How to Create the Serenity of a Cozy Neutral Living Room

On Monday I shared my dining room makeover and mentioned that I’m switching from a neutral palette in my home to one of soft colors. I realize not everyone is on the color bandwagon, so today I’m featuring the beauty of a cozy neutral living room. Neutrals don’t have to be boring, and I think these nine examples prove that to be true.

Of today’s living rooms, I think this first one is my favorite because it has texture, elegance, and a bit of rustic appeal all rolled into one. Wood beams and stone on the walls and floor create texture and interest, hinting at the older age of this home. Exquisite linen fabric adorns the small sectional that enjoys a fabulous view outside. To me, this room is perfection.

 

You can tell most of these rooms are indicative of English country style. I think I can almost hear the sheep bleating in the pasture outside. The sofa looks uber-soft and I love the use of a coordinating fabric on the ends of the couch. It’s always those little details that make a room special.

 

Create a cozy neutral living room simply by lighting a fire in the fireplace. A little bit of pattern sneaks in on the pillows and throws. Linen drapes, a nubby rug, and a tufted ottoman add depth due to their texture. The crisscross pattern of the ceiling beams mimic the pattern of the mullioned windows.

 

A bit of pale green color sneaks into this English style living room in the form of pillows and painted trim work behind the couch. There must be another door on the other side of that cabinet to be opened from the hall. A hounds-tooth pattern is found on the tufted ottoman – one of my favorite patterns.

 

If you prefer a little more modernity in your home, this neutral living room creates cozy comfort for the contemporary home. I love that big rattan coffee table and the way neutral colors are offered in the artwork.

 

Don’t be afraid to introduce houseplants and flowers into a neutral space. And always consider textures when decorating with a monochromatic color scheme. If you don’t have a stone fireplace, brick walls, or ceiling beams, you can add texture through the use of pillows, rugs, throws, wall art, and pottery.

 

Of course, you can always introduce one shot of color in the way of a pillow, a painting, or floral arrangement. It’s a fun way to experiment with color without sacrificing your desire for a cozy neutral living room.

 

You’ll often see a neutral palette in Scandinavian homes, where interiors are kept light and bright to combat the extraordinarily long days of winter.

 

What do you think of today’s collection of monochromatic living rooms? Do you enjoy a neutral palette, or do you prefer the fun of color?

 

You Might Also Enjoy:

Casual Home in Neutral Tones and Textures

Traditional Home in a Neutral Color Scheme

My Summer Neutrals Home Tour