Four Flexible Color Choices (Besides White), Suggested by Designers, Not Including Gray

Four Flexible Color Choices (Besides White), Suggested by Designers, Not Including Gray

If you're in search of a design element to instantaneously change the atmosphere of a space, all you need is a coat of paint. But why settle for the conventional white when there's a kaleidoscope of colors on the spectrum that can harmoniously unite a room and create an aesthetically pleasing, cohesive space?

It appears that this color (or rather, lack thereof!) is gradually losing its appeal, as per Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene. "With the increasing demand for comforting, soothing colors that are not just easy to live with but also provide warmth and tranquility within our living spaces, we've observed a significant rise in the popularity of warmer, natural neutrals," she explains. This shift is a clear departure from the cooler, gray-toned hues that have been trendy recently, with consumers gravitating towards earthier tones that naturally exude warmth."

If you're ready to elevate your walls, here are some non-white neutral paint colors to consider:

Light Grays

Mottershead recommends French Grey-Pale from Little Greene as her favorite neutral alternative to white. "It's a fantastic swap-out for white and can be used in various interior spaces. It contains a tinge of blue and red, making it a middle tint – neither too warm nor too cold, providing flexibility in different lights and spaces," she explains.

Benjamin Moore's Metro Gray and Sheep's Wool are also worth considering, according to interior designer Kate Dawson. She suggests Metro Gray for its warmth and Sheep's Wool for its cool tones, particularly when working with plenty of blue.

Stone-Inspired Hues

Natural stone colors, such as Portland Stone, Bath Stone, and Clay, are becoming increasingly popular, as per Mottershead. "These warm neutrals are perfect for making serene living spaces that bring comfort to the home throughout the seasons."

Patrick O'Donnell, international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, agrees. He recommends earthy tones like Stony Ground for painting trim. "This classic color has an earthy quality that makes it an excellent choice for trim, especially when paired with darker shades such as deep green or muted blue," he says.

Light Pink

Pink has been popular in recent years, but the right shade, like Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster, can be considered neutral, according to O'Donnell. "This elegant pink, with just a hint of brown to avoid a sweet appearance, is a excellent decorating companion. It's an excellent choice for bathrooms, enhancing complexions while providing a cozy charm to dimly lit spaces," he says.

Pale Yellow

While bright yellows aren't neutral, a creamy pale yellow, like Tallow from Farrow & Ball, is a lovely neutral shade. "This soft, creamy yellow with a blush of pink is a wonderful trim color. Often overlooked for more subdued neutrals, Tallow adds a nostalgic charm to any space and complements yellow and terracotta tones perfectly," O'Donnell says.

Transforming your home with a new color scheme can greatly impact its atmosphere. For instance, the Light Grays category, such as Little Greene's French Grey-Pale, can provide a versatile alternative to traditional white paint. On the other hand, RealSimple suggests considering pale yellows, like Farrow & Ball's Tallow, for adding a soft, nostalgic charm to your decorating projects.

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