14 designer-approved neutral paint colours for your home

Almost completely white, Little Green's striking Loft White shade will instantly brighten up small spaces. ‘Loft White also works very well in open-plan spaces with lots of natural light and glazing, such as a kitchen/diner extension,’ says designer Hannah Ashe. She notes that it's especially effective in spaces framed with lots of greenery outside.

Get this paint colour: Little Greene's Loft White

This hardworking neutral can work wonders due to its colour-shifting quality, notes Jamie Ivey of Ivey Design Group. 'Farrow & Ball Mouse's Back changes depending on light levels – at times reading mushroom, green, or taupe,' she says.

Get this paint colour: Farrow & Ball Mouse's Back

'We are leaning into complex, muted tones, shades with depth, richness, and a grounding quality,' says designer Autumn Oser of Haldon House. On the neutral side, Autumn likes 'ochre-infused beiges' that feel 'effortlessly sophisticated'.

Get this paint colour: Farrow & Ball Hay

Modern beige has a touch of grey which gives it a subtle earthiness. 'COAT’s Duvet Day shifts subtly with the light and works equally well on walls, ceilings, or as a base for brighter accents,' explains interior designer Vicky Floros. She especially recommends it for colour drenching. 'Our clients tell us they feel like they're in a cloud when we drench with it!'

Get this paint colour: COAT Paints' Duvet Day

Justina Blakeney, designer and blogger behind Jungalow, used this light Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green to make a statement on a transitional wall between a living room and kitchen. 'If I had to boil it down, Jungalow really consists of four ingredients: colour, pattern, plants, and global finds,' so neutral green shades like this are a staple.

Get this paint colour: Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green No.81

A yellow neutral evokes a happy, airy atmosphere. Designer Lilse McKenna's favourite is Capitol White by Benjamin Moore. 'It is a white with just a hint of ivory and warmth,' she says.

Get this paint colour: Benjamin Moore Capitol White CW-10

While this might not appear pink, the shade reveals its delicate undertones in different lighting. ‘Edward Bulmer’s Lilac Pink is a great neutral pink option – pink without going pink!,’ says Morris & Milne interior designer Natalie Simone. It would work beautifully as a warm yet soft bedroom neutral.

Get this paint colour: Edward Bulmer Lilac Pink

Somewhere between grey and warm beige, greige paint can underscore the dimension of moulding and millwork and have a soothing effect in a flat application on the wall of a bedroom. Designer Purvi Padia's favourite is Collingwood by Benjamin Moore, a slightly cooler take on the neutral colour.

Get this paint colour: Benjamin Moore Collingwood OC-28

Despite the name, Farrow & Ball Blackened is actually a cool ivory hue with a touch of grey. (Per F&B, it was historically made with the addition of lamp black pigment gathered from the smoke of burning oil lamps).

'I love it because it's not a stark white,' says designer Eddie Ross. 'It's great for using with bolder colours because there's not a major transition.'

Get this paint colour: Farrow & Ball Blackened No. 2011

Looking for a neutral that's moody but not overwhelming? 'This warm grey-blue has a relaxing feel,' notes Eddie. 'It's the right mix of dark and cosy for a master bedroom.'

Get this paint colour: Benjamin Moore Montpelier AF-555

It's not just for nurseries: Designers rave about this muted pink for every room of the house. 'It really does act as a neutral,' says Eddie. 'It gives off this warm glow that makes everyone look good!'

Get this paint colour: Farrow & Ball Pink Ground No. 202

Mushroom shades add a grounding feel to spaces such as the living room and bedroom. ‘One of my favourites is COAT Paints’ Sunday Soul,’ reveals Samantha-Jane Agbontaen, designer and founder of House Designer. ‘It’s a beautifully warm greige that feels soft and balanced.’ It will also add calm sophistication to any space without feeling flat or cold.

Get this paint colour: COAT Paints Sunday Soul