Since many are still experiencing winter at her snowy best (or worst) I thought I would stay indoors and ponder the beauty of a neutral color palate for a room…
This is Wikipedia’s definition of neutral color:
Grey or gray is an intermediate color between black and white, a neutral or achromatic color, meaning literally a color “without color.” [2] It is the color of a cloud-covered sky, of ash and of lead.[3]
In Europe and America, grey is the color most frequently associated with the elderly, humility, reflection, boredom, dullness, uncertainty, and indifference.[4]
Pretty funny. Grey isn’t the first or only color that pops into my head when I think of a room reflecting a neutral palate. I usually think of white or a soft beige and maybe a little grey. And what’s up with the second paragraph…who entered this opinion?
I am attracted to neutral rooms, and yet I know I am not one to want to live in a home that is primarily decorated in shades of neutral.
Today, I’m sharing today, rooms that are primarily neutral. I love each and every image I’m sharing but I’ve soul-searched and I can’t make the leap. Maybe when I move to that cottage in the Cottswolds?
{queen of white ~ Tricia Foley}
{Nancy Fishelson ~ Litchfield, CT}
{El’lefebien via Belgian Pearls}
{Architectural Digest}
{Cote de Texas}
![13-Southern Accents Photo Antoine bootz Designer Bobbi Smith[4]](https://gardenhomeandparty.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/13-southern-accents-photo-antoine-bootz-designer-bobbi-smith4.jpg?w=450&h=337)
{Photo by Antoine Bootz ~ Southern Accents}
{Providence Ltd. Design}
The promise of spring is just around the corner. I hope you are warm and dry and may spring shine on your home soon.
Garden, Home & Party 
Victoria Elizabeth Barnes said:
I love all of those… especially the House Beautiful one… but in my head I add imaginary slipcovers to everything. I throw some duckcloth over the whit sofas… roll up the white rugs… I love white and neutral palettes, but they make me nervous!!
That second to last house is amazing. I don’t like their furniture or set up (why would you not face the windows???) but the room itself is wonderful.
I saw the first snowdrops yesterday. And the crocuses are nearly up. Looks like spring is going to show up after all!!
Karen B. said:
I love the* idea* of slipcovers but each time I read a blog post titled, “are slipcovers for you?” the answer is no due to the dirt factor. I like things to be free of smudges and with our two dogs in residence, the chances of no smudges on white sofas are nil! Someday, maybe, I’ll attempt a truly neutral palate throughout. Meanwhile, my file bulges with rooms I love that are so calming in their neutral palate. (I’m with you, why wouldn’t the furniture face the windows?!) 🙂 Karen
Jacki said:
I do love to look at neutral rooms, but my home is extremely colorful. I’ve tried going “neutral”. Somehow color just sneeks right back in!
Karen B. said:
Jacki, I’m so happy to know I’m not alone in this. I love the calm of a neutral palate but due to art and various collections, color sneaks back into each room! Meanwhile, I’ll just admire the lovely rooms of those that have mastered neutrality. 🙂 Karen
trouverlesoleil said:
Hi Karen,
I too am drawn to the serene and classic look of a neutral palette. Here in Seattle we have LOTS of grey days so it feels natural to want a light interior. A neutral back drop is surprisingly versatile and I always enjoy changing up the feel of a room with pops of color. GORGEOUS images Karen!
My blog should be back up and running in a day or so!
xxL
Karen B. said:
Leslie, I totally relate, which is why, like white kitchens, my files are filled with beautiful neutral rooms. I’ve missed you, are you revamping your site? Karen
Sharon @ Roses and Rust said:
It is boiling hot here in Cape Town – a good reason to stay indoors and ponder these beautiful and inviting neutral interiors! x Sharon
Karen B. said:
Hi Sharon, My boss just returned from a vacation to Australia and on a couple of days it was 110 degrees F. Yikes! The neutral palate does calm and cool, doesn’t it? Thanks for stopping by. Karen
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
Loved all these neutral rooms . . . so serene and relaxing in their elegance. The first photo of the charming English village in the snow made me want to wrap up in a quilt (neutral, of course) and sip a cup of Earl Grey. Thanks for the inspiration.
Linda
Karen B. said:
Linda, I agree, that village scene could almost be in a Dicken’s tale. Enjoy a cup of tea for me…I’m still at work. Karen
Kathy said:
I wish I could say there would be dirt on the white slipcovers due to Coco. I used to blame it on children, but they grew up and left home and we STILL seem to have stains and they’re not dirt it’s chocolate. I don’t want to point fingers but it isn’t me. I truly believe the decision about white rooms depends on location, location, location. I’ve painted rooms white while waiting to decide what I really want to do. Every time people’s first reaction is “You’re not going to leave it like this are you?” In the summer it’s great then Nov. rolls in and your grabbing for a blanket. They are beautiful rooms. I like each one. It just wouldn’t work here unless I changed the entire decor every six months and I don’t think that’s going to happen.
Karen B. said:
Kathy, I believe your style and mine are very similar. I could blame the dogs, but truth is that we enjoy drinking our tea in the family room while watching TV and munching on the occasional cookie with the tea…do the math! Years ago I painted Kyle’s room white and we purchased white laminate built-ins. I really never warmed to the room or the look. I love the neutral rooms in this post but I think I’m a rich wood and a certain amount of rich color kind of gal. Karen
Gretchen said:
Karen, you already know that I favor a neutral palette. The older I get the more need I have for a calm serene atmosphere in my home. I always worry that my house is getting too boring! Your lovely pictures have illustrated that when it’s done right, neutral is not only classic but timeless. I’ll just have to keep trying to achieve that!
Karen B. said:
Gretchen, You have enough color accents in your home to never be boring! I love neutral rooms, just in other people’s homes. 🙂 xo, Karen
missbbobochic said:
What a wonderful selection of neutral rooms. There is no doubt about it, a neutral colour scheme is certainly relaxing and restful and my favourite is the first image. They are also so versatile as a few well-chosen colourful accessories can immediately change the look.
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk
Karen B. said:
Hi,
Thanks for stopping by. I do love some of these rooms and the hundreds of others I encounter online.
So nice to meet you, I hope you’ll stop by again.
Karen
debra phillips @ 5th and state said:
as they say, ‘you had me at the first image’…..sigh, the cotswolds in snow! great segue karen to the same color palette indoors. i share the exact same sentiment; love it, not living it
lovely post
xo
debr
Karen B. said:
Debra, I thing that first image is “home” for some of us…it has to be a shot of England! I like your words, “loving it, not living it”. 🙂 xo, Karen
Ricki Jill Treleaven said:
LOL Karen, I was thinking the same thing about gray. Our home has a lot of neutral rooms, and very little gray!
I love these rooms you’ve shared here. The third photo from House Beautiful with the white beams is *to die for*
It might snow here in Central Alabama tomorrow night….can you believe it?
xo,
RJ
Karen B. said:
Ricki Jill, We have above season temps this weekend and then a plunge in temps and rain next week. Mother Nature is very fickle this time of year. I like the House Beautiful room too! Karen