5 Reasons A Neutral Colour Palette Is A Good idea For Home Renovations

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Having renovated, built, developed and designed homes and properties for almost 20 years, we know first-hand that the right colour scheme can make or break a project. And while bold and vibrant hues can be tempting, a neutral colour palette has too many advantages for homeowners to ignore — especially if you’re looking to create a stunning, timeless and budget-friendly interior design that will stand the test of time.

So why is a neutral colour scheme a smart investment for your home renovation? We’re going to show you… plus share our top tips for how to successfully use a neutral colour scheme in your home, to achieve that professionally designed look. #letsgo

neutral dining room colour scheme for interior design

Neutral Dining Room • CM Studio

neutral colour bedroom design with blush bedhead and round brass wall lights with round black side table

Neutral Bedroom • Nina Maya

Timeless Elegance

Opting for a neutral colour palette means choosing timeless, neutral coloured and patterned, materials, fixtures and fittings for your home — and especially the big-ticket items. That includes home improvement products like neutral paint, flooring, tiles, cabinetry, any hard finishes and window furnishings. Neutral colours such as white, beige and grey, along with timber finishes, have a classic appeal that never goes out of style. They are timeless colour shades that create a sophisticated and serene home atmosphere and make living spaces feel larger, brighter, more inviting and more comfortable.

But the timeless appeal of neutrals doesn’t just mean your new home renovation looks good today. A neutral colour palette is actually an investment in your home that will save money and pay dividends in the long term, as you won't need to update your home décor as frequently to keep up with changing trends.

neutral bathroom home renovation planning colour scheme

Zephyr and Stone • Retreat House Bathroom Neutral Colour Scheme

Sustainable Design

Sustainable design, also known as eco-friendly or green design, is an approach to home renovation that prioritizes the use of environmentally friendly materials and practices. These materials are typically sourced responsibly, eco-friendly, durable, and have a minimal carbon footprint.

A neutral palette promotes sustainable design and sustainability, by reducing the need for frequent home updates and renovations. Choosing a neutral palette means that the design and materials used in your home will have a longer lifespan, thus reducing waste and the environmental impact of constant redecoration.

neutral bathroom home renovation planning colour scheme and design guide

Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom Plans + Colour Scheme

neutral bathroom design large grey tiles freestanding bath with skylight renovation planning colour scheme and design guide

Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom

Versatility and Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of a neutral colour scheme has to be its versatility. Just like home design trends change over time, your personal home style and furnishings can change too. A home design with a neutral colour base provides a clean and elegant backdrop that allows you to easily switch up your home décor without having to repaint or renovate.

And it’s easy to add personality into your neutral home, by introducing pops of colour through accessories, artwork, or soft furnishings, that are easy to change out as your taste or design trends evolve.


Enhance Space Perception

Neutral colours — especially light shades — make any room appear more spacious and open. That’s because lighter shades reflect natural light, to create an airy and bright atmosphere. This is especially beneficial in small or dark spaces, where a light, neutral scheme can totally transform a home design, to create the illusion of a larger, more inviting area.

living room neutral home design trend

Image via Dulux • Neutral Home Colour Scheme for Interior Design

Increase Home Value

When home renovating, it’s absolutely vital to consider your property’s resale value. Even if it’s your forever home now, you never know when your circumstances may change, and an upgrade or home downsize might be on the cards.

A neutral colour scheme makes your home more appealing to more potential buyers because neutral colours never go out of style. If or when it comes time to sell, a neutral colour palette allows potential buyers to envision their own style and home furnishings within a space, which can result in more interested home buyers, a quicker sale and a higher property value.

Ready for your Neutral Colour Scheme Checklist? Read on…

Neutral Home Colour Scheme Living Room

Zephyr and Stone • Retreat House Living Room with a black, white and grey colour palette.

Tips for Creating a Neutral Colour Palette

  1. Choose the Right Neutrals: Not all neutrals are created equal. Consider the undertones of your chosen colours to ensure they complement each other and your existing furnishings. For instance, a warm-toned beige may not work well with cool-toned grey colours.

  2. Layer Textures and Patterns: To prevent a neutral space from looking bland, incorporate various textures and patterns, both in your home renovation materials and furnishings such as fabrics, rugs, and accessories. This adds depth and interest to your home renovation without overwhelming the room with colour.

  3. Add Contrast: Add contrast to your neutrals to achieve balance and harmony in your design. This can be done effectively by introducing contrasting colours, like pops of black for window frames, hardware, lighting and furnishings, or by introducing natural materials and fibres such as timber or rattan.

  4. Introduce Natural Elements: Incorporate natural materials, such as wood, stone, or plants, to add warmth and organic texture to your neutral space. These elements can also help create a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor living areas.

  5. Add Metallic Accents: Metallic accents, like gold, silver, bronze or brass, can add a touch of sophistication to neutral colour schemes. Use metallics sparingly in home renovation, for items like tapware, hardware, light fixtures, or furniture accents, for a subtle yet impactful effect.

It’s clear a neutral colour scheme is a smart investment for home renovators seeking a timeless, versatile, and budget-friendly interior design. By following these tips and embracing the elegance of neutral tones, you'll create a stunning home design that appeals to a wide range of tastes and stands the test of time.

Open plan living room design with white curtains and engineered wooden flooring

Neutral Living Room ● Webster Architecture & Interiors

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