A colourful bathtub, matching sink, and toilet was considered a style better left in the 1970s until 2025! As people turn to interior designs of the past, colour is now being injected into our homes.
As a result, homes with neutral palettes have come under scrutiny, with some feeling that muted tones can lack personality and feel more like show homes. But using primary colours doesn’t necessarily mean a home will have personality, and all-white or all-grey spaces can be just as inviting with thoughtful styling, layering, and carefully chosen pairings.
How to Add Warmth to an All-White Bathroom
White and neutral tones are a popular bathroom choice thanks to timeless elegance and ability to brighten smaller spaces. These hues are also incredibly versatile, making them easy to update and refresh.
Ellie, from @2flats1home, opted for classic grey and white marble panels in the loft conversion of her ensuite. She kept a neutral colour palette throughout the space, choosing grey towels of a similar shade to the marble’s veining for a cohesive look.
The room's standout feature is the marble, which takes centre stage, covering every wall and even the ceiling, while gold brass hardware adds warmth and contrasts.
In addition to brass or gold hardware, neutral bathrooms can be elevated with the inclusion of textures, like a soft bathmat, or by placing flowers and plants on the windowsills to enhance the space’s luxury.
How to Inject Personality into a White Hallway
Lighting fixtures – Lighting can transform a room instantly. Choosing the right fixtures, whether it's a statement chandelier or an ambient lamp, can create an atmosphere that complements the mood you want to create.
White slat panels – White slat panels will add interest through texture while maintaining a light, airy feel. Whether used as an accent wall or to frame a feature in the room, such as an area to hang coats and bags.
Art or Photographs – Art has the power to showcase your personality and become a display of your interests.
Whether it’s an oversized canvas, collection of smaller framed prints works, or a gallery wall of family photographs. By choosing pieces that are personal to you, it can spark conversation and emotion to an all-white hallway.
How to Style a New Build Kitchen
Most new builds are already equipped with high-gloss kitchens that complement the white walls that continue throughout the house. A style perfect for those who enjoy a modern look.
However, a monochromatic kitchen paired with white walls can sometimes feel sparse and why Hollie, who shares renovations on social media, chose to add MDF panels as a way to “bring some character to the bland new-build walls.”
After installing the MDF panels, Hollie from @the_durham_derwent went through three attempts to choose the right paint colour. Her first try was peach, then neutral, before she decided to embrace the kitchen's monochromatic scheme and repaint the panels to match the exact colour of her kitchen units.
This shows that adding personality to a room doesn't always require a bold, vibrant colour that is trending, if you prefer a neutral colour palette.
While the resurgence of vibrant colours and home décor trends from past decades has sparked a shift in the narrative around homes with neutral colour palettes, these are still just as coveted.
