Neutral paint colors have been trending for a minute, but how do you know if that’s the way to go for your small apartment?
Choosing the right paint colors in your living space can be overwhelming, especially if you live in a small apartment. But neutral colors can be great for tiny living spaces for many reasons. Not only can they greatly compliment your interior style, but they can also elevate your small apartment overall. Today we’re showing you how neutrals achieve this.
Keep reading to see how neutral paint colors can elevate your space in every way.
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What Are Neutral Colors?
Neutral colors can be found somewhere in the undertones of every color on the color wheel. They are devoid of true color, are muted and much more understated. Neutrals lack color and tend to be quite soft in appearance as well. They generally fall within groups of greys, blacks, browns and whites. Neutral colors are never intense or overly saturated and are very complimentary to most primary and secondary colors.
Check out Benjamin Moore’s COLOR PALETTES BY STYLE for some ideas on neutrals for your interior style.
If you live in a small apartment, a studio apartment or even just a single room then going with a neutral paint color is probably your best bet. It can be the easiest way to go about making your home look fresh and updated, outside of white paint. This is especially true when you live in a rental property and want to make it feel more like a home. A fresh coat of paint can be a great way to elevate your space or update your home so long as you choose the right paint colors. Here are some reasons why you might want to choose a neutral paint color to do just that.
They Can Make Your Small Space Look Bigger
We all know that light wall colors give off the appearance of a lighter and brighter space. However, opting for lighter neutral colors might be a better option then going stark white. While whites definitely do make a space look more open, sometimes it can leave your space looking flat and one dimensional.
Neutrals that are lighter on the spectrum can make your space look quite open and bright as well, only they add a bit more depth and warmth. Neutrals and earthy tones can add to any space and still allow for plenty of light to come in. They are a great base for any interior decorating that you do and will generally work for all interior styles.
They Are Both Classic and Contemporary
The neutral color pallet make it easier to create and maintain a classic and contemporary interior style. You never have to try very hard with your interior decorating when it comes to neutrals either. “Neutrals and tone-on-tone colour palettes also age gracefully” according to Kate Walker director of KWD. So if you’re looking to choose a paint color that will work with and help create an updated interior look then neutrals are a great option. And if you decide to keep the colors of your walls neutral for the long run then it’s still a win win.
They Can Create An Ambient Mood
According to New Life Painting color schemes have a way of affecting your mood. The article explains that there is a psychology behind this and how it can be used to guide your color selection. Specifically with neutrals, we know that they can vary between warm and cool tones. Yet, even within that slight difference we can create an entirely different atmosphere in a space.
Neutrals can be both warm and cool depending on the tones making them very versatile. Understanding what you would like the function of your space to be is key to determining this. Neutral colors can definitely help you to create an ambient interior mood and in fact a very relaxing atmosphere. Neutrals don’t overwhelm with color which is why by simply incorporating the color into your space, you can change the feeling. Neutrals can be both calming and relaxing.
They Can Make Accent Colors Pop
You don’t have to be bashful in your appreciation for color, when opting for neutral paint colors in your home. There are many ways to integrate both neutrals and vibrant colors into your interior style if that’s what you prefer. Pops of color can easily be added to a neutral palette via accent décor, accent furniture, wall art, pillows, rugs, etc. Neutral colors are a great way to amplify bolder, more saturated colors specifically because they are so muted against them. Neutrals make for a fantastic canvas on which to bounce colors off easily.
They Can Be Statement Colors
We love neutral paint colors as statement colors too although very subdued! The possibilities are plenty when you’re looking to use these neutral paint colors not just on your walls. You can add neutral coloring to doors, walls, trimming and baseboards to create a subtle statement but in a truly impactful way. Adding neutral colors in this way can add a bit of architectural interest and overall a unified look. Check out Best 5 Principles of Interior Design For Small Spaces to read a little bit about contrast as a principle in interior design and how it may help you understand this a bit better.
They Compliment Any Interior Style
Depending on your interior style you can determine the best neutral paint colors for your home. Whether you consider yourself to have a more minimalist interior style or a bold and eclectic interior style–neutrals have their place. In a minimalist interior design, neutrals act as a foundation with which to lay everything on. In a bolder interior style, neutrals serve to accentuate and emphasize certain spaces in your home.
If you’re wondering how to choose neutral paint colors then check out this article from MyMove for some of the best neutral paint colors in 2021!
