The New Neutrals: 5 Unusual Shades to Try
Say goodbye to beige.

Close your eyes: What comes to mind when you think of neutral colors? Perhaps a beige or off-white?
Not anymore. Designers everywhere are embracing a variety of hues to use as a backdrop. And you can, too – without getting painter’s remorse.

Donna Dotan
The key is to select a color that not only compliments, but highlights your home’s décor. Remember that what’s on the paint swatch in the store may look completely different at home, so test it out in the room you want to paint before committing. Make sure to give your test swatch a glance every couple of hours to see how the light hits it at different times of day.
Before you hit the paint aisle, check out our favorite alternatives to beige:
Powder Blue

Ball & Albanese
Soft shades of blue can be used in virtually every room, from kitchens to bathrooms to living spaces. It’s a great alternative to white for those who just can’t go without a little bit of color.
Blush

Michael J. Lee
Channel your inner Shelby Latcherie with this rosy hue. Pair it with grays and whites to keep the space light and airy.
Charcoal

Donna Dotan
Personally, I’d paint every room in my apartment gray if I could. It goes well with other neutrals and can stand up to vibrant color. Pair it with bright whites to make any room feel like you’re living in a cloud.
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See All PhotosNavy

Brian Patrick Flynn
Don’t be afraid of dark hues. Bedrooms lend themselves especially well to midnight blues – better sleep is just a few coats of paint away!
Lavender

Yes, even purple can be a neutral if done right. Look for pale lavenders or shades with gray undertones to give the color extra staying power.