We covered more of this topic HERE with paint color ideas and resources to get the look and continue with our collection of soft and pretty neutral living room examples.
Atmospheric Neutral Living Rooms
Trade a Wood Coffee Table for Upholstered Ottoman
Here’s a serene space with white slipcovered sofas, cool white walls and a slipcovered ottoman in lieu of a wood coffee table:
In designer Jill Egan’s home, construction materials, collected antiques, finishes and reclaimed elements balance Old World style with an otherworldly, soulful, artfully Modern Belgian chic.
A key take away is how less can be more. Notice how airy it all becomes without baseboards and trim. Very monastery-lovely! For fans of more earthy natural hues, Athena Calderone’s work is instantly recognizable as an earthy modern sanctuary look:
Luxe Yet Unfussy & Intimate
Furniture placement in an open lofty space is key to achieving an intimate mood. Arranged conversationally, suddenly one can imagine the conversations and closeness that may be enjoyed.
While the walls in the Patina Farm interior above have a plaster-like finish and are unpainted, here’s a source for a similar look below in a French country family room:
Again, notice the comfy furniture grouping for watching TV, conversation, or playing games.
White upholstery and quiet colors combine for an effect that is anything but flat or sterile in this beautifully intimate English country style interior.
Layering a space with neutrals can also include the unexpected and even patterns that don’t overpower.
In my own soft and atmospheric family room, I love changing out the accents such as throws and pillows. It’s not even about seasonal decorating; more like simply waiting for the spirit to move. This alpaca throw is a treasure.
Free-Spirited & Whimsical
Sometimes a designer in the know hits just the right balance between informal, whimsical, and impossibly chic. Exhibit A:
So many styling ideas in a single image! Layered rugs, a mix of texture, playful scale, geometric joy…it’s just very easy to imagine loving the vibe in this room and not wanting to leave it. Is French farmhouse your fav?
Even the whimsy of oversized yellow checks painted on a white wood floor can bring a sense of joy along with surprising calm. (It was surprising when I stayed here how such a bold statement felt not at all overstimulating.)
Old World Elegance & Restraint
When your taste leans toward the minimal, curation is even more important. What stays and makes the cut?
Doing the work of trial and error to arrive at an elegant balance that suits your sensibilities is well worth it.
I like elegance when it doesn’t feel stuffy. Often this is the result of removing the unneccessary! I love how Cathy Kincaid thoughtfully arrives at the right balance:
There isn’t a singular way to find that balance. Here’s a completely different and less formal composition:
In this English countryside cottage with its liberal use of white, there’s a laid back elegance and undecorated vibe that feels easy to live with:
Turn Up Tonal Serenity
Some rooms invite us to rest…
Layering neutrals and using “texture as a color” can yield tranquil spaces that whisper. Whether in a modern apartment or a house with historical significance, the volume is turned down:
When the texture is already there in the bones of the space? Bonus!
Is French Nordic your secret fantasy?
Some folks go to great lengths to build good bones into a new build, as Desiree Bastian is known to do:
I hope these inspiring glimpses illumined you with possibilities and ushered a bit of calm into your spirit.
If the chunky Amber Lewis designed throw above is out of stock, we can still see how a neutral sofa may be elevated with tone on tone styling in a single stroke!
Also make sure to check out this story with white sofas. Have another minute to get inspired by cottage-core? Awesome.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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