September 6, 2024 • 14 mins
Begin with an introduction to organizing products and the use of neutral tones in interior design. Learn how to maximize space with two-drawer storage bins and Brightroom organizers. Discover how to master the use of neutral tones to create a cohesive design. Get insights on top neutral paint colors selected by designers. Explore a case study on staging and selling a townhouse in Arlington, Virginia. Conclude with a summary of the episode’s key points.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
There is something about Target stores thatmakes me want to throw basically everything in
my cart, especially in the cleaning andorganizing aisles.
Somehow, that is also true when I see a viralproduct from Target in my social media feed,
too — if I can picture how I would use it in myhome (and I actually have a need for it), I add
(00:20):
it to my virtual cart in an instant.
And the latest TikTok Target organizing gem isno different.
When I saw this viral TikTok video of creatorMikayla Richardson reorganizing her under-sink
storage area in her bathroom with Targetproducts, I was hooked.
(00:42):
She stacks two clear double bins with built-inhandles and fills them with hair and skin
products, rolled face towels, lotions,sunscreen, and menstruation products.
Then, on the left side of the sink, she stacksan open-front clear plastic bin on top of the
same double drawer bin, filling them with morehair products and tools like a straightener and
(01:04):
blow-dryer.
She uses three of the Target brand $15Brightroom All Purpose Two-Drawer Clear
Storage, with two stacked on the right, and oneon the left, with the $12 Brightroom All
Purpose Open Front Storage Bin on top.
Apartment Therapy editors have been huge fansof the open front bin for some time now, but
(01:26):
the entire setup is so brilliant — and costless than $60!
The two-drawer storage bins could not havelanded in my cart any faster.
At about 9 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide (5.6inches per drawer), and 12.6 inches deep, they
(01:46):
are the perfect size for under my sink, in mycloset, in my pantry, or even on my
above-toilet storage rack.
With two clear drawers and easy-to-use handlecutouts (on both sides!), you can see
everything inside, so you know where yourthings are and when to restock.
As Richardson proves, they are great forunder-sink storage, but in my home, they will
(02:09):
also be great for hats, kitchen utensils andgadgets, toothbrushes and dental products,
pantry staples, fridge items, and more.
Made of durable plastic and easy to clean, theymatch any home or decor style and blend
seamlessly into tight spaces that need extraorganizing.
(02:29):
But my favorite part?
Because they are covered, they stack easilyatop one another and with other Brightroom
organizers, making creating your personalizedorganizing system a breeze.
Simply throw some labels on the bins, fill themup, and watch your space actually stay tidy!
In the design world, colors compete forattention, and trends change as swiftly as the
(02:52):
seasons.
But there are those unsung heroes that maintaintheir timeless appeal.
Enter (02:58):
neutrals.
A far cry from being bland or boring, neutralsare the quiet champions of the design scene,
providing a serene backdrop for bold accentsand bestowing a minimalist, elegant aesthetic
all on their own.
A neutral palette and paint tone help evoke asense of calmness and peace, says ELLE Decor
(03:24):
A-Lister Miminat Shodeinde, whose recent Londontownhouse project featured in the September
2024 issue is a masterclass in tastefullyintegrated neutral touches.
While it may seem like you can never go wrongwith a neutral—the palette, after all, is known
for its endless versatility—selecting the wrongundertone can throw off your room’s vibe
(03:47):
entirely.
So where to begin?
First, you’ll want to think about the roomitself.
Are you looking for warm or cool tones?
Will you be incorporating any accent colors?
Does the room have ample natural sunlight?
Once you’ve set these parameters, it’s time topick your ideal shade.
(04:08):
The right neutral paint color allowsmateriality, texture, and the architecture to
do the talking, Shodeinde notes, adding thatit’s all about awakening people’s sensitivity.
We’ve picked the brains of dozens of interiordesigners who overthink paint colors more than
chefs obsess over plating.
(04:29):
With an expansive assortment of taupes, grays,and off-whites to choose from, the colors
featured below can happily do just that, takingcenter stage or fading into the background.
Because, at the end of the day, isn’t the bestneutral the one that can adapt to your evolving
needs?
(04:50):
First on our list is Cotton Balls by BenjaminMoore.
When a room calls for a versatile backdrop, Iturn to the timeless elegance of white.
Cotton Balls, with its subtle infusion ofyellow, adds a warm glow that effortlessly
embraces any decor style, says Rayman Boozer ofApartment48.
(05:12):
Next up, Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball.
Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball has become oneof our most beloved colors in recent years—we
find it to have just enough pigment to giverooms the right amount of depth without being
too overpowering.
We’d call this color ‘neutral adjacent,’ saysJean Liu.
(05:33):
Another stunning choice is Abalone by BenjaminMoore.
While I typically steer clear of beige, thereis one exception that I’ve grown fond of:
Abalone.
With its hints of gray complemented by a subtleblush of pink, this color surprises and
delights, proving that neutrals don’t have tobe boring, Rayman Boozer adds.
(05:58):
If you love cool tones, consider Mt.
Rainier Gray by Benjamin Moore.
I love Mt.
Rainier Gray in Benjamin Moore’s Matte RegalSelect collection.
The icy blue tone with touches of grayresembles the sky, imbuing any space with a
sense of calm.
Mt.
Rainier Gray is an ideal backdrop for any stylethat sparks joy in one’s life, says Courtney
(06:23):
McLeod of Right Meets Left Design.
For a warmer option, Playa Arenosa bySherwin-Williams is worth considering.
This color is a café latte–colored hue—a beigewith the slightest pink tones in it.
It’s a warm hug!
Super soothing but never dull, according toGhislaine Viñas.
(06:44):
Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore is always ago-to warm gray for me.
I wanted to create a moody environment,especially in the bedroom.
The color conveys a sense of calm modernity,adds Courtney McLeod.
Iced Mocha by Sherwin-Williams is aptly namedbecause that’s exactly what it looks like.
(07:07):
There’s a tint of pink in this color, making itboth soft and inviting.
I’m not known for working in beige or browncolor palettes, but this neutral feels fresh
and modern to me, says Ghislaine Viñas.
Havana Tan by Benjamin Moore is just so richand pretty.
It has some pink undertones so it feels warmand enveloping while still serving as a great
(07:31):
backdrop for art and furnishings, says JessicaDavis of Atelier Davis.
Turbinado by Clare is another stunning neutral.
Beige is back, baby!
I’m dreaming up projects using earthy,plaster-inspired walls, and Clare paint in
Turbinado is giving me all the neutral vibes.
Bonus points for being earth-friendly and aBlack female–owned company, says Lori Paranjape
(07:56):
of Mrs.
Paranjape.
For a bold choice, consider Paean Black byFarrow & Ball.
I’m always looking to pair our wallcoveringswith the perfect paints that highlight our
designs.
Farrow & Ball has the most gorgeous velvetyblack shade that looks extraordinary paired
(08:16):
with our Dahling wallpaper in charcoal.
We highly suggest painting the ceiling andcrown molding in this deep dark color to make
the paper pop, says Melinda Marquardt of TheVale London.
Table Linen by Portola Paints is anotherexcellent option.
Table Linen on its own has a bit of a creamy,almost yellow undertone that, when paired with
(08:41):
bright white, might feel too buttery.
When you pair it with deeper, more saturatedcolors like Figueroa and Piano Room, it cuts
all the yellow out and it just feels like awarm white, says Jamie Davis of Portola Paints.
Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore is a go-towarm neutral that is a wonderful chameleon
(09:04):
color.
It can go modern or traditional and pairseasily with textiles for window treatments.
I have had it in my living room for 11 years,and it still feels fresh, says Marika Meyer.
Silver Satin by Benjamin Moore has theslightest hint of gray and beige together; it
(09:24):
adds a lot of depth and body to a space whilestill feeling neutral, says Rebecca Hay.
Shaker Beige by Benjamin Moore is the perfectbackdrop to allow the art to take center stage.
We recently used it in a living room, and itcomplements the rusts and greens in the artwork
perfectly, says Marguerite Rodgers.
(09:45):
Harbor Gray by Benjamin Moore is one of mygo-to grays because it is such a great middle
ground between a warm and a cool gray.
It works with everything!
says Rozit Arditi of Arditi Design.
When it comes to bedrooms, I want them to besoothing and calming.
Lost Locket is such a soft and dreamy colorthat we can't get enough of it for bedrooms,
(10:10):
adds Rozit Arditi.
French Canvas by Benjamin Moore is the perfectneutral; it has a green undertone that makes it
pair well with so many colors, and there is anorganic feel to this neutral.
It’s not boring, says Isabel Ladd.
Navajo White by Benjamin Moore is the best inthe beige family.
(10:34):
It doesn’t have an undertone of pink, yellow,or green like so many neutrals can have, says
Carolynne Kollar-Flanagan of Mojo Stumer.
Ammonite by Farrow & Ball is a chameleon ofcolor that can appear like a creamy off-white
one minute, and a very pale gray-blue the next.
(10:54):
I love when a paint color surprises you fromhour to hour and almost adapts to its
surroundings, says Jeff Andrews.
Cedar Key by Benjamin Moore is one of myfavorite neutrals in both brightly lit and
moodier rooms.
It’s a versatile neutral that is like a warmhug—cozy, and inviting.
(11:16):
Truer whites can feel sterile sometimes, andthis warmer off-white mitigates for that, says
Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors.
Our next story takes us to a charming townhousein Arlington, Virginia, where home stager
Michelle DeLucia worked her magic to preparethe home for sale.
With the recent buzz around the 'Barbie' movie,what better color to add a playful punch than
(11:41):
pink?
Michelle, the owner and designer of Sub UrbanStaging + Design in Silver Spring, Maryland,
believes in designing with the potential buyerin mind while also infusing fun and memorable
elements into each space.
'The timing couldn’t have been more perfectwith the release of the 'Barbie' movie,' she
(12:01):
says.
Built in 1980, the 1,716-square-foot townhousehad been loved and well cared for by its
owners, a couple who had lived there for 17years.
When a new job required them to relocate toDetroit, they called on Realtor Carolyn Hurwitz
with Compass to sell their three-bedroom endunit.
(12:23):
With the home’s prime location just across thePotomac River from Washington, D.C., Hurwitz
and DeLucia anticipated that the buyers wouldlikely be professionals who wanted easy access
to D.C.
and would appreciate the classic style andlayout of the home.
Since there were no significant challenges likemajor damage or a wonky layout, DeLucia could
focus on the fun side of design (12:46):
respecting the formal feel of the home while injecting some
freshness and style.
Among the notable features of the living roomwere a fireplace, trim work, and multiple large
windows.
Playing off the symmetry of the fireplace wall,DeLucia created a cozy seating area by bringing
(13:08):
in a neutral-colored sofa and coffee table,plus two chairs upholstered in a vibrant pink.
The sofa’s intricate wooden back made itattractive from all sides, and visually linked
it to a similarly-colored console on theopposite wall.
To up the personality of the space, she layeredin a variety of throw pillows that pulled in
(13:32):
shades of pink, mustard, and teal from thelarge pieces of artwork chosen for the walls.
A small round side table and two finds fromAnthropologie—a multi-colored area rug and a
whimsical brass peacock side table—completedthe grouping.
Since the living room was short on ceilingfixtures and DeLucia wanted to keep the vibe
(13:57):
'light and airy,' she brought in two pairs oflamps and kept the windows unadorned.
A few simple accessories and a selection ofgreenery completed the room.
The elegant, but not stuffy, living room wasthe ideal spot for buyers to picture themselves
having drinks with friends and family.
Once on the market, the home received multipleoffers and was under contract within seven
(14:21):
days, according to Hurwitz.
Whether the new homeowner is a Barbie fan ornot, they were likely thrilled to snag this
real-life dream house.
And that wraps up today’s episode of DailyInterior Design Inspo!
I hope you found some inspiration and ideas foryour own spaces.
Until next time, I’m Betsy Helmuth, wishing youa stylish and organized day!
There is something about Target stores thatmakes me want to throw basically everything in
my cart, especially in the cleaning andorganizing aisles.
Somehow, that is also true when I see a viralproduct from Target in my social media feed,
too — if I can picture how I would use it in myhome (and I actually have a need for it), I add
(00:20):
it to my virtual cart in an instant.
And the latest TikTok Target organizing gem isno different.
When I saw this viral TikTok video of creatorMikayla Richardson reorganizing her under-sink
storage area in her bathroom with Targetproducts, I was hooked.
(00:42):
She stacks two clear double bins with built-inhandles and fills them with hair and skin
products, rolled face towels, lotions,sunscreen, and menstruation products.
Then, on the left side of the sink, she stacksan open-front clear plastic bin on top of the
same double drawer bin, filling them with morehair products and tools like a straightener and
(01:04):
blow-dryer.
She uses three of the Target brand $15Brightroom All Purpose Two-Drawer Clear
Storage, with two stacked on the right, and oneon the left, with the $12 Brightroom All
Purpose Open Front Storage Bin on top.
Apartment Therapy editors have been huge fansof the open front bin for some time now, but
(01:26):
the entire setup is so brilliant — and costless than $60!
The two-drawer storage bins could not havelanded in my cart any faster.
At about 9 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide (5.6inches per drawer), and 12.6 inches deep, they
(01:46):
are the perfect size for under my sink, in mycloset, in my pantry, or even on my
above-toilet storage rack.
With two clear drawers and easy-to-use handlecutouts (on both sides!), you can see
everything inside, so you know where yourthings are and when to restock.
As Richardson proves, they are great forunder-sink storage, but in my home, they will
(02:09):
also be great for hats, kitchen utensils andgadgets, toothbrushes and dental products,
pantry staples, fridge items, and more.
Made of durable plastic and easy to clean, theymatch any home or decor style and blend
seamlessly into tight spaces that need extraorganizing.
(02:29):
But my favorite part?
Because they are covered, they stack easilyatop one another and with other Brightroom
organizers, making creating your personalizedorganizing system a breeze.
Simply throw some labels on the bins, fill themup, and watch your space actually stay tidy!
In the design world, colors compete forattention, and trends change as swiftly as the
(02:52):
seasons.
But there are those unsung heroes that maintaintheir timeless appeal.
Enter (02:58):
neutrals.
A far cry from being bland or boring, neutralsare the quiet champions of the design scene,
providing a serene backdrop for bold accentsand bestowing a minimalist, elegant aesthetic
all on their own.
A neutral palette and paint tone help evoke asense of calmness and peace, says ELLE Decor
(03:24):
A-Lister Miminat Shodeinde, whose recent Londontownhouse project featured in the September
2024 issue is a masterclass in tastefullyintegrated neutral touches.
While it may seem like you can never go wrongwith a neutral—the palette, after all, is known
for its endless versatility—selecting the wrongundertone can throw off your room’s vibe
(03:47):
entirely.
So where to begin?
First, you’ll want to think about the roomitself.
Are you looking for warm or cool tones?
Will you be incorporating any accent colors?
Does the room have ample natural sunlight?
Once you’ve set these parameters, it’s time topick your ideal shade.
(04:08):
The right neutral paint color allowsmateriality, texture, and the architecture to
do the talking, Shodeinde notes, adding thatit’s all about awakening people’s sensitivity.
We’ve picked the brains of dozens of interiordesigners who overthink paint colors more than
chefs obsess over plating.
(04:29):
With an expansive assortment of taupes, grays,and off-whites to choose from, the colors
featured below can happily do just that, takingcenter stage or fading into the background.
Because, at the end of the day, isn’t the bestneutral the one that can adapt to your evolving
needs?
(04:50):
First on our list is Cotton Balls by BenjaminMoore.
When a room calls for a versatile backdrop, Iturn to the timeless elegance of white.
Cotton Balls, with its subtle infusion ofyellow, adds a warm glow that effortlessly
embraces any decor style, says Rayman Boozer ofApartment48.
(05:12):
Next up, Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball.
Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball has become oneof our most beloved colors in recent years—we
find it to have just enough pigment to giverooms the right amount of depth without being
too overpowering.
We’d call this color ‘neutral adjacent,’ saysJean Liu.
(05:33):
Another stunning choice is Abalone by BenjaminMoore.
While I typically steer clear of beige, thereis one exception that I’ve grown fond of:
Abalone.
With its hints of gray complemented by a subtleblush of pink, this color surprises and
delights, proving that neutrals don’t have tobe boring, Rayman Boozer adds.
(05:58):
If you love cool tones, consider Mt.
Rainier Gray by Benjamin Moore.
I love Mt.
Rainier Gray in Benjamin Moore’s Matte RegalSelect collection.
The icy blue tone with touches of grayresembles the sky, imbuing any space with a
sense of calm.
Mt.
Rainier Gray is an ideal backdrop for any stylethat sparks joy in one’s life, says Courtney
(06:23):
McLeod of Right Meets Left Design.
For a warmer option, Playa Arenosa bySherwin-Williams is worth considering.
This color is a café latte–colored hue—a beigewith the slightest pink tones in it.
It’s a warm hug!
Super soothing but never dull, according toGhislaine Viñas.
(06:44):
Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore is always ago-to warm gray for me.
I wanted to create a moody environment,especially in the bedroom.
The color conveys a sense of calm modernity,adds Courtney McLeod.
Iced Mocha by Sherwin-Williams is aptly namedbecause that’s exactly what it looks like.
(07:07):
There’s a tint of pink in this color, making itboth soft and inviting.
I’m not known for working in beige or browncolor palettes, but this neutral feels fresh
and modern to me, says Ghislaine Viñas.
Havana Tan by Benjamin Moore is just so richand pretty.
It has some pink undertones so it feels warmand enveloping while still serving as a great
(07:31):
backdrop for art and furnishings, says JessicaDavis of Atelier Davis.
Turbinado by Clare is another stunning neutral.
Beige is back, baby!
I’m dreaming up projects using earthy,plaster-inspired walls, and Clare paint in
Turbinado is giving me all the neutral vibes.
Bonus points for being earth-friendly and aBlack female–owned company, says Lori Paranjape
(07:56):
of Mrs.
Paranjape.
For a bold choice, consider Paean Black byFarrow & Ball.
I’m always looking to pair our wallcoveringswith the perfect paints that highlight our
designs.
Farrow & Ball has the most gorgeous velvetyblack shade that looks extraordinary paired
(08:16):
with our Dahling wallpaper in charcoal.
We highly suggest painting the ceiling andcrown molding in this deep dark color to make
the paper pop, says Melinda Marquardt of TheVale London.
Table Linen by Portola Paints is anotherexcellent option.
Table Linen on its own has a bit of a creamy,almost yellow undertone that, when paired with
(08:41):
bright white, might feel too buttery.
When you pair it with deeper, more saturatedcolors like Figueroa and Piano Room, it cuts
all the yellow out and it just feels like awarm white, says Jamie Davis of Portola Paints.
Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore is a go-towarm neutral that is a wonderful chameleon
(09:04):
color.
It can go modern or traditional and pairseasily with textiles for window treatments.
I have had it in my living room for 11 years,and it still feels fresh, says Marika Meyer.
Silver Satin by Benjamin Moore has theslightest hint of gray and beige together; it
(09:24):
adds a lot of depth and body to a space whilestill feeling neutral, says Rebecca Hay.
Shaker Beige by Benjamin Moore is the perfectbackdrop to allow the art to take center stage.
We recently used it in a living room, and itcomplements the rusts and greens in the artwork
perfectly, says Marguerite Rodgers.
(09:45):
Harbor Gray by Benjamin Moore is one of mygo-to grays because it is such a great middle
ground between a warm and a cool gray.
It works with everything!
says Rozit Arditi of Arditi Design.
When it comes to bedrooms, I want them to besoothing and calming.
Lost Locket is such a soft and dreamy colorthat we can't get enough of it for bedrooms,
(10:10):
adds Rozit Arditi.
French Canvas by Benjamin Moore is the perfectneutral; it has a green undertone that makes it
pair well with so many colors, and there is anorganic feel to this neutral.
It’s not boring, says Isabel Ladd.
Navajo White by Benjamin Moore is the best inthe beige family.
(10:34):
It doesn’t have an undertone of pink, yellow,or green like so many neutrals can have, says
Carolynne Kollar-Flanagan of Mojo Stumer.
Ammonite by Farrow & Ball is a chameleon ofcolor that can appear like a creamy off-white
one minute, and a very pale gray-blue the next.
(10:54):
I love when a paint color surprises you fromhour to hour and almost adapts to its
surroundings, says Jeff Andrews.
Cedar Key by Benjamin Moore is one of myfavorite neutrals in both brightly lit and
moodier rooms.
It’s a versatile neutral that is like a warmhug—cozy, and inviting.
(11:16):
Truer whites can feel sterile sometimes, andthis warmer off-white mitigates for that, says
Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors.
Our next story takes us to a charming townhousein Arlington, Virginia, where home stager
Michelle DeLucia worked her magic to preparethe home for sale.
With the recent buzz around the 'Barbie' movie,what better color to add a playful punch than
(11:41):
pink?
Michelle, the owner and designer of Sub UrbanStaging + Design in Silver Spring, Maryland,
believes in designing with the potential buyerin mind while also infusing fun and memorable
elements into each space.
'The timing couldn’t have been more perfectwith the release of the 'Barbie' movie,' she
(12:01):
says.
Built in 1980, the 1,716-square-foot townhousehad been loved and well cared for by its
owners, a couple who had lived there for 17years.
When a new job required them to relocate toDetroit, they called on Realtor Carolyn Hurwitz
with Compass to sell their three-bedroom endunit.
(12:23):
With the home’s prime location just across thePotomac River from Washington, D.C., Hurwitz
and DeLucia anticipated that the buyers wouldlikely be professionals who wanted easy access
to D.C.
and would appreciate the classic style andlayout of the home.
Since there were no significant challenges likemajor damage or a wonky layout, DeLucia could
focus on the fun side of design (12:46):
respecting the formal feel of the home while injecting some
freshness and style.
Among the notable features of the living roomwere a fireplace, trim work, and multiple large
windows.
Playing off the symmetry of the fireplace wall,DeLucia created a cozy seating area by bringing
(13:08):
in a neutral-colored sofa and coffee table,plus two chairs upholstered in a vibrant pink.
The sofa’s intricate wooden back made itattractive from all sides, and visually linked
it to a similarly-colored console on theopposite wall.
To up the personality of the space, she layeredin a variety of throw pillows that pulled in
(13:32):
shades of pink, mustard, and teal from thelarge pieces of artwork chosen for the walls.
A small round side table and two finds fromAnthropologie—a multi-colored area rug and a
whimsical brass peacock side table—completedthe grouping.
Since the living room was short on ceilingfixtures and DeLucia wanted to keep the vibe
(13:57):
'light and airy,' she brought in two pairs oflamps and kept the windows unadorned.
A few simple accessories and a selection ofgreenery completed the room.
The elegant, but not stuffy, living room wasthe ideal spot for buyers to picture themselves
having drinks with friends and family.
Once on the market, the home received multipleoffers and was under contract within seven
(14:21):
days, according to Hurwitz.
Whether the new homeowner is a Barbie fan ornot, they were likely thrilled to snag this
real-life dream house.
And that wraps up today’s episode of DailyInterior Design Inspo!
I hope you found some inspiration and ideas foryour own spaces.
Until next time, I’m Betsy Helmuth, wishing youa stylish and organized day!
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