Key Benefits of a Neutral Color Palette

by Ann Hayward 03/20/2022

If you’re planning a new decorating project, color palette is probably at the forefront of your decision making. Whether you’re planning on painting interior walls, swapping out furniture or doing a complete style overhaul, your color choices will be a guiding factor in every step of the process. This makes it especially difficult if you don’t know what colors to use.

Why Neutrals?

While many design experts recommend going with a neutral palette, it might be hard to see the appeal. After all, doesn’t neutral mean “boring” and “bland”? In reality, neutral colors don’t have to be boring or bland at all. They also don’t necessarily mean “without color,” either. Neutrals come in an entire rainbow of colored undertones beyond basic beige, giving you tremendous freedom in selecting and mixing hues. Just because a color doesn’t appear on the color wheel does not mean it can’t be beautiful and effective in your interior design.

Here we will go over a few more reasons to consider neutral colors in your decorating.

Neutrals Are Always In Style

A key benefit of neutral colors is that they are timeless. Neutrals have classic appeal and will stand the test of time as other color trends come and go. With wall color, many consider painting in a neutral shade not only a smart decorating move but a smart investment. Neutral tones are proven to get more positive feedback from potential buyers touring a home for sale. If you are ever considering selling your home, you can do yourself a big favor in advance by sticking with neutrals.

Neutrals Are Versatile

Neutral colors include far more than just “plain beige.” In fact, beige can come in dozens of different variations of undertone: gray, pink, brown, green and more. You’ll find the same with other neutrals like taupe, brown and even white. This makes neutrals incredibly versatile and flexible in your design scheme. You have a lot of choices and you also have a lot of simple ways to incorporate other brighter colors harmoniously.

Neutrals Showcase Details

One of the best things about neutral palettes is that they can draw attention to other details often missed in brightly colored spaces. Shape, texture and finishes all stand out in a neutral color scheme, meaning you can really show off your furnishings. Going with different textures of fabrics will add depth and visual interest even if every piece is a neutral color. Without the distraction of a bolder hue, you’ll notice it’s easy to incorporate texture to create a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Neutral colors also provide an excellent backdrop or base for you to highlight specific furniture or decorative pieces. This makes it especially easy to showcase your own personal style, as well. Instead of building an entire color scheme around a favorite art piece, you can create a timeless and classic environment to make it pop. If you change your mind in the future, you’ll know that whatever you use to decorate will work beautifully with your neutral tones.

These are some of the major benefits of using neutral colors in your interior design. However, every space and preference is different. Neutrals provide a great way to experiment and make a design that’s all your own.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]