Imagine a space where all the walls are one consistent shade, and the accent pieces, furniture, and home decor are all different. Welcome to the world of neutral. Not boring at all.
Neutral paint colors are some of the most versatile in the color palette. They work well together, and they work with just about anything else.
That’s why using them to paint a whole room, or even an entire home, is so easy. It’s also why you can choose from a variety of different neutrals that all look great together, no matter what style you prefer.
Excited to see what’s possible? Continue reading to learn more about neutral color palettes and the benefits they can bring to your home.
What is a neutral color palette?
A neutral color palette is any group of colors that have been muted or desaturated. Quite the opposite of being bold, they’re neutral because they don’t have an intense hue. Instead, they’re typically combined to create a color combination that looks cohesive with a variety of patterns and textures.
Although the most popular shades are pure neutral colors — black, white, brown, and gray — your color palette isn’t limited to these.
You can create a neutral look with many different colors as long as they all share the same undertone. Here are three additional variations:
- Near-neutrals: The result of mixing a primary color with a pure neutral. This process creates a shade with low saturation levels, for example, off-white.
- Warm neutrals: Created by mixing warm primary colors, such as yellow or red, with pure neutrals to achieve a warm palette but not overly vibrant. Popular paint colors in this category include tan and ivory.
- Cool neutrals: These come from mixing cool-toned primary colors, such as blue or green, with pure neutrals to create shades such as taupe, cool white, or deep charcoal blue.
The key to identifying what colors belong in each category is to pay attention to the undertones that come through each shade. This will also help you find other colors, accessories, and decor pieces that complement your palette.
If you follow a neutral color scheme, you can create various looks, from contemporary to classic, by combining them with brighter-toned accessories and decor or customizing an entire paint palette that you can use throughout your home.
So, don’t be afraid to experiment! That way, you’ll know which combinations suit your style and space best.
Benefits of following a neutral color palette
A neutral color palette can help you create a cohesive look that’s easy to maintain. It also allows you to add pops of color in other areas like artwork, accessories, and even furniture fabrics — making it easier to change things up as needed.
If you’re indecisive about what colors go together, a neutral color scheme is a great place to start; here are five reasons why:
1.They create a calm and tranquil atmosphere
When choosing a color palette, it’s essential to consider what effect you want your home to have on people.
A peaceful environment is always a welcome change from the hustle and bustle — especially if you’re trying to create a relaxing and inviting space.
Enter neutral paint shades, which can be used in any room of your house to create a calm and tranquil atmosphere. That’s because they don’t compete with each other or the room’s other features, making it easier on the eye.
Cool neutrals such as light blue or gray are mainly known for creating a soothing effect. However, you can also consider a pale pink or lavender if those fit your style more.
2.They allow you to play with colors in the decor
If you’re a fan of color, then you’ll love how neutral colors can help you play with decor. Since they have such a lighthearted feel, it’s easy to incorporate eye-catching accessories like bright rugs, throw pillows, and accent chairs into your home.
Using a neutral palette base allows you to make unique pieces stand out in your space without taking away from the overall feeling of tranquility that a neutral palette provides. But, of course, your hardest decision will be deciding which piece deserves the spotlight!
Try combining neutral paint colors with metallic shades such as gold and silver, which adds a modern touch that will help balance out the space and showcase the personality of your rooms.
3.They serve as a blank canvas for creativity
Neutrals are a great way to start your decorating journey. They’re easy to work with and can be mixed and matched with other colors and patterns to create a beautiful space that’s all your own.
As the seasons pass or your tastes change, you can switch out the accessories for new ones and make your room feel brand new again.
That’s why you shouldn’t think of neutrals as dull or lifeless — instead, think of them as a blank canvas that can be customized to your style.
4.They brighten up your space
In the world of interior design, light is a vital element. And while fixtures are beautiful and can be a great addition to your home, they’re not always enough.
If you want to brighten up a room and make it feel more spacious, consider adding some neutral paint colors to your walls. Lighting sources near neutrals such as off-white or cream is excellent because they reflect light from outside sources and bounce it throughout your home.
5.They provide you with flexibility in design
When you follow a neutral color palette, you give yourself the flexibility to change your mind. You’re not stuck with a color scheme that you can’t easily alter, and you can experiment with different styles and trends as they come along through statement pieces and accessories.
Additionally, you can move furniture around your home without worrying if it only matches one room. For example, if your family grows, you can move the living room sofa into your bedroom or office, as the neutral paint and drapery won’t clash.
Following a neutral color palette may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about decorating your home, but when you consider the many benefits of this approach, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular!
Reach out to Michelle Jett – Decorating Den Interiors for neutral color palette needs
Hopefully, we’ve convinced you that neutrals are more than just beige. But what makes neutral colors so unique?
They can adapt to any style or budget, and their versatility and longevity. Neutral colors are timeless because they work well in any room of your house, from the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and living room.
These days, it’s all about creating a space that’s uniquely yours — and we want to help you do just that!
When you book a consultation with us, one of our designers will work with you to create a custom neutral color palette for your home. We’ll help you select colors and materials that complement your style and budget, then bring it all together into a cohesive design that’s sure to impress! Let’s get started today.
