A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE BEST NEUTRAL PAINT COLOURS

Finding the ultimate neutral paint colour – it’s arguably the holy grail of interior design. Clients and friends describe this as needle-in-a-haystack territory; there are just so many options to choose from. And, let’s be honest, a flimsy little colour-card can only take you so far!

I’ve already written a post on how to choose the perfect paint colour for your walls – read it here – but sometimes, ‘tell-me-the-actual-name’ recommendations are all you really need. Tried and tested hues which offer immediate success.

Kitchen goals showcasing the ultimate in neutral paint colours and offset with some punchy, darker accents. Walls in Paint and Paper Library’s Minim and fitted cabinetry in Opus 

Neutral paint colours appear easy pickings at first. Either you want to go more beige or more grey, off white or cream. Saturated with options, the market offers beautiful shades across a range of price points too. All good, right? The reality is that with labels inaccurate, descriptions unreliable and the choice overwhelming, unless you spend a small fortune on sample pots and paint out large parts of wall, you’re playing Russian Roulette.

So here’s my neutral paint colour round up. Because this December, aside from working our way through a tub of Celebrations, what more is there to do than sit and research home projects for the year ahead? 2021 is certainly set to be a Renaissance of sorts. Let’s hope, anyway.

First impressions count! This impressive door sings in Farrow and Ball‘s Wimbourne White

NEUTRAL PAINT COLOUR #1: THE ULTIMATE GREIGE

Dancing the delicate parameters of grey and beige, greige is one of my favourite shades. It maintains the casual cool of grey whilst the beige element offers warmth and charm. There are some fabulous greige shades available and they work beautifully with a host of metal finishes and natural timbers (yummy)!

Farrow and Ball’s Skimming Stone is a beautiful greige shade. Interior design and styling by Sarah Mailer Design

Some of my ultimate greige paints are;

1. Skimming Stone by Farrow and Ball
2. Pearl Barley by Graphenstone
3. Silver Fox by Benjamin Moore (as shown on the swatch above)

Greige is a calming hue – perfect for the bedroom. Here, the walls are painted in Silver Fox by Benjamin Moore

NEUTRAL PAINT COLOUR #2: PALE AND INTERESTING

Pale doesn’t mean have to mean dull as the movement of dark, dramatic walls may have led us to believe. From soft nudes and lavenders to green-greys, just the subtlest hint of colour can go a long way and still feel pretty neutral.

1. Slaked Lime by Little Greene
2. Willow I by Paint and Paper Library
3. Shaded White by Farrow and Ball
4. Foggy Morning by Benjamin Moore (as shown on the swatch above)

A hint of colour can still feel pretty neutral and understated. Image Little Greene 

NEUTRAL PAINT COLOUR #3: THE WARM GREY

Grey, yes, but not cold. Far from it. And eternally chic!

1. Pashmina AF-100 by Benjamin Moore (as shown on the swatch above)
2. Cornforth White by Farrow and Ball
3. Slate III (and Slate IV) by Paint and Paper Library
4. Ammonite by Farrow and Ball

Ammonite works beautifully here will deep teal, seafoam and brass. Interior design by Sarah Mailer Design

NEUTRAL PAINT COLOUR #4: TANTALISINGLY TAUPE

Taupe is such an exquisite shade. With a nod to both grey and brown, it has long been design legend Kelly Hoppen’s signature hue. From the subtlest touch to deeper taupe, here are some of my favourites;

1. Weimaraner AF 155 Benjamin Moore  (as shown on the swatch above)
2. Charleston Grey by Farrow and Ball
3. Truffle by Paint and Paper Library
4. Joanna by Little Greene

Little Greene’s Joanna is the palest of taupes and perfect for this narrow hallway by Sarah Mailer Design 

NEUTRAL PAINT COLOUR #5: THE OFF WHITE OF DREAMS

When you want to go white white, but not brilliant white. Here are some porcelain beauties;

1. Snowy Owl by Sanderson
2. Porcelaine by Graphenstone
3. Fuji by Paint and Paper Library
4. Shirting by Little Greene

Shirting by Little Greene is a bright but soft white and is also great for more understated white woodwork and ceilings

NEUTRAL PAINT COLOUR #6: STONEY GROUND 

Think of beautiful limestone fireplaces and the impressive curve of the grand terracing on London’s Regent’s Crescent. A stoney neutral always gets my vote and is the perfect backdrop for a whole host of interior schemes. You really can’t go far wrong. Here are my favourites;

1. Portland Stone by Little Greene – I love the entire Portland Stone range from pale to dark!
2. Stoney Ground by Farrow and Ball
3. Tom’s Bakery by Earthborn
4. Stone Hearth 984 by Benjamin Moore (as shown on the swatch above)

Stoney Ground by Farrow and Ball – It does what it says on the tin!

NEUTRAL PAINT COLOUR #7: BEAUTIFULLY BEIGE

It’s fair to say that beige was having a difficult time until its recent resurgence. Shaking off the past (magnolia, what?), it’s now the shade du jour. And I’m absolutely delighted! After all, beige is warm, friendly and enveloping. My prediction is that it will quickly regain its crown as King of the Neutrals! Some of my favourites are;

1. Clay by Edward Bulmer
2. Beige 02 by Lick
3. Jute AF-80 by Benjamin Moore
4. Clay IV by Paint and Paper Library

Keeping it tonal with a range of beige at Little Greene

NEUTRAL PAINT COLOUR #8: TRUE GREY

Metropolitan is a reliably true-grey with cool undertones by Benjamin Moore 

Grey has long transcended fad-status, heavily cementing itself as a colour classic! All grey is an ever-popular look both on the catwalk and in our homes. Cue these beauties who don’t stray too far from warm or cool. They’re just right;

1. Metropolitan AF-690 by Benjamin Moore
2. Blackened by Farrow and Ball
3. Porpoise by Graphenstone

Blackened by Farrow and Ball is the perfect true grey in most spaces

NEUTRAL PAINT COLOUR #9: CREAMY & DREAMY

Whilst cream isn’t necessarily perceived as particularly contemporary, these shades carry traditional charm whilst feeling somewhat fresh.

1. Slipper Satin by Farrow and Ball
2. White Lead by Edward Bulmer
3. Cotton Balls OC-122 by Benjamin Moore

Cotton Balls OC-122 by Benjamin Moore is a sophisticated and creamy off-white

NEURAL PAINT GOALS!

Hopefully this piece has given you some inspiration and confirmed that neutral need not be bland. If anything, I love the possibility that a neutral backdrop brings to a space – the support act to some statement furniture and artwork. Whether you opt for all white (see another post I wrote on this here) or deeper, darker hues, enjoy the power of a fresh coat of paint!

Have a wonderful break and please do share your decor ideas in the comments below or over on my instagram.

 

Girl signing off,

 

Sarah x

 

** If you’re looking for more interior ideas or inspiration, the following posts my be useful: 5 Ways to Achieve a Luxury Boutique Hotel Style Bedroom | Coffee Table Book Styling | How to Design Children’s Bedrooms | How to Create a Spa Bathroom