These neutral paint color ideas liven up any space.
Here’s how to use them in your home.
From cool gray towarm terra-cotta, neutral paint colors can transform any space.
Credit: Adam Albright
Pickyour favorite shadesand use these tips to decorate with neutrals.
Cozy Grays
Like most neutral paint colors, no two grays are alike.
However, playing with high-contrast hues gives you a striking, impactful design.
Credit: Adam Albright Photography, Inc.
“It’s a nice alternative to white,” she says.
“It’s timeless.”
Cozy Whites
Whites with golden undertones, like these shades, offer a warm, relaxed ambiance.
Credit: Dera Burreson
Consider painting ideas that use white in more than just thetrim or crown molding.
The trick to making white not boring?
This makes them perfect for use in large gathering spaces.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann Pictures
Sometimes, getting theright living room colors, like ordering the perfect latte, is a custom job.
“I mix colors to get a perfect cream,” says Los Angeles designer Mary McGee.
“It cuts the gold, and you end up with this incredible color.”
Credit: Adam Albright Photography, Inc.
Romantic Neutrals
Never underestimate thepower of pink.
Used sparingly in a room of neutral paint colors, a light blush shade brings life into a space.
Incorporate a dose of the hue with coffee table flowers or asingle throw pillow.
Credit: Adam Albright
When used correctly, the touch of color blends in seamlessly with surrounding neutrals.
Gray Neutral Paint Colors
A collection of grays doesn’t have to be gloomy.
When used correctly, several shades of gray paint will work together to create acalm and collected space.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Gray tones come to life, paired with natural elements with warm undertones, such aswood shelvingor furniture.
These gray paint colors include hints ofcool blueand beige.
Some of themost popular paint colorsare subtle with a matte finish.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Talk toSan Francisco designer Jonathan Rachman, and it’s clear: Grayed colors are here to stay.
“I’ve been in love with them forever,” he says.
Pearly Whites
White isn’t just white.
Credit: Adam Albright Photography Inc
“Painting a room white is like giving it a big, tall glass of water.
It’s an instant cleansing of the palette,” saysdesigner Elaine Griffin.
The New Neutrals
Neutrals aren’t all whites, browns, and grays.
Credit: Adam Albright Photography Inc
Paints with a pinch of color can be considered neutrals in the right setting.
Small doses of color throughout the room don’t overshadow the mood set by the light gray walls.
Bold Neutrals
This black-and-white kitchen is anything but cookie-cutter.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
Mixed with other muted tones, black creates a dynamic look when used with a neutral color palette.
Bold splashes of red and yellow brighten this moodybedroom paint colorand keep the look fun.
White energizes a color palette, while black strengthens and stabilizes.
Credit: Edmund Barr Photography
A deep charcoal accent wall tempers thecolorful furnitureand exciting textures in thisgray living room.
Gold accessories and the remainingwhite wallsgive a crisp edge to the saturated shades.
Monochromatic Neutrals
Employ varying shades of one neutral paint color to create layers of intrigue.
Credit: Stacey Branford Photgraphy Inc
These calming, neutral paint colors are ideal for cozy living rooms and bedrooms.
Warm vs. “A warm gray will look closer to the taupe; a cool gray will veer toward blue.”
Use painted trim, patterned fabrics, and furniture finishes torepeat neutral huesacross spaces.
Credit: Beall Thomas Photography
Boost Neutrals
Avoid beige boredomby using a variety of finishes and textures in a room.
Neutrals and Textures
Texture is key to giving neutral colors a boost.
Think beaded board and sisal for acottagecore styleand lacquer and metal finishes for amodern quality.
Credit: James Nathan Schroder
Neutral Undertones
Pay attention to the undertone to choose the right neutral paint colors for your home.
If you want a lighter shade, watch for green or gold undertones.
Here, apale pink throwplays up the rosy undertones of the neutral walls and furniture.
Credit: Paul Dyer
Neutral Color Inspirations
Inspiration forinterior neutral paint colorscan come from anywhere.
To best capture your desired color, first, identify the source of your gray obsession, Rachman suggests.
Was it a trip to Portland?
Credit: Edmund Barr Photography
Your favorite cashmere sweater?
Once you identify it, compare the item or a photo to paint chips.
make a run at match boththe color you likewith the mood you’re going for.
Credit: Edmund Barr Photography
The range of samples will help refine your choice, Rachman says.
As you test the neutral colors, notice how they change based on the time of day.
Thenatural lightthrough the window can change a color’s appearance, which may affect your decision.
Credit: Helen Norman Photography
Chrome accents lend the space a sophisticated mood.
Tinted Whites
White paint colors come in many shades, but it’s best toavoid stark whites.
“Always look for something with a little gray or cream in it,” Griffin says.
Credit: David Tsay
Griffin suggests painting the trim and millwork a brighter white than the wall color.
Consistent bedroom paint colors allow you toget creative with beddingand other textiles.
Space-Appropriate Neutrals
Always consider the room when selecting a white paint color.
Credit: Werner Straube Photography
If your room isflooded with natural light, go with a darker white or ivory.
Choose a brighter, lighter white if sunlight is lacking in a space.
More Tips for Designing with Neutrals
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Credit: Edmund Barr Photography
