How to Style a Neutral Colour Scheme

Words by Emma Hughes

May 20, 2021

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3m

How to Style a Neutral Colour Scheme

Neutral interiors are effortlessly stylish, with versatile colour palettes that make them the perfect pairing for homes of any design. It’s easy to pick out neutral home décor to give your space a bright, airy feel, but many budding interior designers assume that a neutral look is inherently uninteresting.

While it’s true that there are more daring looks available, styling a neutral colour scheme can be just as enjoyable, and achieves a unique atmosphere that’s tough to replicate with other shades. With a wide range of shades available – such as white, cream, beige, taupe, and grey – there are many more style choices than you may realise.

To help you start styling the neutral colour scheme of your dreams, we’ve put together ten top tips for using a soft palette in your design. Read on to see how you can bring a touch of comfort to your design with a neutral look.

1. Look to match your furniture

Coordinated furniture sets create an effortlessly harmonious feel. In neutral tones, they can lay the foundations for a timeless look which can easily be updated as the years go by.

You can find neutral furniture to style into any room around your home. A reclaimed wooden bed frame, for example, is perfect for giving your bedroom colour scheme some added character, while creating a centrepiece that won’t distract from the rest of your design too much.

In the dining room, try choosing a matching dining table and chair set to give your space a cohesive look. Beige and cream furniture are perfect for styling against any backdrop, while natural materials such as wood and metal can also add visual appeal without disrupting your neutral colour scheme.

2. Blend natural textures and fabrics with your seating

Since your neutral interiors often don’t feature much variation in colour, you can make up for it by mixing and matching your textures. This is especially important with your seating to help your guests get as comfortable as possible.

Look for upholstered chairs in subtle shades, adding a touch of softness to your design without disrupting the overall look. Soft cotton, linen, and fur are all perfect choices for complementing neutral home décor, but velvet can also help add a touch of quiet luxury to your space.

3. Accessorise for a unique finish

When using a stripped-back neutral colour scheme, the small details of your design become even more critical. This is why it’s especially important to use accessories for extra visual intrigue, adding depth to your room that may be lacking from your soft colour scheme.

Whether you’re using throws and blankets to bring Hygge design into your home, or displaying your favourite trinkets with open shelving, it’s easy to spruce up your design with simple additions to your décor. You can even use wall décor to draw attention to the edges of your room without taking up valuable floor space, which is perfect for crowded rooms.

4. Emphasise your design with soft lighting

Varying your lighting can help to give neutral interiors a soft ambience, while subtly drawing attention to focal points in your design. Try opting for a layered look, using a range of sources to add some texture to your interior.

A large, central light can help illuminate your room, but by adding small accent lights, you can bring the best out of your neutral home décor with ease. Pair these with task lighting to help brighten up your space while you work, and you’ll be able to give your neutral space an atmospheric touch of charm.

5. Add visual interest with an accent colour

Accent colours are a simple way to add a pop of personality to your room, and a neutral colour scheme is perfect for complementing them. The key when styling accent shades is to avoid letting them overwhelm your space, so pairing them with softer tones and using them in moderation will help you draw attention to aspects of your room without letting your design look too garish.

Try using ochre as an accent colour to create a unique focal point, or if you’re trying to embrace autumn colours, use warm shades like orange and tan for a natural touch.

6. Give your room a natural touch with earthy tones

One of the biggest interior design trends we’ve seen in recent years is the rise of designs inspired by nature. There are many ways to connect with the outside world through your design, but for neutral interiors, incorporating earthy tones is an easy method for giving your room a natural appeal.

Warm shades like terracotta and rust can give your design a rich and inviting feel, while moss and sage green can provide a relaxing accent colour to break up any monotony that your neutral home décor may suffer from. Try experimenting with your options to find a balance of shades that works for you.

7. Go for a modern minimalist feel

One of the most significant advantages of a neutral colour scheme is its subtlety. It’s versatile enough to suit a range of designs, but inoffensive enough that you can let your design dreams run wild. This is why modern minimalism is such a strong fit for a neutral room.

Try choosing furniture with smooth, sleek edges and naturally sourced materials. Pair this with metallic accents, stylish storage, and plenty of natural light, and you’ll have the fundamental elements needed to style an eye-catching minimal space.

8. Layer soft furnishings for a cosy feel

If you’re looking to accessorise your home, don’t be afraid to go all out. By stacking your soft furnishings with varied textures and patterns, you can easily give your home the Nordic look without needing to invest heavily in new additions to your room’s layout.

Choosing neutral shades for your soft furnishings can also help extend the colour palette of your room, letting you embrace the look even more.

9. Use a mirror to make your room feel more spacious

Looking to style a small room into a comfy retreat? One reliable technique for making your space feel more expansive is to incorporate a large wall mirror into your design. By reflecting as much of your room as possible, a mirror will help trick your eyes into thinking your space is larger than it really is.

Mirrors are also great at reflecting light into the most distant corners of a design, which will help your neutral colour scheme stand out even more. Brightening up your space is crucial when designing a small room, so use your neutral home décor to its full potential.

10. Create a central focal point with a patterned rug

A centrepiece will draw attention to the middle of a room, but not all rooms have the floor space for an elaborate piece of décor. Suppose you’re looking to give your room a central focal point without affecting your layout. In that case, you can add a patterned rug to your design to provide a soft underfoot feel while providing an eye-catching piece of decoration that won’t affect the rest of your neutral home décor ideas.


Still looking for inspiration for your neutral interior? Catch up with our top interior design trends to stay ahead of the curve, or learn how to design the perfect feel-good home from our experts.

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