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Neutral living rooms are the perfect match for contemporary and period homes alike. Cool, calm and sophisticated, a neutral colour palette is the perfect formula from which you can create sanctuary-like living rooms. Add to this the natural materials, such as solid wood, tactile jute, pure linen, as well as mineral-inspired surfaces.
If you're looking for neutral living room ideas, but are keen to maintain visual interest and depth in your space, adding plenty of texture and a variety of materials is key. It's also important to note that although a colour palette of beige, cream, taupe and grey is the basis of neutral living room colours, it's the addition of other shades – from warming terracotta to vibrant greenery and rich black accents – that will really bring your space to life.
We've rounded up a selection of our favourite neutral living room ideas to inspire and encourage you, plus the best homeware around to help you get the look.
'Though houseplants and pared-back wood have been on the scene for a while, 2023 is taking it one step further with the use of minerals such as agate and earthy tones like sage,' says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin.
'Neutrals, cool blues and golds go well with these stones and using rich textures like velvet creates a symbiosis with these natural luxuries that we have to decorate our homes.'
A marble coffee table is an elegant way to inject nature into your neutral living room, particularly if it features a minimalist silhouette.
Image:Neutral Checkerboard Abstract Canvas Art, Green Lili
The minimalist design of this coffee table looks lovely in neutrally-decorated spaces. We love the combination of its marble effect top with the hairpin legs.
This design is inspired by the 60s, with neat lines and generous dimensions. There's plenty of storage space for all your clutter.
Although neutrals may have a reputation for being anything but eye-catching, the mixing and matching of textures, prints, and materials will have your living room competing with any interior in the style stakes.
Consider using bold decor, such as structural vases or striking art prints. These items are easy to work into your colour palette but still have the boldness needed to be noticed.
Image: Lambert Accent Chair, Cult Furniture
If you invest in high-quality living room staples (specifically large items, such as sofas and armchairs) in neutral shades, you can weave colour into the rest of your interior through subtle means.
That might be through rugs interwoven with warm-toned hues, or through the addition of artwork, for example.
Image: Titan 2 Seater Pillow Back, Sofology
Plump cushioning on a sculpted wooden frame gives this armchair a distinct look. Pair it with a similarly neutral sofa for cohesion.
A minimalist approach to furniture and decor goes hand-in-hand with a neutral living room. One option you have is to really strip back your living room – not only in terms of decor and ornamental items but in regards to furniture, too.
Opt solely for pieces that you need and choose functional but timeless designs. Think of the 'less is more' approach and try to create a space in which everything has been consciously selected and curated.
Image: Fritz Hansen Caravaggio Read Wall Light, nest
This understated wall lamp features a soft beige finish and a handy adjustable neck. It's just the thing for creating a softly lit corner.
Striking black accent pieces help to break up the look of an otherwise uniform space. In doing so, a sense of depth is created. Plus, black goes with just about every neutral shade, so you don't need to spend time worrying about colour matching.
Image: Lambswool Blanket In Orange Houndstooth, TBCo.
'The salted caramel look is here to stay,' says Tash Bradley, the director of interior design at Lick. 'What I’m really excited about is that people are moving away from grey and becoming braver. I’m seeing a huge shift in people being bolder in their colour choices and wanting to see more colour and life in their homes.
'Grey doesn’t give any positive psychological connections so I’m excited that this colour is leaving. Other neutral colours such as caramel, beiges, oak and sandy colours are coming in and they’re lovely warming neutrals as a grounding calming space.'
Image: Cordelia Loveseat in Utah Blonde, Sofology
A soft chenille weave makes this throw oh-so-comfy, whilst fringe trims on the short sides keep things interesting.
Tactile elements – that is, anything that invites you to reach out and touch – will also help to break up the uniform look of a living room with a neutral colour palette.
We recommend taking an eclectic approach by mixing and matching a variety of different textures. As everything sits within the same colour scheme, you don't have to worry about shades clashing with one another.
Natural materials are the obvious choice for neutral interiors as they complement the relaxed feel of the aesthetic. A jute rug rug is a great place to start, as is a woven pouffe, or a paper lantern.
Image: SS23 Artisan Lounge, Dunelm
This rotund floor cushion is crafted from richly textured jute, a fast-growing natural fibre. The understated nature of this piece makes it an easy addition to any living room.
A well-planned layout is key to maintaining the laidback feel created by a neutral living room. To keep the space feeling as light and airy as its colour palette, aim to streamline furniture and position it so that there's still plenty of open floor space and room to move about.
Image: SS23 Modern Living, John Lewis
If you fancy having a neutral living room with a Scandi-inspired twist, then a piece such as this coffee table is a must-have. Not only is it an elegant design, the bottom shelf is also a handy storage spot.
'Updating smaller accessories, such as cushions, is a simple way to refresh your home and inject personality into a living room, without overhauling your interior scheme,' advises David Harris, design director at Andrew Martin.
'Adding vibrant cushions is a simple and inexpensive way to inject a bold hit of colour into a neutral room. Start with the soft base linen colours for your sofa, and then try mixing in the hotter pink cushions for added zing. But, if you’re more reserved in your approach, then opt for the soft powders blues and neutrals.'
Image: Dillon Armchair, Soho Home
We think this cushion is an easy way to subtly work a little bit of colour and pattern into your interior. This square-shaped design is made in a medium size and crafted from pure cotton for extra comfort.
Neutral living rooms can feel a little too homogenous or flat. The best way to combat this is by creating defined 'zones' which have distinct lighting and decor.
Martin advises: 'Use statement lighting to create different zones, that each has a purpose. Hang pendant lighting over dining areas and use task lamps in corners of the room to create cosy areas for reading.
'Open furniture, such as cabinets, bookcases, or shelving can be used to create different zones, without making the space feel closed in. Alternatively, a folding screen can provide privacy, something that is often lacking in open plan living.'
Image: Shop the look at B&M
Handcrafted from seagrass, this woven pendant lampshade is sure to add a rustic touch to your living room. Plus, the open weave design casts lovely shadows.
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