Interior design does not always have to be ground-breaking or out there. Often, simplicity is best. This is certainly the case in Eva Mendes’s neutral living room, which features splashes of the timeless color greige. The effect is stunning.
The actor and star of The Place Beyond the Pines and Hitch recently shared an Instagram video in her light and bright living space, featuring a greige living room sofa layered with neutral accent pillows and throw blankets. Greige, a portmanteau of ‘gray’ and ‘beige’ describes a color that is halfway between the two neutral shades. In contrast, in Mendes’s space, darker greige curtains contrast the white-painted walls. There’s also a touch of nature in the space, with a small tree adding some greenery to the area.
Though decorating with greige is a relatively common practice in interiors, it’s for good reason. The light blend of gray and beige brings together warm and cool tones for a delightful combination that goes with practically any other neutral, as well as colors. ‘Neutrals are incredibly versatile, harmonizing with a wide range of styles from modern and minimalist to traditional and rustic,’ says designer Nina Lichtenstein of the colors’ enduring appeal. ‘They serve as a perfect backdrop for any personal touches or bold statement pieces you might want to incorporate.’
Another focal point in the living room is the potted tree that sits behind Mendes. It strongly contributes to the neutral color palette’s association with nature. Lichtenstein asserts that introducing plants is one of the best ways to decorate with neutrals. ‘Bring in elements from nature to add organic beauty and texture,’ she states. ‘Potted plants, wooden furniture, and stone accessories can create a harmonious and balanced look. Greenery, in particular, adds a fresh and lively touch to a neutral setting.’
While not the main element of decor, planning living room lighting is crucial to ensuring that neutrals are present in an appealing manner. ‘Thoughtful lighting design can transform a neutral bedroom,’ Lichtenstein says. ‘Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider bedside lamps, wall sconces, and pendant lights to add both function and style.’
She continues, ‘We can see that Mendes has utilized natural light to give the space an airy feel, with big windows featuring half-open curtains.
A beige living room, similar to Eva Mendes’s space
(Image credit: Little Greene)
Finally, to recreate the look and use texture in a neutral space, consider adding reflective pieces for both function and style. ‘Incorporate mirrors and other reflective surfaces to enhance the sense of space and light,’ Lichtenstein suggests. ‘A strategically placed mirror can make a room feel larger and more open while also adding an elegant touch.’
Shop the Neutral Living Room Edit
This beautifully crafted oak nightstand features a natural finish and open storage space.
This lush, velvet pillow comes with an ultra-soft, feathery insert.
This loveseat by Goop is casual but sophisticated, with ample room for lounging.
Overall, neutrals are a timeless palette that can work in any room within the home, and as Mendes proves, they look especially tasteful in the living area. We suggest layering textured pieces, such as a woven blanket or boucle sofa, to increase visual interest.
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