9 Designer-Approved Neutrals That Aren't Renter White

There are certain colors that come and go out of style, but one we never hate is white, especially paint. It’s clean, versatile, and forever in style, especially in a new-to-you space you just moved into. Unless, of course, walls are covered in a blindingly bright version of white paint that feels cold and impersonal.

“Renter white” is particularly homogenous in spaces where landlords slather on a new layer between tenants. The freshening-up effort is appreciated, but often, renter white is too cold and too boring.

To bring warmth to your new home, opt for a different landlord-friendly neutral instead.

How to Choose Your New Hue

When narrowing down a new version of neutral—so long, renter white—take a few things into consideration. Do you prefer warm or cool undertones? What accent colors will be featured in the room? How much sunlight does the room receive? 

You aren’t only limited to creams and beiges, though. Take it from interior designer Christine Zippert of CC Zippert Design. Think lilac, forest green, and navy instead—colors that are far from bland, yet very much serene.

“Any hue can act as a neutral with the right amount of gray in it,” Zippert says.

To inspire your paint picks, we tapped three interior designers for their favorite hues that can both act as a backdrop for bold accents and blend into a minimalistic aesthetic. Whichever paint color you choose, here's betting it'll instantly make you feel at home.

Navy

Have you heard? There is lots of buzz about navy being a hot new color, says interior designer Nureed Saeed, creative director of Nu Interiors. The classic-as-can-be neutral can tie together a variety of color stories seamlessly.

“I don’t think it’s ever been out to be in again, it is always in style,” Saeed says.

Try navy walls backdropping white furniture for a sophisticated living room design, or pair navy paint with black and beige elements for a neutral—but seriously elegant—kitchen scheme. The options don't end there: Saeed recommends a melange of navy, red, pink, and purple for a fun feel to a room, or pairing navy with green, yellow, and wood tones for a luxurious, yet livable dining room. 

Taupe

When taupe—a rich blend of gray and brown–is good, it's great, Zippert says. Consider taupe as a fresh take on a goes-with-everything paint color, and a balancing backdrop for burgundy or red, colors that can feel bold unless softened up by a mid-tone neutral background. 

Beware, Zippert warns, though: steer clear of taupe with prominent yellow tones, “or you’ll end up with a beige room à la the 1990s,” she says.

Aim for a shade with the slightest dash of green in it instead.

Forest Green

When you’re looking for a moody vibe without having the light sucked out of a space, reach for a can of forest green paint.

“A combination of yellow, blue, and black, forest green takes the best parts from all three to make for a natural, earth-inspired vibe,” Saeed says. 

Forest green pairs particularly well with any metal finish. Think brass hardware in a bathroom or stainless steel in a kitchen. For a light-hearted color scheme, feature forest green with coral or lilac accents, or with tan or brown for a more nature-inspired palette. 

“After all, what is more neutral than Mother Nature itself?” Saeed asks.

Pastel Blue

If there’s one color that’ll instantly reduce your stress level upon sight, it’s a serene pastel blue, says interior designer Victoria Meadows. Whatever you pair it with—wood tones, marbles, metal finishes, or all of the above—it’ll act as a soothing neutral backdrop. 

“We love using this color in a bathroom or a bedroom for a fresh start and end to every day,” Meadows says.  

Greige

Part beige, part gray, and an entirely timeless neutral: meet greige. Wherever you slap on a layer of greige paint, its warmth will add a luxe feel to your home. 

“Tired of gray and feeling like full-on beige is taking you back to your parent’s living room in that subdivision you grew up in?” Saeed asks. That’s where greige comes in, she says. 

Saeed recommends reaching for the greige paint to warm up your kitchen cabinets.

“This gets you away from the standard, sanitary white look,” she says.

Or, try greige in the bedroom for a luminous, comforting color. 

Cream—With a Twist

Cream may fall under the “white” umbrella, but its soft tones are decidedly different from the blinding, renter-white you may be used to, especially if you take Saeed’s contrasting tip. Pair cream walls with a sharp contrasting trim color, like dark charcoal or black, for your baseboards and windows. Goodbye boring, stale white. Hello warm, striking cream.

Gray-Green

One color Zippert returns to over and over: gray-green. It’s built for layering and creates an anchor for brighter pops of color (say, standout artwork) and pattern (like a floral duvet cover) without competing. 

“It looks so beautiful in rooms with lots of windows,” Zippert says, “It ebbs and flows from green to gray, depending on the sunlight, and feels right at home with the landscape outside.” 

Lilac

Do you wince at the thought of a neutral paint color, imagining a flat, lifeless hue that doesn’t do your space any favors? Consider lilac instead, says Zippert. The right shade is packed with personality, yet acts like a complementary backdrop for all kinds of artwork and furniture. 

“When used for built-ins or trim against white walls, it adds a layer of depth to a space without creating too much contrast,” Zippert says. 

Textured Wallpaper

For a neutral backdrop with a boost of character, think beyond paint. There are plenty of inexpensive, removable (and landlord-approved) wallpapers on the market—ones that are a breeze to remove, leaving behind no sticky residue, come move-out day.

“A white, gray, or cream wallpaper can add an understated texture and interest,” says Zippert. “There are so many lovely natural materials and softly water-colored prints that are happy serving as a backdrop instead of overtaking a space.”