Decorating & Design
August 12, 2021
25 Neutral Rooms That Are Anything But Boring
Some people find serenity in saturated spaces, while others gravitate towards the simplicity of a toned-down palette. If your heart sings for shades of beige, white, cream, gray, black and brown, then these interiors will inspire you. Scroll down to discover 25 neutral rooms that do the opposite of blending in.
This modern farmhouse-style kitchen is a home cook’s dream with black bar stools and a matching vent hood, open shelving and two types of stone for maximum interest.
H&H’s Designer of the Year Sophie Burke added a rustic console table and comfy seating to this bright and welcoming entryway for a cool yet casual vibe.
Embrace your home’s original details! With a fireplace this intricate, it’s important to keep the other elements in the space subdued. That’s why a blond wood oval table and white chairs are the perfect choice, plus some contrasting accessories.
A large white and wood bookshelf showcases the homeowners’ collection of beloved books, ceramics and art prints, while exposed wood beams draw the eye up to the airy ceiling.
Designer Alison Milne masters Japandi style in her bathroom, which leads out to a private terrace. Adding greenery and a textured rug underfoot are two easy ways to breathe some life into a neutral space.
In the Spring 2021 Princess Margaret Showhome‘s living room, natural light and sink-in seating create a relaxed ambience. A black-framed mirror pops against the calming beige palette.
Why not have some fun with upholstery? This cottage bedroom is inspired by nature with the leafy bed frame and woven baskets on the shiplap wall.
The formula for a Parisian-style dining room? Ornate vintage mirrors, cane chairs, a custom black buffet and plenty of timeless ceramics. Talk about effortless elegance!
A pared-back palette doesn’t mean you have to pare down the accessories. This basement office shines with a gallery wall of antique paintings, plus other work-from-home essentials that add personality.
“I always go for white interiors with colors and texture added through art, accessories, rugs and a little of the unexpected,” says designer Deb Nelson of her Cape Cod-style home in Chester, Nova Scotia. “I love the character and uniqueness that antiques bring to a space.”
Designer Nyla Free knows how to make an entrance! A vintage mirror, curved cane chair and rich brown rug are a lesson in layering in her foyer.
In Nyla’s bathroom, heavily veined stone and fun tile are paired with a vintage chandelier from her grandparents’ dining room.
Wallpaper in a stormy cloud motif brings this dining room to life. Handsome trad furniture in gray, wood and black grounds the space.
If you’re stuck on what neutral hues to choose from, look to nature. Here, shades of gray, cream, light brown and muted green create a serene sleep sanctuary.
A simple, rustic dining table and white oak cabinets stained light gray bring Scandinavian style to Vancouver. The sheepskins layered on the chairs are a nice touch.
“I knew the graphic nature of the marble and the blackened steel vent hood would contrast nicely with the wood,” says designer Nam Dang-Mitchell of this edgy loft kitchen. Sculptural light fixtures and statement chairs amp up the cool factor.
A trestle-style wood table, vintage Fritz Hansen chairs, a black bench and shiplap walls enhance the openness of this modern ski chalet.
Just because you’re not using bold colors doesn’t mean you can’t make a statement. This basement‘s plaster fireplace and tufted armchairs create a sense of warmth, perfect for movie nights with the family.
Arches are a great way to add architectural interest in a neutral space. Just look to this home office for inspiration!
“Despite all of the black, the kitchen still feels fresh and bright,” says designer Shauna Walton of this fashion-forward space. “I credit that to the wood-sided island.” And the statement-making marble, of course.
Grasscloth wallpaper frames the living room, and speaks to the abstract artwork hanging above the Nero Assoluto black marble fireplace.
The secret to adding interest to a muted palette? Layering textures! A wood-clad ceiling, woven pendants and linen upholstered bar stools keep this summery kitchen from falling flat.
Can you believe the brick in this Victorian dining room isn’t original? “It’s a brick veneer that’s installed like tile, then mortared and painted the same color as the walls,” says designer Joel Bray.
To elevate this light-filled dining area, designer Hali MacDonald brought in her favorite antiques. “I spent my spare time scouring Chairish, 1stdibs and Etsy,” says Hali. “When I came across something I loved, I bought it, knowing that once the house was built, I would find the perfect spot for it.”
This country-style kitchen balances old and new, combining wooden beams, antiqued brass hardware and a rustic vent hood with vintage Calacatta marble counters and light cabinets.