I’m always interested in how others use color to express their home style. But for me, neutrals are the ultimate choice. They’re soothing, versatile, and effortlessly create a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for minimalist interiors. I also have a personal reason for preferring neutrals – a neurological condition called synaesthesia that shapes the way I experience color.
The word “neutral” usually refers to shades that are a mix of black and white, but they often incorporate subtle pigments that add depth and complexity to rival even the boldest colors. That said, finding the right “neutrals” for your home can be a challenge. The way colors are presented is heavily influenced by the light in a room, and neutrals make any undertones more visible. The wrong choice can feel harsh or out of place, so it’s important to be careful.
To help you with this process, I’ve put together a guide from which you can choose the best neutral colors, no matter the size, layout or orientation of your space. I’ll also explore the four main categories of neutrals – white, beige, grey and taupe – and share some of my favorite shades from the Zella collection. Additionally, please bear with me until the end, when I will provide you with valuable tips on how to effectively test paint samples.
Neutral Tones for South-Facing Rooms
South-facing rooms are bathed in strong, clear light throughout the day, making them the easiest rooms to decorate. However, this light enhances warm tones, so neutral tones with strong red or yellow undertones can be off-putting. Look for shades with cool undertones – soft blues, greens or purples – to create a harmonious and serene atmosphere.
In our south-facing guest room, I used pale beige and a hint of fuchsia to offset the golden light and maintain a calming balance.
Neutral Colors for North-Facing Rooms
North-facing rooms typically have cooler, softer light and can therefore appear darker and less inviting. Cool neutrals, such as greens, grays, or blues, can appear cold and unfriendly in these spaces. Instead, choosing warmer shades – reds, yellows, or pinks – can go a long way toward counteracting that icy feeling. Alternatively, use dark, warm grays or taupes to create a cozy atmosphere with the natural ambiance of the room.
In our north-facing master bedroom, I chose warm whites with soft yellow undertones to brighten the space and offset the cooler tones.
Neutral tones for east- and west-facing rooms
The east-facing room is bathed in warm golden sunlight in the morning, while the light gradually cools in the afternoon. The opposite is true for west-facing rooms, where the light is cooler in the morning and becomes warmer and richer in the afternoon and evening. When decorating these spaces, consider the time of day you use them most often. You can balance the light by choosing neutrals with opposite undertones, or celebrate the dynamic light changes by using a palette whose tones change subtly throughout the day.
One of my favorite neutrals is Zera’s “Morning Hearth,” a versatile neutral that transitions beautifully between soft grays and warm beiges.
Neutrals for Small and Large Rooms
Light neutrals can create the illusion of space by visually pushing walls outward, which is perfect for making small rooms look bigger. On the other hand, darker neutrals can make larger rooms look more welcoming and cozy. That said, you can also take advantage of the natural proportions of a space – for example, by turning a compact room into a cozy haven with dark, moody tones.
For a spacious effect, use the same neutral tones on walls, ceilings and woodwork. This creates a seamless, unified effect that reduces visual clutter and allows the eye to perceive more space.
In one of our cozy living rooms, I used earthy browns and soft beiges from the Zera Luxe Neutrals collection to create a warm, cozy, and elegant atmosphere.
Top tips for testing neutral shades
When testing neutral tones, be sure to paint large blocks of color on multiple walls in a room. Observe how the color changes throughout the day under different lighting conditions. This will help you find the perfect shade for your space and avoid surprises after painting.
Neutral shades may seem simple, but their versatility and depth make them truly transformative. With the right approach, you can create a perfectly balanced space, no matter the light or layout.
Losing Warmth
White Decoration
White is serene, ethereal and timelessly classic. Although it seems simple, decorating with white requires precision as it can be very unforgiving. Choosing the perfect white color is crucial. Unless you have a south-facing room with plenty of natural light, it’s wise to avoid pure white as it can feel raw and cold. Instead, choosing an off-white with subtle undertones can add depth and character to your space. If you’re having trouble distinguishing the subtle differences between shades, compare them to pure white without any coloring (Zera’s “Absolute White” is a good benchmark). Although the differences may be subtle, they can greatly affect the ambience and aesthetics of an interior.
- Zera’s “Cloud Veil” is a soft pale white that balances classic and modern styles.
- Zera’s “Haven” – a pure white with a touch of warmth, giving it a cozy feel.
- Zera’s “Ivory Dusk” – a delicate, warm white with a soft depth.
- Zera’s “Violet Whisper ” – a crisp white with light violet undertones
- Zera’s “Limestone” – a versatile off-white with warm, earthy undertones
- Zera’s “Chalk Linen” – a warm chalky color that is perfect for creating cozy spaces.
- Zera’s “Mist” – a clean white with a hint of gray.
- Zera’s “Barely There” – a subtle off-white with warmth and elegance.
- Zera’s “Heritage White” – a timeless, soft white without cold tones.
Beige Trim
Beige has a soothing and calming effect and is ideal for neutral colors that are softer and more natural than white. It’s perfect for north-facing rooms to add a sense of warmth, but can also be used in bright, south-facing spaces with cooler tones to avoid yellow or pink hues.
- Zera’s “Sand Drift” – a muted, cool beige with understated elegance.
- Zera’s “Claystone” – a balanced medium beige with a natural, earthy scent.
- Zera’s ‘Golden Hour’ – a warm, inviting beige with a hint of yellow
- Zera’s ‘Delicate Mauve’ – a soft beige with a hint of lavender, giving it a calming feel
- Zera’s “Sahara” – a medium beige color, warm and sophisticated
- Zera’s “Amber Glow” – a beige color with orange tones for added vitality
- Zera’s “Stone Path” – a neutral stone beige color that is sophisticated and refreshing.
- Zera’s “Comfort” – a modern beige with subtle black pigmentation
- Zera’s “Terracotta Blush” – a classic beige with reddish tones for warmth and comfort
Gray accents
Gray has a timeless versatility and sophistication. Depending on the shade, it can create a light, airy atmosphere or a cozy, welcoming retreat. Gray comes in a variety of shades, from cooler tones for sunrooms to warmer tones with red, brown or yellow undertones that can soften dimly lit spaces.
- Zera’s “Silver Stream” – a cool, modern gray with just the right amount of pigment for a layered look.
- Zera’s “Warm Hearth” – a cozy gray with subtle brown undertones.
- Zera’s “Stone Light” – a light gray with a hint of warmth.
- Zera’s “Serenity Gray” – an understated gray that balances cool and neutral tones
- Zera’s “Urban Stone” – a versatile gray inspired by stone, suitable for all environments.
- Zera’s “Magenta Mist” – a modern gray with a hint of magenta that makes a statement.
- Zera’s “Graphite Glow ” – an understated cool gray with a metallic sheen.
- Zera “Dove Feather” – a soft, timeless gray with a subtle warmth
Zera Paints: a guide to warm and neutral tones
The Beauty of Warm Gray
Warm grays are ideal for creating a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. They bring depth and character to a space, often with subtle undertones that add sophistication and charm. Here are two great options from Zera Paints:
- Zera’s “Luna” – a deep, warm gray with a hint of mauve tones, perfect for adding elegance.
- Zera’s “Haven Grey” – a rich, warm gray with warm brown undertones for a cozy, down-to-earth feel.
Decorating with taupe
Taupe is a versatile neutral that falls somewhere between gray and brown. It is extremely adaptable and ideal for a variety of interiors, adding a sense of serene sophistication and intimacy to any space. Between gray and brown, taupe varies from soft and light to deep and rich. Many taupes have a red or tan base and are especially noticeable in west-facing rooms. They can add warmth to the cooler tones of early morning without becoming too yellowish as the day progresses.
Here are a few beautiful taupes from Zera Paints:
- Zera’s “Whisper” – a very light taupe, almost white, giving a clean, airy look.
- Zera’s “Harvest” – a soft earthy color inspired by the nourishing tones of natural grains.
- Zera’s “Serene” – a warm, approachable taupe that is easy to match in any environment.
- Zera’s “Horizon” – a light, versatile taupe with light gray undertones, perfect for modern spaces.
- Zera’s “Cedarwood” – a dark brown taupe with red and tan undertones, perfect for creating a cocoon effect.
- Zera’s “Hearth” – a serene, versatile neutral that brings balance and calm.
- Zera’s “Taupe 05” – a cozy, balanced taupe with red and black undertones that add depth.
- Zera’s ‘Roma’ – a lime color inspired by the timeless architecture of ancient Rome.
- Zera’s “Sagewood” – an understated, serene taupe that brings warmth and tranquility to a room.
The importance of testing
When choosing the right paint, it is important to consider not only the light in the space, but also the color itself. Be sure to test the chosen shade on site before settling on it. Colors can vary greatly in real life compared to what you see on the screen, and can also change depending on the orientation of the room and the time of day.
A good tip is to draw large blocks of color on white card and tape them to the wall with tacks or tape. This method allows you to see the effect of the color without the interference of the current wall color. Move the samples around the room and observe how they react to light in different areas and at different times of day. If you plan to use the space at night, be sure to check the colors in artificial light.
Looking for more inspiration?
If you like neutrals but want to experiment with colors other than whites, grays, beiges and taupes, consider adding some subtle colors. Serene greens, soft blues, rustic ochres and warm terracotta colors can all bring a soft vibrancy to your interiors while maintaining a calm, unassuming aesthetic.