Last week, we started off the new year with the easiest way to make your bed, and this week, we are focusing on the FEELING of our bedroom. Specifically, a calming neutral space that supports your wellbeing. Here is your guide to modern neutral bedroom design styles.
The bedroom is where you restore yourself. Where you reconnect with yourself. Where you explore and learn. Where you show love to your partner. It is the most intimate of spaces and deserves our attention. It is the base to how you spend your days. The bedroom quite literally affects how your day will go. So let’s make it good!
The number 1 bedroom activity (although–debatable) is SLEEP. Have you heard of sleep hygiene? Sleep hygiene refers to the health of your bedroom and your before bed routine. It asks the question, “Is this conducive for sleep?” You know you need a cool temperature, low lights, no screens, a comfy atmosphere, and quiet. Really, it’s no wonder neutral bedroom design is probably the top style for this space. It supports the bedroom’s function, simple as that.
Modern Neutral Bedroom Design Styles
The latest iteration of modern neutral bedroom design is an ultra minimal and super textural style that can feel cold and unwelcoming. While there is beauty in the ultra minimal range, it’s not for me–especially not in a bedroom. I prefer a home to feel warm, welcoming, and comforting. So that’s what we will focus on in this bedroom series.
Today, I want to show you how to get a modern neutral bedroom design that’s NOT boring and also not super minimal to the point of feeling cold and lifeless. Our result will be endlessly customizable so you can impart your own flare. Let’s do it!
Airy Minimalism
These spaces feel like a breath of fresh air. Texture and contrast is left to a minimum, and instead soft weave tonal fabrics are chosen. Lighting isn’t heavy and often features glass and brass. A very muted color palette with warm whites and woods prevails. This look is elevated, unfussy, and easy to replicate. Accessories are also kept to a minimum, instead larger high impact pieces are selected. Think Scandinavian, but at a boutique hotel.
Pro tip: SIMPLIFY.
Warm, Bright Neutrals
Unlike airy minimalism, these warm, bright neutrals feature texture and soft pattern. Contrast is key to this soft palette and complementary shades (like grays, tans, and beiges) play a supporting role. This look is more lived in and casual than its streamlined airy minimalism counterpart.
Pro tip: opt for linen bedding and architectural furnishings
Scout Modern
Earthy Midtones
Earthy midtones take notes from airy minimalism and warm, bright neutrals while also adding depth and medium contrast. This look still feels light and airy, but features less white shades and more colors ranging from pastel to deeper hues. Sages, taupes, and ochres will be right at home here. Balance is key.
Pro tip: opt for a vintage or jute rug
Collective Studio | photo: Niamh Barry
Warm, Deep Neutrals
Think of warm, bright neutrals…but in winter. You’ll want contrasting woods, jewel tones, and deeper hued decor, but only a little bit! Think heavier winter time fabrics like velvet, wool, and sherpa in shades like mustard, chocolate, and hunter green. Maybe some mulberry if you’re feeling frisky. You’ll also want to include some vintage elements here. Vintage adds soul without crushing darkness (wow that was dramatic).
Pro tip: Source interesting furnishings at your local thrift store! Etsy is great for vintage wool rugs. You’ll want something not of this decade.
A Touch of Whimsy
This is the most fun one, and a little surprise ending to our modern neutral bedroom design list. It’s endlessly configurable to your own style and so versatile. Could go with cottage core, chinoiserie, English countryside, you name it! Anything that is soft and sweet will do the trick. You’ll want to include some floral element, some pattern, and soft hues. Take notes from airy minimalism and add some pattern.
Pro tip: A modern floral peel and stick wallpaper can transform your entire bedroom without you adding anything else!
I hope you got some inspiration from this roundup of modern neutral bedroom design styles. As you can see, modern neutral bedroom design is very versatile and doesn’t keep you stuck in a design box. The possibilities are literally endless, with the ability to customize based on your particular preferences. Modern neutral bedroom design doesn’t have any hard and fast rules, so play around!
Pro tip: to help decide on a color palette that feels best for you, visit the local paint store!
Grab any paint swatches that appeal to you and see if there are any patterns. This is a great exercise to determine your style. Your gut instinct doesn’t lie, so grab as many swatches as you can, cut them into individual cards if they are on a palette swatch, and play around pairing them together!