In this post: Neutral home decor ideas and why I love it so much. Easy ways to transition to neutral decor and inspiration for adding neutral decor to your home.
As promised when I shared some Easy Neutral Winter Decor Ideas, I’m back to talk about why I love neutral home decor. Before I get started though I want to make sure you know that I’m not trying to talk you into anything. I decorate with neutrals because I truly love them…but if you like color, then stay the course. This post is mostly for those of you who have been thinking about going neutral, but are just not sure. Maybe you think it will be boring or bland…but it won’t be, I promise! Read on for all my neutral home decor ideas.
Click {HERE} to see more of the Christmas guest room.
Before we get started, I’d like to share what comes to mind when I think of neutral colors:
- White
- Ivory
- Beige
- Gray
- Black
Neutral means without color. It’s calm and cool. It’s relaxed and restful.
Neutral Home Decor: Why I Switched
Several years ago, our home was decorated from floor to ceiling with color. I had bright yellow walls in the living room, red and gold wallpaper in the entry, navy wallpaper in the kitchen. All the window treatments were made from large-scale colorful fabrics. I had a red sofa and yellow toile chairs. When I chose all this color, I did like it…but after a few years, it became oppressive.
- I couldn’t change a thing because the colors were so specific.
- It was dark.
- There was no place for the eye to rest. There was so much going on that I literally felt edgy.
- I chose fabrics that were trendy and when the trend was over, I was stuck with something I didn’t want.
Click {HERE} to learn more about our board and batten.
Neutral Home Decor Ideas…and where to start.
About five years ago I decided to correct my decorating mistakes. The biggest space is our living room so the first thing I did was paint those walls a very light ivory. I had yellow walls below the chair rail in the dining room and changed those to ivory as well. So…
The first place to start is with the background.
- Walls
- Carpet/Flooring/Rugs
- Window Treatments
Keep in mind that all these changes don’t have to happen at once. I took my time and saved money in between projects. That’s the beauty of decorating with neutrals. They “go” with everything. Once these elements are neutralized, it’s time to decide if you want to stop there or keep going.
Click {HERE} to see our fall living room decor.
I kept going and chose a light ivory sofa, chairs, and ottomans. Some of my accessories are neutral but some are not, especially the seasonal ones. Accessories are where you can add color…or not. That’s totally up to you!
How Neutral Home Decor can save you money
Decorating with neutrals can save you money in a few different ways. First, they go with ANYTHING. Once you paint your walls a neutral color, there will be no need to paint them again for years. Once you neutralize your window treatments, they are there for the duration.
Tip: For window treatments, choose a classic design that won’t go out of style. Full, simple panels are a good choice.
Click {HERE} to learn how to hang curtains like a pro.
Second, by choosing neutral colors for your “big ticket” items, color and style can be added with inexpensive soft furnishings and accessories. If you get tired of a color or want to add seasonal decor, you have a lovely neutral background to work with. Last, by decorating with neutrals, it’s easy to give your home a fresh look without spending a dime. Furniture and accessories can be moved from room to room because they are all in the same color family.
Click {HERE} for neutral winter decorating ideas.
Although I honestly could be very happy in an all-neutral home, I still have some color here and there. The walls in our entry are light blue and I have little navy slipper chairs in our living room. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. The most important thing is that you feel relaxed and happy in your home.
Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.
Additional Shopping Sources:
10 x 14 rug in living room (beige/ivory) | 8 x 10 rug in dining room (beige/ivory) | Living & dining room wall colors | Emery Window Panels in Ivory | coffee table tray (similar) | Tissue box cover
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