This Is the One Color Palette That Actually Goes with Everything
If you want a soothing backdrop for your home, consider a minimalist color palette. Centered around clutter-free spaces and the philosophy that less is more, minimalist design trends favor subdued shades that can anchor pretty much any kind of furnishings and furniture.
While you might assume this translates to only all-white homes, a minimalist color palette actually encompasses many timeless color combinations. “Minimalist doesn’t have to mean neutral,” says Tom Magill, Anthropologie’s senior home stylist. You can have some shades with saturation and even sophisticated colors with depth in the mix. It all comes down to how you create your combinations.
To help you find the right laid-back minimalist color palette for your own home, I talked with color and design experts on the best paints and pairings you can implement right now. Get ready to see minimalist hues below like you never have before, because I also pulled inspiration from real homes so you can visualize all kinds of relevant, refreshing options.
What Are Minimalist Colors?
In general, minimalist colors tend to introduce light into a space and ultimately provide a coveted sense of calmness and relaxation. These paint shades are an excellent place to start with a minimalist-minded redesign:
Behr’s Blank Canvas (DC-003)
Behr’s Swiss Coffee (12)
Behr’s Dove (HDC-MD-21)
Behr’s Chic Gray (PPU26-10)
Behr’s Classic Silver (PPU18-11)
Backdrop’s Studio Hours
Backdrop’s Ryokan Guesthouse
Sherwin Williams’ Ivory Lace (SW 7013)
Sherwin Williams’ Rookwood Terra Cotta (SW 2803)
Benjamin Moore’s Saybrook Sage (HC-114)
Benjamin Moore’s Black Tar (2126-10)
“[Minimalist] colors are understated, tranquil, and exude comfort with a more pared-back style,” says Sherwin-Williams color marketing manager Emily Kantz. “Although clutter-free is a key trait of minimalism, that doesn’t have to mean cold and impersonal. Minimalist palettes look to achieve balance and lean on off-whites, grays, and neutrals. The restorative qualities of this iconic style also lend well to muted blues and greens when looking for a more considered color choice with a natural feel.”
Overall, it’s all about decorating with the colors and decor that best serve your personal style and home. “Choose items, colors, and designs with intention and make sure everything has a purpose,” explains Benjamin Moore color marketing manager Arianna Barone. “Spaces don’t have to feel sparse, but should feel purposeful to create a restorative space for clear thoughts and tranquil vibes.”
What’s Considered a Minimalist Color Palette?
As effortless as it seems, executing a minimalist design takes a thoughtful eye. “A minimalist color palette is an edited assortment of colors that are either analogous or complementary but always very intentionally chosen,” Magill says. “The color palette extends beyond paint to encompass furniture and decorative elements like rugs, artwork, and even lighting. Minimalists make sure that each piece of decor, whether a sculptural vase anchoring a console or a large-scale painting hanging above a sofa, is deliberately placed.”
If you want to push things further, go monochromatic with a classic shade or incorporate splashes of accent colors. “Behr’s Blank Canvas (DC-003), Swiss Coffee (12), and Dove (HDC-MD-21) offer soft, neutral backdrops that feel airy and timeless,” says Behr’s vice president of color and creative services Erika Woelfel. “If you prefer subtle contrast, Chic Gray (PPU26-10) and Even Better Beige (DC-010) provide understated depth while maintaining a clean aesthetic. For a moodier, yet minimalist feel, Cracked Pepper (PPU18-01) or Classic Silver (PPU18-11) can add sophistication without overwhelming the space.”
Another approach is keeping things extra minimal and simple by leaning on nature for a set of colors. “Storytelling is even more possible with a simpler palette,” says Emma James, creative director of Eklego Design Studio. “We layer neutrals pertinent to the environment. It’s engaging and nurturing, and connects to the world beyond the walls, allowing people to envision the style in their own spaces in a way that’s relatable, but also unique.”
How to Style a Minimalist Color Palette
Ready to see some minimalist color palettes come to life? I rounded up some inspiration images that represent a mix of different style preferences, from pastel-infused rooms to a sleek monochromatic kitchen.
Warm Neutrals
Make natural light and neutrals the focal point of your space, like in this charming, earthy rental. “For a warm minimalism design style, I recommend Sherwin-Williams’ Sanctuary (SW 9583),” Kantz says. “This versatile, softened neutral shade evokes understated elegance, making it an inviting choice for an entire home.”
“Another excellent option is Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige (SW 7036), a popular tint that adds warmth without overwhelming the space,” Kantz continues. “Additionally, Sherwin-Williams’ Creamy (SW 7012) offers subtle richness to a room without a strong yellow undertone, providing just the right amount of warmth to be used as a whole home color.”
Pops of Pastels
Remember, you don’t have to match white walls with white furniture for an overall minimalist aesthetic. Kick things up a notch with soft pastels since they work well with a neutral, minimalist background, as seen in this Portland rental. The pairing adds subtle visual interest without going overboard.
Pretty in Pink
Designed by James, this showroom in Cairo is proof that pink — especially muted blush and terracotta shades — can be a minimalist neutral that’s easy on the eyes. But to balance out the statement-making textures and prints throughout this space, uniformity was key. “We really focused on building interest by layering sculptural objects and furniture,” James adds. “You’ll find the repetition of one shape in various materials, sizes, and applications — for example, spheres of wood, glass, marble, and alabaster.”
Smooth Like Butter
Breezy, natural light is a trait of minimalism. A way to make that part of your space is via a buttery beige-yellow, like in this charming New Orleans one-bedroom. Then, keep the decor low-key and fresh by scattering around plants in different shapes and sizes.
La Vie in Lavender
As long as there’s a well-intentioned balance, even the most unexpected color combos make a lovely minimalist palette. Get inspired by this color-drenched Parisian apartment with shades of lavender, blue, and sage that feel just right.
Or, for another tranquil pastel option, Barone suggests Benjamin Moore’s Wind Chime (AF-465). “With a touch of gray, this comforting green works beautifully in spaces with a lot of windows and natural light to help bring the outdoors in,” she adds. “Pair it with natural fibers, off-whites, and small but impactful pops of dark tones for the ultimate minimalist look.”
The “LBK”
Introducing the “little black kitchen,” as seen in this Minnesota home. Even though it’s not entirely black, the monochromatic backsplash and cabinets completely elevate the space and make it more cohesive. And given that less is more, keep in mind that there’s never any pressure to add multiple colors to your palette. If you can’t make up your mind and want something foolproof and easy, simply decide on one bold neutral, like black, and go from there.
Terracotta Top Off
Finally, punch up white walls with pops of terracotta. “When opting for a minimalist aesthetic, my go-to off-white is Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17),” Barone recommends. “With a subtle hint of warmth, this color works in any space making it the perfect color palette staple for a minimalist scheme. In the image [above], you can see it creates an easygoing, soothing backdrop for a softly shaped ceiling light while the pop of earthy Topaz (070) highlights the architectural details of the space.”
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
