Interior Designer’s Favorite Neutral Paint Colors

If you have ever attempted to choose a neutral paint color before, you’re familiar with the painstaking task to choose one that isn’t too bright, too gray, too beige, too yellow, too peachy, and comes with the right undertones. A seemingly simple decision becomes deceivingly difficult because there are so many options! Every room will take the same paint color differently based on lighting, natural and from light fixtures. And remember, when designing a neutral space, it’s important to add layers, textures, and variation to the space. We love neutral painted rooms for many reasons, let us tell you why.

 

1. Neutral Bonding Agent

Neutral paint allows other finishes, furniture, and accessories to shine while also binding them all together. Combine that mustard velvet sofa and teal leather side chair with the soothing Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore on the walls to achieve a regal, curated look. Even if you don’t have that bold of furniture, neutral walls balance the mix of woods, metals and upholstery used throughout a space. Mild white and tonal gray will add cohesiveness through your open concept home layout as well, whereas using different colors in each space will make the home seem choppy and create boundaries.

 

2. Calming Effect

Neutrals are calming. The eye is able to rest when it doesn’t have to bounce around between loud colors and patterns. A soft beige like Power-Lunch or light gray like Paternoster will encourage relaxation and present a welcoming hand to a space. In rooms such as your bedroom, where you want to relax and sleep peacefully, choose colors that are soft and airy to rest your mind and body. On the other hand, we love the effects of darker neutrals such as a charcoal gray or even navy blue to remind us of night time and put us in the mindset for sleep.

 

3. Versatility

Design trends change like the seasons. If you’re a person who likes to decorate with the latest home fashion trends and for each holiday, neutral paint is your best friend. Neutrals will carry your home from Spring’s fresh florals to Fall’s cozy flannels through every Christmas decoration you own. Keep it simple and classic to get you through the changing tides.

 

Find Your Finish

High Gloss: Highly durable and shiny for cabinets, trim and doors.  Professional application recommended as this finish shows every bump and roll.

Semi Gloss: Highly durable, best for high traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, trim and casements.

Satin: Easy to clean for high traffic areas such as living rooms, foyers and bathrooms.

Eggshell: Medium durability for living rooms, dining rooms without shininess that comes in satin.

Washable Flat: Best for low traffic areas in direct natural sunlight, two-story ceiling heights such as foyers and great rooms.

 

Neutrals don’t directly translate to boring. Think of neutral paint colors as a cohesive binder that exudes calmness and versatility. If you need help choosing the perfect shade of white, gray, beige or greige, we’re happy to help!

 

Cheers,

Interior Impressions Team