Are cool neutrals ‘cool’ again? Although warm neutrals like tan and beige are having a moment, that doesn’t mean their blue, gray cousins don’t still have a place in the interior design discourse. Emma Roberts’ living room proves that we shouldn’t ignore the power of these cool shades.
The actress teaches us how to decorate with neutrals in a way that’s boring—starting with her off-white sofa, blue-gray carpet, white loop armchair, and statement Feldman Capiz-style lamp. It is distinctly elegant but relaxed at the same time.
This transitional glamor look gives cool neutrals a new lease on life, creating an interesting and visually appealing look.
‘Emma Roberts’ neutral living room is a stylish mix of sleek and cozy,’ says interior designer Carlin Van Knoppen of Fig Linens & Home. A plush sofa and loop chair create a welcoming softness that contrasts with the high drama of the antique glass windows and shell lamps. The blue and gray rug brings the whole space together with a nice, deliberately designed effect.’
Carlin Van Knoppen is a Connecticut-based interior designer, and founder of Fig Linens & Home, a Westport-based luxury linen boutique. She has over 20 years of experience providing design expertise for fine homes, hotels, yachts and private jets.
Experts also love the mix of modern and traditional design in Emma Roberts’ living room. Interior designer Whitney Tingle of Christopher Architecture & Interiors explains: ‘The architectural feature of leaded glass windows creates a timeless elegance that harkens back to historic European homes, chapels and estates. Paired with an elegant traditional rug that has a pattern of neutral colors, it combines leaded glass with the clean lines of a very neutral sofa. ‘
(Image credit: Tim Lenz)
Whitney Tingle is the Director of Interior Design at the nationally recognized firm Christopher Architecture & Interiors. Whitney is a registered interior designer with over fourteen years of experience in both commercial and residential design.
‘All together, create a transitional style that evokes glamor and sophistication,’ Whitney continues.
‘The main lesson to take from the space seems to be that combining styles and textures is a great way to make a neutral color scheme stand out. Although Emma Roberts’ blue and gray living room isn’t the most on-trend, the space’s versatility gives it a timeless appeal that transcends design fads.
Shop the cool neutral edit
This 1960s pendant lamp adds a stylish, floral focal point to any room.
This attractive armchair brings together comfort, function and aesthetics.
This high-quality wool rug is hand-knotted and sits as a stunning statement piece.
Emma Roberts’ living room is a great example of making decorating art with neutral hues. By combining styles and textures, anyone can create a unique and timeless space using basic colors.