When color trends are predicted for the year ahead, we often focus on the daring, saturated, and stand-out shades. But neutral colors shouldn't be overlooked – these tranquil shades play a significant role in almost every home.
Within the neutral category, the range is expansive. From warm-toned to cool; light to dark, there are so many neutral colors that create equally calming and pared-back interior schemes. While neutrals don't tend to date so quickly as bolder colors and can feel more timeless, it's still worth knowing which are the most preferred amongst designers for 2024.
Below, we've rounded up the color trends that interior designers will be reaching for the most when it comes to decorating with neutrals this year. As we expected, this year it's about embracing warm tones – seeing popular browns replace once-loved cool grays.
1. Chocolate brown
It comes as no surprise to see chocolate brown predicted to be a standout neutral color for 2024. The trend for decorating with brown began to emerge last year and we're increasingly seeing designers and homeowners embrace these tones to create deeply cozy and inviting spaces.
'Brown is a color we will see more in 2024,' predicts interior designer Soledad Alzaga. 'It's considered a neutral and versatile color that can be a backdrop for different design styles. Brown tones, such as beige, taupe, or chocolate are warm and earthy, creating a cozy feeling and bringing a touch of nature inside. These neutral colors add depth and sophistication without overpowering the overall aesthetic.'
Looking to channel this standout color trend? Opt for Benjamin Moore's Mocha Madness, a warm true brown that will create a cozy feel in any room.
2. Warm white
In 2024, decorating with white is all about warm whites. Gone are the days of interiors looking cold and sterile from cool-toned whites – designers are increasingly favoring warm white paints that create that same minimalist and serene look without feeling stark.
'As we enter into 2024, the use of bright neutrals is going to be popular,' comments interior designer Luis Carmona. 'Colors like Alabaster from Sherwin-Williams and Harvest Moon from Backdrop allow the palette of the space to still be neutral, but with some added brightness. Paints like Alabaster help brighten up the space without appearing stark white. The beauty of brighter neutral paints is that they are great at reflecting light helping a space appear larger. The lighter neutrals, like Alabaster, are also neutral enough to play with furniture and art with warmer tones, like taupe and birch wood, as well as cooler tones, like blues.'
A true warm white, Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams allows you to balance a pared-back look with a cozy feel.
3. Nature-inspired shades
Netuals inspired by nature are also expected to be a standout trend this year. From sand tones to soft blues, there are lots of variations of this trend that will bring a relaxed feel to your space: 'In 2024, the trendiest neutral colors will continue to be rooted in earthy, soothing tones that evoke a sense of calm and connection with nature,' observes interior designer Jennifer Davis.
'Shades like warm sandy beiges, soft terracotta, and muted olive greens are dominating interior design palettes, reflecting a desire for tranquility and sustainability. Variations of soft blues, such as airy cerulean and dusty slate, are gaining popularity for their ability to add a serene touch to spaces while maintaining neutrality. These colors not only create a harmonious backdrop for various decor styles but also embody a growing inclination towards natural elements and a balanced, serene living environment.'
An earthy beige color with warm tones, Lick's Beige 02 is a great choice for a timeless and calming backdrop in the home.
4. Clay
Continuing the theme of earth tones, Farrow & Ball Color Curator Joa Studholme expects to see clay tones embraced in home decor ideas this year. Clay tones are all about mimicking the organic look of this natural material – a good choice if you're looking for something less warm-toned than beige. 'Rich clay tones continue to nurture us in times of uncertainty,' says Joa.
'The warm tones of Jitney and Stirabout create an earthy, reassuring atmosphere. When used together, they create a harmonious space that’s easy on the eyes. The subtle balance of Jitney on the walls and lighter Stirabout on the panels, ceiling, and trim, result in a beguiling room with an ethereal quality – a wonderful, warm scheme for those who prefer neutral spaces.'
If you're looking to embrace these on-trend clay tones but want to ensure your space remains bright and feels spacious, Joa recommends the following pairings: 'Using a lighter tone like Oxford Stone on the walls and the much stronger Tanners Brown on the trim instantly makes the walls feel lighter and the room feel bigger.'
Farrow & Ball's Jitney is an incredibly versatile shade, a muted and slightly cool-toned color that's perfect for capturing an earthy and understated look.
5. Gray-green
Gray-green is another already-established color trend that's showing no sign of stopping in 2024. Combining the cool tones of gray with green's links to nature, gray-green captures the best of both color trends.
'Forget beige and greige and choose a new neutral instead such as Hazy Skies,' suggests Helen Shaw, Director of Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'This moody gray-green will add a mysterious depth to your space. For a truly luxurious look pair with dark woods, tactile bouclé textiles, and sleek stone surfaces such as marble and quartz.'
Or, if you want to lean more towards the green side of this color trend, embrace a more saturated paint idea, as Helen suggests: 'If you’re looking for a subtle but fresh aesthetic opt for an inviting green-gray such as Crystalline. This effervescent, silvery jade will reflect plenty of light while providing a softer look than some of the brighter whites which can feel cold in the wrong space.'
Bring a subtle touch of green to your neutral color palette with Benjamin Moore's Hazy Skies, a soft and calming shade that works as an on-trend backdrop color.
Decorating with neutrals will always be timeless. Whether you're more drawn to rich brown shades or pared-back warm whites, you can be sure that these understated colors will help achieve a sophisticated and calming scheme.
