floor is a neutral stone-look tile with a toothy texture, add a neutral glossy hand-hewn tile for contrast."
8. Layer Neutral Bed Linens
There are many types of bedding styles, colors, and textures, but if we've learned one thing, it would be that bold color isn't essential to make the bed the focal point of a room — and layering neutral linens can make it the centerpiece of a design as well as providing textural appeal and comfort.
"Creating a primary bedroom with neutral colors is essential for fostering a calming and peaceful atmosphere," says Justine Wolman of Justine Wolman Interiors. "I love incorporating neutral bedding, paired with complementary accent colors, to design a serene and beautiful retreat."
9. Choose Neutrals to Let a Room’s Character Shine
Decorating with neutrals can be the perfect complement to a room packed with architectural interest, allowing its features to shine — while also adding a bit of character and dimension into a space.
"In New Orleans, we are lucky because neutral rooms have character with the city’s historic architectural charm," says interior designer Hattie Sparks Collins of Hattie Sparks. "I would say to embrace a room’s architectural — bring a mirror to the ceiling, add some lacquer to an alcove, emphasize a room’s quirks with finishes."
10. Make an Entryway Welcoming With a Warm Neutral
Neutrals include some less often used shades like this plaster pink. Its warm color creates a welcoming ambiance in those entryway ideas, and it’s sufficiently light reflective to keep even smaller spaces feeling open.
As with other neutral designs, combining elements is key to avoiding a bland impression. "Try mixing different materials and wood species," suggests Shannon Askinasi of Ash & Pine Interiors. "And don’t forget a touch of greenery — nothing brings life into a room more than a live plant or fresh flowers."
Price: $159
Planter color: Cream
The perfect touch of elegance and foliage, this Large Cast Iron Plant from The Sill will add character and charm to a neutral entryway.
For neutral room aficionados, these tones are perfect in themselves and for every space. But there are colors you can add to neutral bedrooms, as well as colors to add into neutral living rooms if you’re hankering after an extra element.
And if you’re searching for a neutral that’s just right, we asked designers which Benjamin Moore neutrals they reach for.
