I’m sharing 20 neutral home decor items – from teak barstools and chunky jute rugs to wooden hamper baskets and textured pillows – that can add warmth and style to any room.
How would you decorate your home if you got to start from scratch?
I’ve been asking myself this question a lot as we’re preparing to move back into our house this August. On the one hand, we don’t have the budget to sell and rebuy most of our furniture. So the big pieces are staying (and good thing is I like most of them). But some of the smaller details – particularly artwork and decor – I would like to update over time.
Since we’re painting all the walls white (the latest choice is Chantilly Lace on the inside!) I know we’ll need some color to bring some warmth and personality to our home.
If you’ve been following KERF over the years, you may remember that my previous decor style included much more color. (I painted my first living room bright orange! All four walls!)
And while I’m not planning to go all poppy-bright with color, I think bringing in some muted and jewel tones will look nice. Plus coastal blue and green and accents of gold.
That said, what I’ve come to realize is that I really love a neutral, natural home.
Natural materials are usually neutral and textured, the perfect combo for a muted palette that changes with the seasons.
The entry table that looks good with all decorations from spring to holidays, and the light woods that add richness to the room.
I love natural wood mixed with rattan and seagrass and seaglass and marble and burlap. I’ve realized that, just like a good salad, texture is what brings out the best in decor.
RIP old mantel!
In the new space, the baskets + gray drawers will be coming back. Everything else is changing, including the floor color!
I’d say my home style is a melody of modern farmhouse with a few coastal accents (because while we do live near the mountains, I’ve always wanted to live at the beach!) Check out the mood board I created with ideas.
Here are 20 neutral home decor items for when you’re in the mood to create an ultra calming space.
20 Neutral Home Decor Items For Your Home
I recently went down a rabbit home browsing neutral home decor as I'm constantly thinking about our home remodel, and I want to share some of my favorite finds!
Linen Cotton Throw
This classic linen cotton throw goes with any neutral couch and keeps the neutrals going itself.
Chunky Jute Rug
This is our living room rug - people ask me all the time where it is from! It's easy to disguise dirt and dog hair and very comfortable for sitting and playing.
Montauk Shamira Casual Cotton Rug
This rug would be sharp in an entry way, hall, or kitchen, and I love the contrast of black and white.
Seagrass Pendant Table Lamp
I love this timeless seagrass table lamp - perfect for a coastal theme!
Faux Fiddle-Leaf Fig
If you don't have a green thumb, but like the freshness that plants add to a room, this faux fiddle leaf fig plant, in a natural basket, makes any plant seem cozy.
Hearth & Hand Stripe Gray + Sour Cream Lumbar Pillow
I love an oversized lumbar pillow at the front of a bed - to divide the pillows from the duvet. This one is beautiful and a good size!
Container Store Water Hyacinth Cubes
You can never have too many baskets!!! These water hyacinth bins or cubes come in a variety of sizes and are so versatile when it comes to storing all the things - think toys, books, winter hats and scarves, you name it!
Costa Mesa Round Rattan Wrapped Accent Table
I love rattan! This rattan-wrapped end table can work next to a sofa, in a corner, or as a night stand.
Alabaster Oak Light Beige Frame
These light oak picture frames with white matting are clean, classic, and would add lightness to a photo collage on your wall.
Esters Wood Arm Chair
This modern chair definitely says mid-century modern. I love the warm distressed finish on the wood and light upholstery - great for a reading nook or guest room.
Warwick 3 Door Accent Media Cabinet
This one is a bit darker than the rest, but I like that it combines wood and a textured front. Hide all your devices or entertaining pieces inside!
Threshold Gilford Two Drawer Night Stand
Drawers on a nightstand are a must for me. These sturdy yet simple nightstands check all the boxes.
White Marble + Wood Paddle Cutting Board
This beautiful white marble and wood cutting board would be great for appetizers on the our porch - it's perfect for serving small bites with happy hour! (I wouldn't want to chop onions on it - too pretty!)
Woven Door Console
From the Studio McGee line at Target, the woven detailing on the door along with a neutral hue complements nearly any design aesthetic or color palette.
Handwoven Natural Fiber Round Pouf
A handwoven jute pouf is one of those accents that makes a space feel complete. Space-saving and incredibly versatile – it's a seat, side table, footrest, and a decorative piece.
Tulum Handwoven Tote Baskets
These totes mix casual style with modern storage needs. Handwoven with mixed materials, they make a beautiful wrap for faux trees as well as a relaxed, coastal look for stashing laundry, blankets, and toys.
White and Gray Textured Ceramic Table Lamp Base
Love the contrast between the glossy white base with a textured matte-gray midsection.
Nancy says
Beautiful decor options! I just bought some Ruggable/Levity counter stools with padded seat/back with WASHABLE covers – they have a light stain option and a neutral “sand” fabric you might like (you can search for “Levity Scandinavian Counter Stool Sand” on the Ruggable website) If you hold out for a sale or use a coupon code it’ll be a little bit less expensive.
Kath Younger says
That is awesome because you KNOW little sticky fingers are going to be all over them!! 🙂