Neutral Color Living Room Design (Shop The Look)

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Looking for neutral color living room design ideas? You’ve come to the right place!

When we redesigned our Tuscan living room we wanted to go with a neutral color palette. We went with a soothing color palette of white, black, and grey, with touches of gold.

The result was a timeless design that was anything but boring. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

The trick to designing with neutrals is to layer texture, pattern, and scale. When you start with neutral colors you can add any pop color you want. You can also change the look and feel of your space seasonally by changing the accent color.

Neutral living rooms invite visitors in and provide a calm relaxing vibe. They’re the perfect backdrop for any design style.

Check out the resources and tips for our neutral living room design. They’ll give you the confidence to design with neutrals in your home.

This post is all about neutral color living room ideas.

READ MORE>>> Home Design Inspiration On Inspired Design Talk

Neutral Colors For Living Room

Paint is one of the cheapest ways to change the look of any room. We went from a color palette of burnt orange, brown, gold, and ivory to contemporary neutrals.

We repainted the entire first in Benjamin Moore Classic Grey which was a dramatic transformation. On the ceiling and trim we used BM Simply White for a classic look. Many designers today use the same color for the walls but in a different sheen. That’s another option if you prefer a modern look.

I like the look of a neutral living room with black accents so that’s the vibe of this space. We added a black accent wall which makes the TV disappear and the white fireplace stand out.

We used living room neutral colors from Benjamin Moore because of the quality and durability. As an interior designer, they’re my go-to paint retailer.

Shop The Look | Neutral Color Palette Living Room

The below living room design features a neutral color palette. There are tones of white, ivory, gray, and black.

Gold accents are used throughout the space for interest and shine. It adds a sophisticated touch and elevated vibe.

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Before we get into the design steps I want to remind you to measure your room before you order furniture. It’s important to always start with a floor plan because without it you won’t know what size furniture you need.

Download your FREE how-to-measure guide to avoid returns!

Once you have your measurements you’ll be able to order your furniture with confidence.

This video will help you create a floor plan based on the measurements of your space.

Neutral Color Living Room Design Tips

Well-designed neutral spaces have layers of texture, contrast, and interest. This is done by applying the principles of design to create a balanced harmonious look.

See below for more details on each area. Once you know the formula for designing with neutrals, you can repeat the process throughout your home.

1. Neutral Living Room Color Ideas

This may seem like common sense but you need to decide what neutrals you’re using. In the living room below the palette is:

• Gray
• Black
• White
• Ivory
• Gold

You could have a room that has taupe, cream, or brown as your neutrals as well.

Remember the fixed elements in your space when choosing your color palette. You’re going to want your home to flow from room to room.

This means you need to consider the stone, tile, and flooring used in your home. If you have warm yellow neutrals but choose a cool blue neutral palette your space will feel off.

It’s best to look at all your colors when planning your design. The colors should complement each other and have a similar vibe.

2. Layer Textures and Patterns

A great way to create a space that’s not boring is by using different textures and patterns. In this room, multiple fabrics and textures were used such as:

• velvet
• linen
• faux shantung
• fur
• metallic fabrics.

Patterns can be found in the quilting, faux hide rug, and geometric printed pillows.

Modern Black And Gold Living Room Design

3. Mixed Metals

A popular trend to use in contemporary spaces is mixed metals. In the above neutral living room inspiration, both gold and silver are mixed throughout the space.

This repetition adds interest and helps your eyes move through the room. If you already have silver accessories you can add touches of gold for warmth and interest.

Just remember to repeat the metal in three places so it makes sense. One gold item when everything else is silver will look out of place.

On the other hand, three gold items will create flow and make a statement. This is known as the design principle of repetition.

4. Repeat Elements

As mentioned above an important design principle to incorporate in your design is repetition. It’s a type of rhythm where shapes, forms, lines, or colors are repeated harmoniously.

All the neutral colors used in the feature living room have been sprinkled throughout the space. This makes the space feel warm and inviting.

5. Create Moments

“Moments” are the different areas within a room that make a statement. This sitting area with the large abstract artwork, velvet bench, and drink table is a great example.

It’s separate from the main seating area but makes an impact on the room. The space welcomes visitors to sit down and relax while enjoying long conversations.

Just adding artwork to the wall wouldn’t have the same visual interest. It would make a statement but not invite visitors to walk over and enjoy the details.

Neutral Color Furniture

Here’s another “moment” in the opposite corner of the room. It has a round table, accessories, and ottomans. The round table softens the curves of the corner and creates another focal point.

This design composition would also look great in a foyer or beneath a curved staircase. It’ll make a dramatic statement that’s sure to be a conversation starter.

Neutral Living Room Ideas

6. Neutral Color Living Room Artwork

The artwork in this space is contemporary and whimsical. The peace sign art is by Kelli Ellis for Leftbank. It sets the tone of the room.

The other pieces have the same black, white, gray, and gold color palette. This helps create flow and a cohesive look in the room.

Since the artwork has movement it helps carry your eyes throughout the room.

Neutral Color Scheme Living Room

7. Dramatic Lighting

The Jonathan Adler chandelier in this neutral living room is the star of the show. Lighting or the jewelry of a room adds that finishing touch.

It creates interest and drama which makes your space anything but boring.

For accent lighting, sconces were added to the fireplace and door walls. Dimmable lighting helps set the mood.

Make sure you add dimmers to all your lighting for drama and atmosphere.

8. Interesting Shapes & Silhouettes

This warm neutral color living room has so many interesting shapes and silhouettes. The Bernhardt Cosway Barrel Chair mixes high-performance ivory velvet with a brushed metal frame that is so sexy.

The Giza Side Table adds a cool geometric shape that is much more interesting than your average modern side table.

9. Neutral Color Living Room Accent Wall

Another way to add interest is by adding an accent wall. This neutral color scheme living room has a dramatic black feature wall using Benjamin Moore Obsidian paint.

The goal was to minimize the large TV in the living room. Adding this dramatic wall does just that.

The grey border linen drapery adds to the sophistication and drama of the space. They also help lighten the dark wall as does the white fireplace.

Neutral Colors For Living Room

DOWNLOAD this FREE Living Room Budget Worksheet to calculate how much your makeover will cost.

When You Know Better You Do Better

Designing with neutrals is not only aesthetically pleasing but it’ll save you money in the long run. A timeless design won’t go out of style and be easily updated for the accent color of your choice.

I learned the hard way to go classic and timeless. Designing into the latest trends will make a statement initially but is outdated a little too fast for my tastes.

I’m all about the long game these days and wish someone told me to go neutral and timeless. Luckily this is not the case for you!

Hope these tips and resources help you design your neutral color living room with confidence.

This post is all about neutral color living room design ideas.

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Last Updated on August 14, 2024 by Nicole DelaCruz