I mentioned in romantic bedrooms how I may lighten the greigey paint color in our bedroom and bath. Maybe a warmish white (but not too warm) atmospheric neutral paint that feels tranquil and mysterious (not easily described in a few words or quickly dropped in a particular bucket).
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Atmospheric Neutral Paint Colors
We Actually Don’t Need Exact Colors
I know most folks searching the internet for color suggestions think they want the EXACT color from an inspiration room.
However, knowing it is less important than knowing YOUR PERCEPTION OF THE COLOR, HOW THE COLOR MAKES YOU FEEL, AND EVEN WHAT COLOR AND MOOD YOU WANT TO AVOID.
The exact color in a sun-drenched living room in Southern California will look a whole lot different in a dim den in the Midwest. That’s why I think even ai rooms can be helpful for discussions about color and mood.
It is almost a bonus that the room doesn’t exist.
For interiors here where we don’t know the paint color (or the walls are plaster), I’ll suggest options as a seasoned consultant.
Atmospheric Neutral Paint Idea: CORNFORTH WHITE
Here’s a Farrow & Ball neutral I have enjoyed using.
The reason certain neutrals rise to fame is because a few standouts will be deemed trustworthy by designers. Such colors may even be chameleon-like.
While I don’t know the exact color in this English cottage below, it would be well suited for Cornforth White.
Here’s Cornforth White in a cozy space where the light is low:
What Makes a Color Feel More Timeless Than Classic?
This “atmospheric” look we’re exploring tends to feel timeless and set apart from trends. And doesn’t that make perfect sense?
Since we can’t reduce a mysterious atmospheric neutral paint to a few words or feelings, we can’t easily package it for marketing and trend reports!
As far as distinguishing timeless from classic? I personally feel classic colors are cleaner and atmospheric timeless ones tend to be muddier.
Colors for a Romantically Elegant Backdrop
Traditional elements and a mix of antiques work magic with these neutrals we’re considering.
While the space above features wall with a thin coat of plaster rather than paint, a greyed white such as Farrow & Ball Ammonite or a pale sandy linen white such as Benjamin Moore Ballet White may be right.
With so many atmospheric neutral paint colors, you’ll find they will change throughout the day as the light changes. It is important to know whether this makes you happy or disappointed to hear.
For example, designers have turned to Benjamin Moore White Dove for decades because it is the sort of white that seems to change minimally over the course of the day.
My own personal take on this matter is that it is always critical to sample a color and notice how it works with other design elements at night. It may look all wrong with carpet when natural light is not warming or washing out the paint color.
Cathy Kincaid’s Atmospheric Interiors
What’s so interesting about exploring atmospheric moods is how the look swings in and out of fashion. This elegant space was blowing up on my FB page a year ago, and it’s still making a splash now!
What makes it appeal? There’s a moodiness, but it stays soulful.
It varies from Grand Millennial nods of a couple seasons back in that it doesn’t feel like Grandma’s house as much as Grandma’s chicest friend with old money’s house.
Need this interesting paint color in your life? It reminds me of Farrow & Ball Lichen.
A Neutral Atmospheric Green Paint Color Idea: LICHEN
Younger generations struggling to afford modern life and build wealth seem to be very interested in antiques and vintage.
They are thinking about value, investments, and sustainability.
Contemporary Lighting & Art for a Timeless Look
Can modern lighting and contemporary art feel at home in a timeless space?
Sometimes. When your heart is fixed on a particular light fixture, it may work because lighting can be art and sculpture. And art is personal.
Here are gorgeous ideas for lighting:
We definitely need a few more paint colors too.
Atmospheric Whites
While cool whites tend to suggest modernity and a particular vibe…
Creamy or warm whites often impart a more traditional milieu. Plenty of suggestions for warm white paint colors, in this.
Be sure to sample several whites since your unique exposure will influence the perception of the color.
Does Wallpaper Hold Atmospheric Potential?
Wallpaper is often controversial with plenty of folks steering clear of it while many interior designers embrace it (at least for their client projects).
If possible, consult a professional. If you’re a DIYer, peek at plenty of inspiration photos of wallpaper and create a Pinterest board for favorites. You’ll have data to study…is it floral patterns, geometrics or a particular color combination that appeals? Where possible, cover a smaller, less-used space in your home to experience living with it.
Wallpaper can make good sense for a room lacking architectural interest. It can awaken the senses and create a very particular atmosphere in a way a flat paint cannot.
When Texture is Your Color/Pattern
If you quickly tire of pattern or color, add textural layers to build your mood.
Tone on tone can feel sophisticated and non-trendy and is often so budget friendly! You could find all of the elements below on Etsy!
And no need to rule out dark and moody wall colors since the look can be atmospherically elegant. Moody darkish rooms continue to trend, but we don’t care!
Also check out timeless inspiration here.
Easiest way to know whether a paint color will work? Order peel and stick samples with Samplize to get them delivered to your door.
With all of the inspiration I share on this site, I feel as though there is always a shortage of living room inspiration! Do you sense that too when you’re seeking photos?
Here’s where my own current living room (it’s more accurately a sitting room) started when we began renovating it last year:
Can you even imagine not having this wall we added (above) for furniture placement in the small room? The paint color (find it below) imparts a very calm mood, and even though my egg chair is modern style along with the abstract I painted, the traditional bones and trim keep it more timeless.
If you have a moment, I love how this creator keeps her Brooklyn apartment feeling timelessly Parisian:
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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