Interior design doesn’t always have to be groundbreaking or extravagant. Often, simplicity is best. This is certainly true of Eva Mendes’ neutral living room, which features splashes of the timeless color greige. The effect is stunning.
The actor and star of The place Beyond the Pines And trailer hitch recently shared an Instagram video of her bright and cheery living space, featuring a greige-colored living room sofa with neutral accent pillows and blankets. Greige, a portmanteau of “gray” and “beige,” describes a color that’s halfway between the two neutrals. In contrast, in Mendes’ space, darker greige-colored curtains contrast with the white-painted walls. There’s also a touch of nature in the space, as a small tree adds some greenery to the area.
Although decorating with greige in interiors is relatively common, there’s a good reason for it. The light mix of gray and beige brings together warm and cool tones to create a delightful combination that works with virtually all other neutrals and other colors as well. “Neutrals are incredibly versatile and work with a variety of styles, from modern and minimalist to traditional and rustic,” says designer Nina Lichtenstein of the colors’ enduring appeal. “They serve as the perfect backdrop for any personal touches or bold statement pieces you may want to incorporate.”
Another focal point in the living room is the potted tree that sits behind Mendes. It contributes greatly to the neutral color palette’s association with nature. Lichtenstein claims that bringing in plants is one of the best ways to decorate with neutral colors. “Bring in elements from nature to add organic beauty and structure,” she explains. “Potted plants, wooden furniture and stone accessories can create a harmonious and balanced look. Green plants in particular add a fresh and vibrant touch to a neutral environment.”
While lighting in the living room isn’t the main element of the decor, it’s crucial to ensure neutral colors are present in an appealing way. “Thoughtful lighting design can transform a neutral bedroom,” says Lichtenstein. “Use a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider bedside lamps, wall sconces and pendant lights to add both functionality and style.”
She continues: “We can see that Mendes has used natural light to give the room an airy atmosphere with large windows and half-open curtains.”
To recreate the look and use texture in a neutral space, consider adding reflective elements that are both functional and stylish. “Incorporate mirrors and other reflective surfaces to enhance the sense of space and light,” suggests Lichtenstein. “A strategically placed mirror can make a room feel larger and more open while adding an elegant touch.”
Shop the neutral living room edition
Vintage style
This beautifully crafted oak bedside table features a natural finish and open storage space.
Woven texture
This sumptuous velvet cushion features an ultra-soft, feather-light insert.
boucle
Casual yet elegant, this sofa for two from Goop offers plenty of space to relax.
Overall, neutrals are a timeless palette that can work in any room of the house, and as Mendes proves, they look particularly tasteful in the living area. We recommend layering textured pieces like a woven blanket or bouclé sofa to add visual interest.
