Before I began this post, I looked up the definition of neutral just so I could be sure of what I thought I already understood. After all, beige and grey (or gray) are both colors, right? At what point does a room stop being neutral?
The definition of neutral (as referring to color) is: (a) gray; without hue; of zero chroma; achromatic. (b) matching well with many or most other colors or shades, as white or beige.
I've selected the above images of neutral rooms that I like because they use textures, patterns and shapes to add interest. Beige does not have to be boring!
(Images:1 Anna Wolf via dwellings and decor, 2,3 & 10 via Home Sweet Home, 4 Living Etc, 5 via Cote de Texas, 6 via Katy Elliott, 7, 8 & 9 Living Etc)
MORE NEUTRAL ROOMS
• Neutral, Textured Rooms by Louise Bradley
• 10 Naturally Beautiful Neutral Rooms House Tour Roundup
Jessica's Crafted Space
Ana Creates a Community at Home
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Ercol Bar Stool
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
Oh to be able to shop at Ochre. So lovely and comfortable. Sigh.
great! thanks for sharing!
Ok, I haven't had a chance to look at the rest yet, but I WANT that room in the first photo. I wonder if I could fake it on a small budget in an apartment...
Why do beige and barren so often go together? Beige of course does not HAVE to be boring, but it so often IS. These rooms look rather empty to me. For example, I'm seeing little or NO art on these walls... sigh.
I love the position of the bed in the first picture I would do this if I had a big room, high ceiling and large windows.
I have photo #6 on my Flickr set, that blanket, rug and chair are perfection.
I think really well done neutral decor is the right layering of light and dark with tonal shades of other colors like pale dusty colors with the use of luxury fabrics, rustic old wood, pieces from nature, carved pieces, something woven and just a tiny bit sparkle and not easy to pull off.
These rooms are all totally inviting and relaxing. While a few might be on the barren side, they definitely show that "warmth" does not require bright colors.
The chandelier in the first pic is part of the Arctic Pear series by Ochre. I have been coveting the table lamp version for ages. Does anyone have any idea what the Arctic Pear table lamp retails for?
I want to jump into the fourth picture's bed.
I think these are fabulously interesting ways to decorate in neutrals. The various tones and textures give the rooms a dynamic feel. It is also different than the normal, polished look that pops into mind when you find that someone is decorating in neutrals. These are much more interesting!
Rebecca
http://blog.17thandRiggs.com
That canopy bed in #10 looks like the painters forgot their one of their dropcloths.
@mirandabee: You're right! Even the ones with artwork tend to have white or brownish pieces that just fade away. It's unfortunate since neutral, understated decor can make the right art really stand out.
The rooms shown feel warm and cozy to me, but I also like to use artwork to add some color to a neutral background.
reef1- the arctic pear chandelier just for the small one 48" dia is about 1800 pounds so thats about 3000.00 US
I would imagine the lamp is about 1500.00 to 2000.00 US
just a guess because I searched for the price of that chandelier a while back.
The lamp is a really beauty.
Except for that bathroom, I want to move into all of these rooms, immediately, and never leave.
i'll say it again--i love beige, so sophisticated and soothing when done well.
I have really been enjoying your posts recently, Sparrow! Just wanted to give kudos where I feel they are due.
I am always drawn to neutral rooms but I do agree that some more artwork - even in the color families presented - is needed.
Heck, a nicely framed mirror or two, unique iron or other metal work (not the Hobby Lobby type), or textiles/tapestries. It does bring down (depresses if you will) the feeling of the space when nothing or little is presented on walls.
Neutral based rooms can be soothing but need a lot of texture so as not to depress.
Otherwise I like these rooms.
LoriSF- Thanks. Too pricey for me unfortunately.
I'll be totally honest: during such a colorful month at AT, this post comes as a welcome relief! I don't how ya'll do it with your neons and brights. Give me neutral any day!