Hey there.
Can we talk about the white elephant in the bedroom? While we’re all going around pinning and being inspired by moody, trendy and eclectic bedrooms, the vast majority get into our actual bedrooms and fall prey to the, ‘But I want restorative, restful, and serene. I’m going to paint it white.’ Let me be clear, I love a room that takes serious risks. I love a bedroom that plays with colors, patterns, textures, and the unexpected. But also know that neutral rooms can be incredibly calm, restful, gorgeous, and romantic. If you do it right.
Today let’s let the designers do the talking. Here are the rooms that prove neutrals done right are anything but boring.
Neutral Does Not Mean WHITE
design . Jeremiah Brent | photography . Trevor Tondro
Just because you want a neutral and calm room, you do not need a white room. The shift in interiors right now from stark and clean to warm and organic warms the cockles of my heart. Instead of white, play with creams and beiges that may have a little more yellow than you may think you’re comfortable with. Lean into the browns and taupes that may feel a tad muddy to you because they will play so well with all the other neutrals in the room that it won’t feel boring. It will feel cozy and chic as all get out. Add in textural finish to the wall (plaster finish if you’re really going all in), romantic soft canopy draperies and neutral linens that all speak together. Add in organic warm tones in the wood and metals to *chefs kiss* make your room sing.
Neutral Does Not Mean One Shade
design . Amber Interior Design | photography . Shade Degges
Throw that creamy white on the walls and keep the rest of the palette neutral with greys, warm wood tones and time-worn hardware finishes. Notice the molding detail on the walls, the tactile texture on the blanket, a subtle weave on the coverlet with a clean and simple lumbar? The restraint here is sophisticated and inviting. Extra points for the choice of flower on the bedside table.
Neutral Does Not Mean Boring
design . Kemble Interiors
Love it or hate it, this bed steals the show in this very neutral room. It is an absolute power move to move the bed to the center of the room. But if you’re making this move, be sure that your bed is a stunner, like this sculptural beauty Kemble Interiors set front and center.
Choosing a showpiece like this bed allows the rest of the room to step back quietly and showcase the bed. Though if you don’t want to stop there, take a note from this image and dabble in an sweet flash of color detail to keep the room from feeling too sterile.
Neutral Loves Texture
design . Tamara Magel
Caning, faux fur, chunky knits and natural stone oh my! Every color in here is a neutral, but the textural and pattern play make it feel alive. None of these selections are outlandish, all of them could individually make their way into your shopping cart easily but when bring them together…it’s leaning effortlessly cool in a clean and neutral way.
It says chic, cozy and fun. I’m here for it.
Neutral Can be Choosing Two Colors And Sticking to Them
design . Far Studio
I love this bedroom from Far Studio. It’s neutral, serene, simple and clean. Choosing two colors, cream and brown, makes layering warmth feel effortless. Choosing a simple cream coverlet that drapes onto the floor, no throw pillows, no extra blanket is so crisp. Bringing in the browns within the bedframe, nightstand, semi-flush and sconce all feel incredibly intentional. It’s sophisticated simplicity. I love it. I don’t think I could pull it off as I am a more’s more kinda gal, but I so appreciate and respect this restraint in a design that reads exceptionally elevated.
Neutral Can Mean White
design . Leanne Ford | photography . Erin Kelly | styling . Hilary Robertson
What would a neutral bedroom rollup be without Leanne? Her use of crisp whites is so incredibly fresh and clean, even when she pairs it alongside weathered cottage woods. I applaud her use of cool, crisp whites on walls because when she pairs it with one of her go-to paper shades it reads effortlessly cool. Which is what I think she herself epitomizes.
Again, her brilliance lies within the almost unseen textural play on the walls, side table and duvet cover. They all have a texture, but you almost miss it if you look away too quickly. I will say though, this lifestyle is a vibe and if you want perfection, that’s not what this room is going to give you. You need an air of effortlessness and the ability to feel your most you with a little rumple on the duvet and the pillows easily tossed on the bed. It’s a vibe, and I do love it, but would probably try to fix the pillows because while styled to perfection, my kids would absolutely take that as an invitation to jump on my un-made bed.
To see more inspiration and possibilities for your bedroom, neutral, colorful and everything in between, be sure to follow along on pinterest. And if you have an exceptional neutral bedroom you’d like to share, send me a note! I’m always excited to babble about great design.
Until I babble again,
Carli
