The Absolute Best Neutral Paint Colors, According to Designers
They're obsessed with these timeless hues.
Neutral paint colors are staples, whether you use them on trim or on your bedroom walls. Though neutrals can seem boring, they allow your other design choices to shine and are actually some of the most relaxing paint colors. "Neutral paints allow our eyes to rest, important in bedrooms, bathrooms, and reading nooks, evoking a physiological response of serenity and calmness, supporting our circadian rhythms," says Laura Freeman of Merits Design Group. It's rare to find a home without a quiet, hardworking warm neutral paint color saving the day in the background, no matter what its design style may be. You don't have to be a minimalist to appreciate their versatility.
Interior neutral paint colors have evolved to include much more than white swatches. Look back at color trends over the decades, and you'll see that the beige takeover of the 1980s is continuing to win over homes even when it isn't the main focus. Today, popular neutral paint colors have evolved to include calming sage greens, alluring mauves, rich browns, and more. Beyond trends, neutrals have a timeless charm that grows with your home.
There are so many light neutrals to choose from, including white, taupe, cream, gray, ivory, beige, and off-white, with warm and cool undertones. Since there are so many options, it can feel overwhelming to decide which neutral paint color will work best in your space. So we asked designers to share their favorite neutral paint colors and how they use them. Commit to one of these, and shift into neutral on your next home project.
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