How To Add New Neutrals in Interior Design Plans

Interior design is moving away from those cool greys we’ve gotten used to for warmer and earthier neutrals for paint colours and backdrops. Think beige brown bed frames, taupe, greiges (a cosy blend of grey and beige) and even pale pinks. In this article we take a look at the best ways to add new neutrals in interior design plans for your home.

The beauty of these shades is that they still read as neutrals, making a calm and soothing base for bolder splashes of colour. However, they bring more warmth and personality than stark white and cold grey palettes.

The natural, muted quality creates a welcoming, grounded feel for our bedrooms, and you avoid veering into flat-out beige or magnolia territory.

New neutrals allow you to incorporate colourful accessories and fabrics that pop against the neutral backdrop. The softness doesn’t fight against vibrant cushion shades or modern artwork. It lets these moments of colour shine.

Use New Neutral Paint Colours

Use warm, soothing new neutrals like soft taupe, light French greys and blush pinks when decorating bedrooms. These relaxed yet elegant wall colours create a peaceful sanctuary after a long day.

Blush pinks make incredibly serene bedroom colour palettes. And don’t shy away from going a little deeper than a straight pastel. Look for tones with just a touch of terra cotta or peach, this warmth stops them from feeling too sentimental. Grey beiges and oatmeal work beautifully too. Just ensure proper lighting so the colours sing instead of falling flat.

Layer on natural textures like linen and wool with your neutral foundation for cosiness. Choose an accent wallpaper with an organic fern or floral motif. Add sensuous materials, such as an upholstered bed frame or headboard injects a welcome touch of tactile plushness.

Then, weave in additional colours and metallics through art, ceramics and soft furnishings. A bronze table lamp, a vase of pink roses and some teal accent cushions make a nourishing, multi-layered scheme.

New neutrals form a soothing yet exciting base to build upon. In the bedroom, they help craft a warm, welcoming nest.

An elegant bedroom setting with a large, tufted headboard on a white upholstered bed, layered with crisp white sheets and a plush brown blanket. The room has a soft grey shag rug, a glimpse of a snowy landscape through the window and a soft glow from a lamp with a lavender shade, creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere.
Pictured: Infinity 4FT 6 Double Bed Frame – Cream. Available from Bedstar.
Priced at £399.

Incorporate Natural Textures

Neutral backdrops beg for loads of rich textures. Layer linen bed sheets, softly draping wool throws and rattan nightstands against new neutral wall paint. Mixing materials creates visual depth and dimension.

Aim for contrasting textures. A nubby wool rug grounds the space beautifully when paired with sleek linen Roman shades. Distressed wood adds organic depth against smoothing plaster walls. Don’t be afraid to play with opposing sheens. For example, a matte terra cotta vase on a lacquered console table makes things shimmer.

Textural customisable wallpaper works wonders too. Look for organic patterns like graceful ferns or subtle grassy textures. Customise things further with sisal rug layers and bamboo blinds.

If your fabrics are smooth and shiny, like silk pillows or satin headboards, take extra care to build up nubby and matte layers in surrounding furnishings.

Choose Interesting Silhouettes and Statement Pieces

Furniture shapes and sizes become even more critical without intense colours to catch the eye. Choose accent chairs or sofas with shapely curved arms and backs for elegance.

Pick a tufted velvet or teddy fabric bed frame in bedrooms to add plushness against neutral walls. Layer different materials – a leather bench at the bed’s end contrasts wonderfully against the softness of a fabric headboard.

A minimalist bedroom with a dark grey upholstered bed on a light grey area rug, complemented by white and beige bedding and a striped throw. The room is decorated with a geometric yellow artwork, a vase with cherry blossoms and a dark shaded table lamp, all against a grey wall, with natural light streaming in through sheer curtains.

Don’t Forget Accent Colours

Tie everything together using accent colours in artwork, ceramics, cushions and other accessories. Bright jewel tones, deep greens, navy and black contrast beautifully against new neutral backdrops, alongside vibrant shades like yellow, coral and teal.

Textiles like throw pillows, area rugs, and drapes are excellent carriers for these accent colours, allowing for easy changes with seasons or trends.

Just make sure that accent shades don’t overwhelm the calm base. The key is to ensure that these accent shades complement rather than dominate the calm and collected base established by the new neutrals.

This harmonious blend of understated backgrounds with strategic pops of colour leads to a sophisticated and cohesive interior design that feels both inviting and stylish.

Wrapping Up the Best Ways To Add New Neutrals in Interior Design Projects

New neutrals bring warmth and texture into pared-back minimalist schemes. These colours, with their earthy vibes and soft whispers of nature, give us a blank canvas that’s anything but boring. It’s a chance to sprinkle a little bit of ‘you’ around every corner.

By mixing in these gentle hues, we’re not just sprucing up our homes, we’re crafting cosy nooks and crannies that welcome us to kick off our shoes and relax.

It’s all about layering on the textures, picking out furniture that tells a story and popping in some colour here and there to keep things interesting. It’s about finding that sweet spot where comfort meets chic and where your space becomes a reflection of your own chilled-out, effortlessly cool vibe.

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Simone Riches

Simone is the dynamic force behind Sim's Life, a testament to her decade-long journey in the blogging world. As a mother to a teenager, she brings a genuine and relatable perspective to the challenges and joys of parenting. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through her role as a successful small business owner, further enriching her content with real-world experiences. Simone's authority is not just confined to one platform; she is the proud owner of several established blogs, each showcasing her expertise in lifestyle and parenting topics. Her dedication to providing valuable, insightful content is evident in every post, making her a trusted voice in the online community. Find out more About Sim's Life here.

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