Is your home feeling a little too busy or cluttered? Check out our favorite neutral rooms in soft, tone-on-tone palettes and enjoy the calming feel they bring!
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
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iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
iVillage on Mar 30, 2011 at 3:30PM
Dark hardwood floors balance the sleek white cabinetry, molded seating and modern light fixture.
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Neutral chairs with interesting shapes and large-scale artwork in metallic tones give a space drama.
Ian seather sofa with left-arm chaise in Parchment, $3,600 at Room & Board. Similar chair: Gem lounge, $550 at White on White. Similar coffee table: Andover accent table, price available upon request at Room & Board.
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Gauzy curtains create a soft backdrop for a clean-lined table and chairs.
Lill curtains, $4.99 per pair at Ikea. Eames Eiffel chair in White, $249 at The Conran Shop. Similar pendant light: Tessa white pendant light, $403.95 at Simply Pendant Lighting. Similar antlers: Cast-resin antler, $24 at Pottery Barn.
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A sleek wooden chair and table can create a place to work almost anywhere.
Similar desk: Laird desk-console, $349 at CB2.
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A collection of mounted antlers balances the feminine crystal chandelier with a masculine touch.
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An all-white kitchen is pristine and elegant with streamlined midcentury furnishings.
Similar dining table: Docksta table, $179 at Ikea. Rens sheepskin, $25 at Ikea. Similar chandelier: Iron & Crystal Collection Sandstone chandelier, $502 at Gallery 803.
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Oversized decoration adds an element of fun when paired with small-scale furniture.
Cherner side chair in Walnut, $729 at The Conran Shop. Black Tolomeo Micro lamp, $265 at MoMA Store.
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Coordinated browns and greens look sophisticated in this fresh, modern living room.
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Fur throws are a comfortable and unexpected alternative to traditional seat cushions.
Similar chair: Moroso Supernatural armchair, $289 at YLiving. Rens sheepskin, $25 at Ikea.
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A pair of retro bar stools offers seating at a kitchen island and can easily be removed during meal prep.
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Dark cabinets don’t weigh things down thanks to glossy white surfaces and light aluminum chairs.
Akurum cabinets at Ikea. Delta bar stools, $139 at Crate & Barrel. Similar pendant: Single-light white pendant, $88 at Sea Gull Lighting.
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A clean, sculptural mobile looks perfectly at home in this black and white bedroom.
Black-and-white striped designer sheets, from $106 (queen) at Hotel Luxury Collection. Similar mobile: “The MCM” in Black (24x26), $120 at Atomic Mobiles. Similar duvet: DwellStudio for Target Celery Baroque duvet set, Full/Queen $69.99 at Target.
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Neutral and metallic horizontal stripes punch up a contemporary fireplace.
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Industrial elements—a factory chair, metal file cabinets and a lab-style desk—contrast nicely with a pair of upholstered chairs in this masculine study.
Similar chair: Park Avenue Bergere, (price upon request) at Hickory Chair.
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Seemingly mismatched wood flooring creates a warm environment for modern furnishings.
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A recessed oven area with subway tiles matches the industrial style of the kitchen’s stainless-steel elements.
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A large wooden table is a rough-hewn counterpoint to sleek molded-plastic chairs.
Panton chair by Vitra in White, $260 at Unica Home. Similar table: Bungalow extension dining table, $699 at Crate & Barrel.
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Neutral bedding that coordinates but doesn’t match exactly creates an effortlessly chic look.
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Mixing and matching wallpapers in a neutral palette adds fun to an traditional office space.
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A beautiful gray alcove, highlighted with white molding, can be the perfect small workspace with the simple addition of a desk, chair and lighting.
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Painting trim a darker shade than the walls can add depth and interest to a large, open space.
Irvington nickel-plated bed, (price upon request) at Martha Stewart Furniture with Bernhardt. Chinoiserie duvet set, $280 at Dwell Studio.
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Mismatched contemporary chairs, an ornate iron chandelier and simple wooden furniture mix together for an eclectic look.
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A subtle pink repeat pattern on the walls and a delicate white iron bed make this room feel warm and intimate.
Similar wallpaper: Tiny Hearts on Beige wallpaper #LW26451, $20 per double roll at DY Home Decor. Similar bed: Cabot bed, $639 at American Iron Bed Company. Similar nightstand: Gigi nightstand, $148 at Urban Outfitters.
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Glass walls and wood paneling in this modern space blur the line between outside and in.
Similar love seat: Danish Modern love seat, $398 at Urban Outfitters. Bullet planter in White, $155 at Design Within Reach. Nelson Ball Clock in Multi, $355 at Design Within Reach. Similar pillow: Camel and Pink Lucky Strike pillow, $98 at Jonathan Adler.
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A large wood table table helps anchor a sleek, neutral palette office.
Artichoke pendant lamp in Copper (24-inch), $610 at Urban Hom. Chrome-plated Barcelona chair in Red, $4,523 at Hive Modern. Vitra Standard chair by Jean Prouve in Black, $780 at Unica Home. Similar table: Deja-Vu table, $2,232 at Hive Modern.
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A neutral palette won’t fall flat with a mix of white wood surfaces, cream-colored ceramics and glass canisters.
Similar island: Boos Gathering Island, $1,295 at Williams-Sonoma. Italian whiteware large deep serving bowl, $30 at Sur La Table.
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Graphic black and white elements, like the framed artwork and tiled flooring, pull together industrial-style cabinets and oversized lighting.
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An expansive shelving system pulls together this masculine feeling living room.
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A warm wooden dining table and chairs feel fresh when mixed with modern pendant lamps and a graphic print.
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A floral-patterned upholstered storage bench in neutral tones creates a hiding place for extra blankets and is a charming visual element.
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Wooden floating shelves and cabinetry blend with white tiling for a clean and homey look.
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Calming colors paired with glass and crystal accents create a tranquil environment.
Chair 4217-01, (price available upon request) at Lee Industries. ES side table, $195 at White Furniture.
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Oversized neutral floor pillows provide comfortable additional seating options for any living room design.
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Shelves and a file cabinet painted to match the walls, help a tight space under the stairs feel fresh and open.
Antonius shelf, $7 each at Ikea.
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Paper lanterns seem to float right off the wall in this color-coordinated room.
Wire-frame spherical paper lanterns, $1.75 each at Pearl River.
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A wall-mounted fold-down desktop opens out for a handy work surface in a home office.
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Fresh blue walls paired with dark wood and a sculptural glass chandelier give this dining room a sleek, modern feel.
Color-bound sisal rug in Taupe at Pottery Barn. Similar chair: Pullman Pearl Leather side chair, $199 at Crate & Barrel.
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Exposed brick, vintage pieces and a small freestanding range lend this urban kitchenette a retro feel.
Open-burner range, (call for pricing) at Viking. Le Creuset cobalt oval French oven, $130 at Sur la Table. One-arm sconce at David Weeks.
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Open shelving is kept neat and tidy with uniform storage containers.
Kassett Series boxes and magazine holders, $4 to $13 at Ikea.
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Stowing away loose ends in an enclosed cabinet in a neutral color gives your office a streamlined look and keeps your desk clutter-free.
Eames Aluminum Group Management chair, $1,179 at Hive Modern. Similar desk: Roth desk, $1,650 at Williams-Sonoma Home. Similar cabinet: Jonas secretary, $159 at Ikea.
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Brown leather seating, wooden tables and a tan shag rug come together to create a masculine living room.
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Walnut Danish modern furniture feels cozier when paired with a thick gray area rug.
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Subway tiles are a fresh and affordable alternative to a traditional backsplash.
American Olean Starting Line Gloss White glazed ceramic tile, $0.25 per tile at Lowe’s. Vintage chair, $395 at Restoration Hardware. Similar tumblers: Kay Collection tumblers, $4 each at shopSCAD.
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Paint wood-planked walls white for an instant lift to a dim room; add porthole windows for a whimsical touch.
Lindsey Four-Drawer Chest, $821 at Rosenberry Rooms.
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A mix of white tailored furniture, warm wood tones and cool blue hues create a light and sophisticated sitting area.
Streamlined sofa in Ivory, $2,999 at Wisteria. Similar side table: Moroccan side table, $270 at E Kenoz. Similar chair: Carlisle wing chair, $649 at Ballard Designs.
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An oversized white pendant light helps to anchor a handsome butcher-block island.
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A box shelf painted the same color makes use of extra wall space when the room is small.
Similar crib: DaVinci Alpha mini rocking crib, $150 at Target. Similar mobile: Cotton Tale Tiger Tale musical mobile, $24.75 at BabyEarth. Similar shelf: Large open cube in White, $35 at Target.
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A vintage stage light, an oversized wall clock and a large patterned rug in neutral tones give a grand scale to a small living room.
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Dark-stained hardwood floors and a glass table balance heavy elements, like a carved mantel and an oversized sculpture.
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For a contemporary combination of soft and hard elements, add a shaggy flokati to a room.
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