Over the past year, there has been an apparent shift of preference from stark white and steely greys to more warm neutrals that create a crisp, welcoming, clean space. Neutrals remain a popular choice in the design world thanks to warmer grey tones, creamy whites, and greige paint colors. Using comforting neutrals can be used in any room without becoming overwhelming or competing with other colors or design elements in the space which helps these colors to be the perfect backdrop for your decor.
With a sea of color options, it is easy to get overwhelmed-- so today I am going to talk about some of the best, most popular go-to neutrals that will help you achieve a clean, updated feel in any space!
BALBOA MIST BY BENJAMIN MOORE
Starting it off is my holy grail, go-to, favorite neutral, Benjamin Moore's Balboa Mist. I have applied this sumptuous light warm gray in a number of spaces and it looks great every time. If you are placing Balboa Mist in a north-facing room, or in an area with more shadows, it will read a bit more gray whereas in brighter spaces it feels a bit warmer and more beige without ever looking muddy.
I also love to recommend this color in family homes, since it has just enough warm undertones it conceals handprints and dirt from young children and pets extremely well!
Balboa Mist OC-27
CLASSIC GRAY BY BENJAMIN MOORE
Considered the most quintessential griege with the perfect amount of beige and just the right amount of gray undertones to prevent it from becoming too warm this option is a sure thing for any space. Dependent on your lighting conditions this color transforms from being grayer in those shadowy areas of your room to soft and bright in the areas hit with more direct sunlight.
Classic Gray OC-23
ACCESSIBLE BEIGE BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS
Accessible Beige is one of Sherwin Williams's most popular paint colors, and for good reason! If you are looking for a neutral with more depth and warmth while still having a gray base to tone down the saturation, this color is for you! It has a bit more color than the other colors listed but still acts as a great neutral backdrop for your decor.
Accessible Beige 7036
PAPER WHITE BY BENJAMIN MOORE
Paper White by Benjamin Moore is a very soft gray, falling a bit into the "off-white" category. This is a great choice if you want something closer to white without feeling too stark or cold. If you are painting a space that has light from the east and the west as it balances lighting conditions extremely well to create an ideal neutral backdrop.
Paper White 1590
SEA PEARL BY BENJAMIN MOORE
This neutral is a superb option as one that doesn't read too creamy or gray, making it an ideal neutral. During the day it is crisp and fresh and keeps its clarity at night. It is a great option for any room as it feels both modern, or traditional allowing the art and furnishings to take center stage.
Sea Pearl OC-19
WIMBORNE WHITE, FARROW & BALL
"Wimborne White by Farrow and Ball is one of my favorite off-whites. It adds a lot of depth and softness to a space for a white, which makes it a perfect color for all rooms of a home. Soft whites are more warm and welcoming and allow other design elements of the space, like the fabrics and decor, to pop. I especially love to use it in entryways and display a statement piece of art to offer guests a wow factor right when they walk through the door."
Wimbourne White 239
Final Thoughts
I hope this paint guide gives you some ideas and inspiration as you find the perfect neutral paint color for your home this year. Don't forget - no matter what you've read or photos you've seen online, it's really important to sample paint colors in your home before committing!
Still not sure? Reach out to us and schedule a color consult for assistance in creating a unique palette that suits your home and personal style.