Despite what the naysayers might think, I can never get tired of beige and all its variations. Elegant and timeless in their simplicity, neutral colors are a stalwart in the world of interiors.
Actor and comedian Ricky Gervais' living room is a wonderful example of how 'new neutrals' such as beige, cream and taupe can calm and sophistication to the home.
The power of decorating with neutrals to add warmth and elegance to a room should not be underestimated. A soft scheme of harmonious neutrals creates a reflective backdrop to the ever-changing light of the seasons.
When decorating with neutrals, a key element is layering the space with textures and tonal shades. Using texture in interior design is an interior designer's secret weapon for adding depth and dimension to an otherwise minimal space.
However, creating texture is not simply just about how decor and soft furnishings feel, it's also about 'visual texture' – using different materials to add interest and breathe life into a room. Quite simply, without texture, a neutral living room space will fall flat.
‘Touch and comfort are key sensory triggers. When decorating with white and neutrals, it is crucial to add in natural elements and pile on texture; a soft rug underfoot, or a diaphanous drape at a window can truly transform a room. Natural materials, such as weathered wood, slubby linen, or stone, connect us back to nature and add interest,’ says founder and CEO of The White Company, Chrissie Rucker OBE.
There's plenty of debate as to how to define 'neutral colors. I tend to think of them as tones such as white, beige, gray and ivory that don't appear on the color wheel. In general, neutrals are calming and easy to use – they work with almost every other color, but it's important to consider how pigments are affected by light. 'The light in a room is key to deciding whether to choose warm or cool tones,' says Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene. If your home is on the dark side, brighten up your neutral room with touches of warm metallics such as brass or bronze and liven up north-facing rooms with bursts of violet, pink, or blue.
Decorating every room in neutrals can create a feeling of seamless calm in a home. Gervais' home is the perfect place to retreat to at the end of a long day. His cat – Pickles – would certainly agree if they could talk.
Shop the look
Designed with the team behind celebrity-favorite brand Magnolia, this decorative throw pillow case is a charming take on the stripe trend – a forever favorite in my opinion. It is also machine-washable. Win-win!
The beautiful Lorenzo Cream Grid Throw is interior designer Shea McGee's pick. With an on-trend cream tone and expressive fringe, the throw features a subtle grid motif. Designed specifically for comfort, the throw is made from an acrylic and polyester blend.
Joanna Gaines x Loloi rugs are the best for a good reason. They are machine washable, affordable and timeless. I have one in almost every room in my house, and I can't see myself shopping anywhere else for them. I would argue that a rug is the most defining feature in a room – it can make or break a space.
