Tracing the evolution of neutrals takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of aesthetics. Linked to the pigments and materials found in nature, these nuanced whites, grays, tans, taupes, browns, and blacks—like the Classic/Complex: Foundational Neutrals palette curated by our experts for our 2026 Colormix^® Forecast, Anthology Volume Two—are growing ever more complex and essential, helping designers express artistry, adorn our homes and wardrobes, and create statements both large and small.

We asked designers to share their projects and showcase their nuanced interpretations of neutral color schemes. These five spaces are transcending tradition and merging layered versatility, intentional essentials, and beautiful basics.

Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh’s historic North Side neighborhood, the architectural heritage of the late 1800s lives on through continuous revitalization. With a rich past and intricate design, one particular home presented a unique opportunity for Lindsey Henzy of Home & Hue Staging and Interiors to breathe new life within its walls while honoring its storied history. “Our vision for this project was to strike a harmonious balance between old-world charm and modern elegance, creating a space that feels both timeless and contemporary,” Lindsey says.

The journey began with a meticulous restoration process, taking the house down to the studs to uncover its original character. Lindsey says that preserving the home’s history while updating its features was both the most rewarding aspect of the project and its most challenging. “Achieving a balance between old and new created a unique narrative within the space, which allowed us to honor the rich history of the home while simultaneously enhancing its function for modern living. I felt that we made this space not just a home, but a living testament to the passage of time.”

The home’s unique architectural hallmarks were allowed to shine thanks to a careful curation of colors. “Neutrals serve as a versatile foundation that promotes tranquility and adaptability,” Lindsey says. “To achieve our vision, we turned to Sherwin-Williams’s exquisite color palette, choosing crisp and refreshing Pure White SW 7005 (255-C1) for the walls, a luminous shade that not only amplifies natural light but also invites the eye to appreciate the stunning craftsmanship and details that have stood the test of time. In contrast, we selected Accessible Beige SW 7036 (249-C1) for the trim, a warm and inviting neutral that beautifully complements the purity of the walls. The pairing fosters a tranquil atmosphere, encouraging relaxation while celebrating the home’s rich heritage.” 

Photos by Alexis Fatalsky.

World-renowned designer and artist Olivier Marty of Studio KO has said that “the future should be going back to the basics.” For Lindsay Olson of LuLu Designs, this means embracing simplicity, authenticity, and timelessness rather than chasing fleeting trends or superficial novelty. “For me, going back to the basics is about prioritizing foundational elements: light, volume, natural materials, and honest forms.”

In the expansive living room of this Southern California home, that philosophy is evident in the restrained color palette of whites, creams, and beiges. “The client wanted a room that felt bright and airy, reflected the relaxed elegance of coastal living, and maximized natural light while maintaining a sense of warmth and coziness,” Lindsay says. “To achieve this, I started by actively listening to what the client truly needed and valued. We discussed their desire for ample, comfortable seating, a functional layout, and a palette that felt timeless yet fresh. The design solution centered on a neutral color scheme, with soft whites and beiges forming the foundation.” 

Sherwin-Williams Account Executive Crystal Guerrero provided samples of the key color used in the project: Pure White SW 7005 (255-C1), which Lindsay considers to be one of her “essential” colors. To introduce something unexpected and elevate the otherwise understated space, several key design choices were made. “Some of the ways I was able to bring something special were through a striking marble fireplace, the exposed wood beam, the large-scale greenery, and through curated art and accessories. Seeing how these thoughtful touches brought warmth, personality, and a sense of sophistication to the room, while still maintaining its tranquil atmosphere, made the design process deeply fulfilling.”

Photo by Alejandro Espana Photography.

For award-winning Phoenix-based designer Danielle Jacques, a neutral backdrop and opulent design elements are far from mutually exclusive concepts. Her client wanted a bold, glamorous living space that channeled the nostalgia of 1920s Art Deco with rich materials, standout furniture, and a layered color palette that felt both sophisticated and playful, and that’s exactly what Danielle Jacques Design delivered for the high-rise condo—with help from her Account Executive, Laurie Clark.

“Laurie was instrumental in helping me fine-tune the perfect palette for this space,” Danielle says. “She provided expert guidance on undertones, finishes, and durability, ensuring the colors I selected would not only look incredible but also perform well in a high-traffic area. Her support and responsiveness made the selection process seamless and efficient. I used Sherwin-Williams Pure White SW 7005 (255-C1) strategically for its light-reflective qualities, allowing it to bounce light beautifully throughout the condo and enhance the airy, open feel.”

Through bold furniture silhouettes, luxe textures, and high-contrast elements, she was able to craft a space with its own unique identity. The fireplace surround—with its chevron-style marble tile and metallic inlay—draws the eye and sets the tone, carefully selected accessories nod to vintage Hollywood glamour, and the rug introduces an optical twist that gives the room dynamism.

“For me, the most rewarding part was seeing the space come to life exactly as the client had dreamed—cinematic, personal, and unapologetically bold,” Danielle says. “It’s a room that sparks conversation but still feels comfortable and livable. Watching the client fully embrace the daring elements—especially the statement rug and sculptural furniture—was the most gratifying part of the entire process. It reminded me why I love what I do.”

Photo by Nick Sorensen.

What began as an ask for more bathroom storage and a bathtub upgrade became a quest for the perfect white paint color to coordinate seamlessly with the hard finish selections in this North Carolina remodel. Principal designer Stephanie Calderon initially selected a brighter white to contrast the faux stucco wall in the design, but pivoted after the wall was installed.

“Once the paint selection shifted, our Account Executive, Natalie Miller, and the Sherwin-Williams team educated us on product selection and the importance of using the exact right paint for the most accurate result,” Stephanie says. Four new shades were sampled, and Natalie’s expert guidance turned out to make all the difference, helping the team decide on the perfect creamy-white hue, Cotton SW 9581, to perfectly complement the warm tones of the space.

One of the biggest challenges for the space was accounting for multiple people’s tastes. “We were blending two different styles into one cohesive design,” Stephanie tells us. “We worked with a couple who had slightly different aesthetics but shared a common vision for the outcome. Our goal was to merge their preferences in a way that felt balanced and intentional—giving them a space that truly feels like home for both.”

Photos by Becca Bond.

For another project, Stephanie Calderon decided to keep the kitchen paint selections neutral to allow the other design elements to supply the color variation and personality. “We’re so used to seeing color on the walls, but we used natural materials, rich textures, and bold finishes to make these spaces feel elevated and layered,” she says. “We like to say we’re always trying to bring the outside into our projects.”

Stephanie says that she knew the green countertops would be the showstopper. “From there, we chose a white, brick-like textured tile for the window wall and paired it with Snowbound SW 7004 (256-C2). It’s a go-to of ours for its crispness and reliability—it doesn’t skew blue or yellow and plays beautifully with natural textures.”

When asked about what it means to her to go “back to the basics” in design, Stephanie says it’s about creating spaces that feel calm and connected—not just to nature, but to how a home is actually lived in. “For these projects, that started with materials that simply feel good to be around. We layered in natural oak, soft plaster-style walls, and beautiful natural stones that bring depth without overwhelming the space. Our paint selections were chosen to complement and elevate those choices, not compete with them. We firmly believe it’s not about doing less—it’s about being more intentional.”

Photos by Heather Ison.

For even more color inspiration, explore the stunning palette of complex neutrals our experts selected for Colormix^® Anthology Volume Two, and order complimentary large-sized samples using your PRO+ account.

Top image: Design by Home & Hue Staging and Interiors. Photo by Alexis Fatalsky.