Decorating With Neutrals: How to Achieve a Well-Balanced Space
Neutral decor is anything but boring and we're here to prove it.
Sometimes neutral colors are just what you need to make a space warm, bright, dramatic, or dimensional. Unlike bold-colored furniture and decor, neutral items are timeless and easy to style as your design preferences evolve over time. Done right, neutral decor color palettes can make spaces feel warm and inviting while still adding interest and style. Keep reading for everything you need to know about decorating with neutrals in your home.
1. Define Your Idea of "Neutral"
When decorating with neutrals, you might think of classic shades like tan, beige, brown, cream, white, gray, or black. However, there are other colors that can be considered neutrals. Pastel colors can often be used as neutrals because their pared-back, subtle hues don't dominate the room. Dark green or navy blue can also fall into the neutral category because they have a similar appearance to black, which allows them to blend into the room instead of standing out. Earthy shades of red, yellow, and orange can easily be incorporated as neutrals because they have warm tones that go well with beige, tan, and brown color schemes. Think muted or clay red, orange shades that are almost brown, or flaxen yellow to get started.
2. Choose Your Neutral Decor Palette
Now that you have an idea of how versatile neutral color palettes can be, it's time to think about which neutrals you want to incorporate. We recommend starting with three main neutral colors for decor, wall colors, and accent furnishings, and going from there. Think of it as one color to brighten the space (white, cream, or beige), one to add depth (black, dark gray, or chocolate brown), and one to tie in both colors (beige, light gray, or taupe). The above living room sticks to crisp white walls, beige throw pillows, a cream-patterned area rug, and dark brown wood pieces to keep the space light and airy while still being inviting.
You'll need to make sure you incorporate the right blend of light and dark tones if you plan on decorating with neutrals. Too much of one neutral can create a monochromatic look that doesn't provide visual dimension, but the right blend of light and dark tones will give you the well-designed space you deserve. You can also play off of lighter and darker shades of the same color like tan, beige, and dark brown, or light gray and dark gray for a cohesive look. Consider a white-and-beige-patterned area rug for a soothing mix of light and dark shades. Contrast white walls with rich brown, black, or gray artwork. Brighten dark furniture with beige, cream, or white throw pillows and blankets. You can even add dimension to cabinets or doors with dark bronze knobs.
Tip!
Monochromatic spaces can be stylish and dimensional if you use the right tactics. Check out these 16 monochromatic room ideas and House Tour: Monochromatic, Not Monotonous to learn how to ace this decorating technique.
4. Lean Into Patterns & Textures
Use pattern and texture to level up neutral home decor and add depth to your space. Patterns and textures give neutral pieces the ‘wow’ factor they need to really shine. Choose neutral rugs with intricate patterns and beautiful woven details. Feature woven rattan or wicker baskets or accent furniture for nubby texture and coziness. Look for neutral throw pillows or blankets with textured detailing or vibrant patterns like stripes, florals, or damask designs. These are just some examples of how to make neutral decor come to life, and with it, the entire room!
Decorating with neutrals can also be super easy when you use natural elements to bring in shades of brown, gray, cream, or black. Weathered wood wall shelves infuse your space with rich, warm tones of beige and brown. Stoneware or earthenware vases display milky white, brown, and gray colors. Cotton, wool, and linen materials come in a range of neutral shades that make them perfect for decorative pillows, blankets, area rugs, and curtains. An iron fireplace screen or other iron elements infuse the space with black notes for a high contrast.
The best part about having a neutral aesthetic is that you have more room to play around with cool decor pieces. Whereas vibrant colors might be too much when paired with bold abstract decor, neutral colors allow abstract shapes and quirky designs to shine without overwhelming the space. Get creative with neutral home decor ideas like abstract-shaped table lamps, abstract wall art, quirky decorative vases, modern candle holders, and sculptural decorative objects.
You can achieve neutral interior design even if you have bold-colored furniture by enlisting the help of decor in trusty neutral shades. This room features a blue velvet daybed surrounded by soothing brown wall paneling, pouf ottomans, and an area rug. The bed features crisp white throw pillows and a white faux fur blanket. These neutral elements help to relax the bold furniture piece while simultaneously making it stand out even more. This is because there aren't any other colorful pieces to steal the show.
Tip!
In love with the rich brown tones in this room? Get more inspiration for neutral decorating ideas in our guide: What Colors Go With Brown?
8. Work In Metallic Details
Breathe new life into neutral color schemes while still adhering to the "neutral" color wheel by introducing beautiful metallic decor. Look to gold, silver, or copper decor to add a polished sheen to any room. Warm up neutral spaces with a gold table lamp, decorative accents, or even throw pillows. Do the same with silver elements to create a cooling effect in bright rooms, and use copper tones for rustic charm. You can also dress up your walls in metallic wallpaper. The possibilities are endless!
As we touched on in the first step, pastel shades are a great way to add hints of color while keeping the space overall neutral. This beautiful bedroom incorporates a pale pink throw and another throw in a brownish-yellow shade to bounce off of the cream-colored bedding. There are also mini art prints that add pared-back color to the wall. A bedside floral arrangement displays deep red floral notes that draw the eye without taking away from the overall neutral colorscape.
Tip!
Get more soothing neutral room ideas like this one with these 12 Scandinavian Bedroom Ideas That'll Help You Embrace Hygge.
10. Incorporate Stunning Yet Neutral Architectural Notes
When you think of neutral room decor, you might not immediately jump to architectural features, but these decorative details can add to your color palette in a big way. Wood wall paneling, decorative wainscoting or crown molding, faux wood ceiling beams, flooring, tiling, wood-burning stoves, and even faux wood or brick wallpaper can saturate your room in neutral tones.
Tip!
Check out these 22 Neutral Living Room Ideas to Cleanse Your Palette for more inspo on how to decorate with neutrals at home, or review Your Guide to Decorating With Color the Fun Way to change things up.
You Might Also Like:
Start decorating your space in soothing neutral shades!
