Today I am joining my friends Mary Ann and Annie for our Sunday favorites. In our world of ever-changing trends and styles, neutrals are timeless, sophisticated and versatile in both fashion and interior design. From the calming palette of whites and creams to the the warmth of earth tones, neutral shades have the power to create chic and refined looks both in the home and in the wardrobe. Let’s take a look at the timeless power and versatility of neutrals in fashion, interior design & more.
The Timeless Power & Versatility of Neutrals in the Interiors of Richard Hallberg
I have long admired Richard Hallberg’s use of neutral colors to create his serene tranquil living spaces. His ability to combine natural fabrics, antiques, art, reclaimed wood, and natural stone for a collected look ticks all my boxes. His designs open up rooms, reflect light and provide a blank canvas for texture in his accessories and furnishings. I didn’t realize Richard Hallberg released a new book in September World’s of Wonder. I keep getting myself into trouble with decorating books. There are so many good ones out right now. You can see more of Richard’s wonderful work on his website here.
This beautiful Santa Barbara living room filled with natural lighting oozes texture and history. The beams, the stone fireplace, and deep windows add dimension & depth to the ivory room. I adore how the large scale artwork balances the fireplace.
I love a great console and this one has all the right moves. Something old, something natural, something sculptural and more. Love the backdrop of the beautiful yet simple stairway. This collection sets the mood and tells you something about the owner the minute you enter.
This beautiful kitchen with it’s warm neutrals and undertones creates an inviting atmosphere. The pop of green brings the outside in. The beams, flooring, counters and backsplash add textural interest.
This sitting area off the kitchen creates a sense of tranquility. The space has just the right amount of rusticity and simple luxury.
Carla Aston-On Timeless Neutrals
My blogging friend Carla Aston is one of the smartest designers I know. You might enjoy Carla’s post on Timeless Neutrals Never go Out of Style. A realtor friend of mine several years ago commented on a house that I had recently done some simple updates on. Her comments were that my updates sold the house within a week. Though I would have loved for that to have been the case, it wasn’t. That particular house was becoming outdated, but it was all neutral. This was a time when neutrals were out, but the new owners could imagine themselves in the space because it didn’t have a lot of conflicting patterns and colors. Neutrals act as a blank canvas, offering flexibility in design choices. They allow for easy adaptation to changing preferences and evolving trends. I often think I will add a chair with an interesting fabric. My inner voice says don’t. Maybe it’s my age? I know I won’t be redoing my house again .
Outfit of the Week-Cheap Chic
In keeping with the title of this post, this weeks classic outfit is in neutral tones. I am sure most of you are not buying any new winter clothes as most things are picked over at this point. Neutrals have the ability to transcend seasons. This week’s outfit of the week is a cheap chic pick. If you are not ready to wear sneaks you can substitute a black ankle bootie. I love a great casual t-shirt dress. This one is from Uniglo, the beige jean jacket from Old Navy, and the bag (actually price friendly and from lululemon). The shoes are from Olukai (I don’t think most of us at this age can skimp on comfort), and the hat from Anthro. I am ordering the dress. I have a very similar jacket, and I own the shoes.
EDITORS NOTE: THE OLD NAVY JACKET IS NEARLY SOLD OUT. I ADDED A JACKET FROM LIVERPOOL THAT OF COURSE IS MORE EXPENSIVE. YOU CAN FIND SOME OPTIONS HERE ON EBAY, AND SOME ON POSHMARK AS WELL HERE. I also love my linen option from Tommy Bahama
SHOP OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
Collective Gen-Neutral Wardrobe Guide
This post from Collective Gen (Neutral Wardrobe Guide) has some helpful tips on how to pair neutral hues in your wardrobe. The older I get the simpler I like my wardrobe. I am no minimalist, and I still enjoy a pop of color for visual interest, but neutral color palettes are appealing to me more and more. There is a natural sophistication and timeless elegance that comes with a neutral color scheme.
Gimme Some Oven 20 Minute Moo Shu Pork
I love this creative take on simplifying the traditional mu shu pork from Gimme Some Oven. I am always on the hunt for simple healthy recipes and this one fits the bill!
EDITORS NOTE: TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO BOOK THE ATTICUS HOTEL IF YOU ARE PLANNING A TRIP TO THE OREGON WINE COUNTRY. USE THE CODE CINDY20. YOU WILL LOVE IT.
How do you feel about neutrals? I like to keep my main furniture pieces neutral so that I can add color in my accessories. I don’t think I could ever go all in for neutrals in my home or wardrobe but I sure appreciate the timelessness of them. Thank you for reading The Timeless Power and Versatility of Neutrals in Fashion, Interior Design & More. You can find all of my Sunday favorites that you may have missed right here. Now let’s pop over and visit Annie and Mary Ann for their weekly faves.
MOST LOVELY THINGS
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
I love neutrals in my home because you can “live with them” much easier than bright, trendy colors. However, as I’ve grown older I realize that my skin, hair, lips, and eyes need some color to bring them out. I’m a blonde with fair skin and if I’m in neutrals, I disappear! I love black but when I got to an event and everyone is in black, I wish I’d wore color! Even my daughter who is uber fashionable has told me “Mom, you disappear in beige or cream!” I have found when I wear coral, turquoise, olive green…I get tons of compliments. I do think neutrals are easy…..
Hi Cindy,
I am so happy you introduced Richard Hallberg’s work in your post I’m sure I’ve seen some of his decor online, but his site really is beautiful. Your home is equally beautiful, and I see so many similarities. I love neutral outfits. You always post such great content. Thank you
Karen B.
Cindy, I love how you describe the console table in that gorgeous home!! It has all the elements..,I love neutral, but with lots of warm wood, green from plants….and as always your outfit of the week is on point!!
I just love your blog. You always have the most interesting stuff be they neutral or flashy. If you do it it works.
I like the color chart and would love to have a print of it for putting up in my closet. I used to think that white and cream/beige weren’t compatible but now I do those 2 colors together a lot. I also find that you can put navy with black or even black with brown. Another of my favs is camel with black which I know you like also. I don’t know if those other combos sound good to you and I don’t usually wear them but I think it’s possible. I love the pop of any animal print with the neutral palette. You wore it so elegantly on your trip to Oregon with all black.
Love the neutral.. went to order dress none in my size in any color.. so cute and love the length and flare. Bummer
Love this post and the chart is excellent! I’d enjoy seeing more neutral styles, particularly since I am in the process of purging many items that I no longer wear and replacing with classic neutrals for a pared-down capsule wardrobe with just a few seasonal colors to wear with the neutral basics when I want a pop of color. (Note the shopping links for pieces you shared didn’t appear on my screen as is the case for others and I would love to get that dress!)
It’s fixed now so sorry!
I’m sitting here reading this in my neutral home office in a neutral outfit. The recipe looks amazing!
ha ha!!!
The fashion link cannot be opened. Thank you!
Hi Carol
It is fixed now so sorry!!
Omigosh! That Moo Shu recipe sounds wonderful! I’ll definitely try it soon! I went to almost all neutrals in clothing at about age 50–so easy and always looks good. Also going to neutrals as we (slowly hah!) remodel our 1950s era home.
Hi Diana
Sorry I fixed it once this morning and it quit working again! It is fixed now. I checked it!
Hi Cindy, love your post but l could not open the shopping links ! Just letting you know. Happy Sunday !
Hi Francesca
It is workin now! So sorry!
I admire the sculptural, curated look. It is calming. In my real world I adore pattern and color too much to aspire to such restraint! I think about the history of patterns and symbols. About the thousands of artisans whose talents are breathtaking. A plain neutral pallet negates the artistry I find so inspirational. Sadly, I am definitely a failed minimalist. Your house is looking fantastic and always love your focus on texture.
Hi Patricia
I know neutrals are not your bag unless it might be leopard!!
What???? Leopard IS a neutral! I don’t know who posted this here years ago when young granddaughter was what was her favorite color, brilliant child responded “leopard” haha! Start ‘em young!
I’m all in on neutrals everywhere. At home I think they look richer and make addicting seasonal accents with flowers, pillows, etc. much easier. Wardrobe-wise, I just feel more comfortable and confident in a neutral outfit. Color is often too trendy, but neutral is reasonless and a tad more sophisticated. This spring I’m looking for more navy to add to my wardrobe. I think it’s stri8ll neutral but a nice change from my usual l black. Have a great week!
I completely agree Janet!
Quince offers a linen jacket in a similar style and color (driftwood) for under $60.
Oh! Thanks for reminding my about mu shu pork! Not a neutral in looks or taste.
We live in a retirement community where all the home’s exterior paint colors are neutral. I changed the pallet by using three tones of brown, a black for bits of trim, then a rich deep red for the doors of which there are four. I added a three foot high faux terra cotta soldier at the front entrance. Soon many homes had brighter colors.
Speaking of cheap chic- check out Hey Dudes shoes. A super casual look for summer.. On that note we are creatures of habit, wearing what’s in my closet, but do enjoy window shopping your exceptional blog.
Will be traveling for awhile, missing your posts.
I must check out Hey Dudes!!
The shopping links for the dress & jacket are not for the stores you indicated….
Hi Beth
Sorry I fixed it! I was going to do a splurge and save so I accidentally included those! Thanks for catching it!