If you follow me on Instagram then you’ve likely seen some snippets of my home. I’m a timeless, neutral gal all the way, and there’s nothing I love more than walking into a cozy and welcoming space. While I totally indulge in decorating and browsing home decor finds, I know that it’s not necessarily everyone’s jam.
I sourced many of the pieces in my house from Olive + Rose, a local shop in Santa Rosa. The founder closed her brick and mortar to focus more on her interior design services, but there are still plenty of ways you can replicate the look of my space.
Here, I’m sharing a handful of neutral home decor ideas that I love. Whether you’re revamping your entire house or you just need to refresh one small space, these tips, tricks, and finds should help you curate the abode of your dreams.
Neutral Home Decor Ideas
Neutral Home Decor Tips
Below you will find some of my favorite simple and neutral decor pieces, but first I wanted to share some pointers on the decorating process that will help you find picks that work best for your space…
- Neutral doesn’t mean all white.
I think there is a big stereotype around what “neutral” means, especially when decorating our homes. You do not have to limit yourself to only shades of white or cream—there are other neutral colors that will blend in seamlessly while offering an interesting look. Accent pillows and throw blankets are a perfect way to bring in other neutral colors like light blues, greens, beiges, and browns.
- Mix high and low pieces.
News flash: You do not need to break the bank when decorating your home—in any style. I have found some of my all time favorite pieces from Target for very reasonable prices. From frames and baskets to table accents and even furniture (I love this coffee table), you can find a wide range of items from more affordable retailers.
I think sourcing as many unique pieces as you can from local shops or antique stores and then filling in with more budget-friendly options is a great way to balance both your spending and the overall look in your home.
- Neutral decor can be both classic and cozy.
Oftentimes people associate neutral decor with stark, boring, and less welcoming environments, but I’m here to tell you that doesn’t have to be the case! Even with a minimalistic style, you can create a cozy space for your family and guests. An easy way to do this is by brining in a few more colors (like greens and blues) like I mentioned above, or by adding in softer textures with your furniture, pillows, and throw blankets.
- Don’t shy away from varying heights.
Adding contrast or depth with height rather than color is another great way to enhance your space. What I mean by this is although your color palette may be limited, your pieces don’t have to all look the same. Adding a tall faux plant next to a short entry way bench will add dimension and visual interest to your house. Carry this concept through when decorating your mantel, coffee table, or floating shelves.
Neutral Decor Finds
1. Add texture and color with throw pillows and blankets.
One simple yet impactful way to spruce up your decor is by adding in a variety of throw pillows and blankets. These pieces are easy to swap out from season to season, offering a different look throughout the year. Whether you’re decorating a living room or your bedroom, balance things out by combining whites and creams with more colorful choices, like the blue and green hues I mentioned above.
Blue throw blanket
striped throw pillow
neutral floral throw pillow
Waffle stripe throw blanket
2. Use decorative vases.
Vases are a great way to decorate a space. You can use them functionally by adding flowers to them or you can leave them empty and let them bring in a subtle pop of color. Set them on a shelf in your kitchen or place them on an entryway table or nightstand. Either way, they’re a classic staple that will age well and offer multiple uses.
white ceramic vase
handcrafted ceramic vase
short ceramic vase
single handle ceramic vase
3. Mix various decor pieces.
To avoid things from falling flat, look for a variety of decor pieces that have different finishes, colors, textures, and shapes. This is crucial when striving for a well-designed space, and even opting for varying shades of white or tan can be enough. You can also transform the overall feel of a room by switching up your lighting (overhead fixtures or floor lamps) or upgrading your rugs.