Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo’s Anti-Trend Palette Sets a Benchmark for Modern Living Rooms – It Rewrites Warm Neutral Rules
Rejecting stark minimalism, their layered living room makes a masterclass out of tone-on-tone restraint and enduring beauty
While decorating trends often champion bold color combinations and statement shades, Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo’s Pacific Palisades living room argues for a different approach.
Classic timber, pale plaster walls, and earthy tones give the neutral living room its character, showing how a considered color palette can stand the test of time without relying on the season’s latest shade.
When the couple opened their single-story home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, their living room ideas made an impression through their simplicity. Designed by mother-and-son team Kathleen and Tommy Clements of Clements Design, the space brings together pale plaster walls, timber, and low-slung seating.
The room shows how neutral decorating can feel warm and full of character, without stark white walls or sparse furnishings. They've decorated with vintage pieces and added textured fabrics for depth, while the muted palette keeps the focus on the materials and their natural variations. The result feels timeless, with an ease that works just as well today as it did when it was first unveiled.
Getting their look doesn't need to be expensive. I'd start with small pockets of texture, such as this cream cushion from Cozey. In this case, the simplest shades are supreme.
Shop the Adam and Behati-Inspired Edit
The black finish of this low-slung coffee table brings a little contrast to the warm neutrals in Adam and Behati’s living room. It's a simple way to ground a softer color palette, adding definition without making the space feel too stark.
I'm always drawn to furniture that feels sculptural but still looks comfortable enough to use every day, and this chair ticks both boxes. The curved bentwood frame brings that classic midcentury character I love, while the rounded seat softens the look.
This ivory and tan rug feels incredible underfoot with its gorgeous nubby texture and bohemian look. It's perfect for adding depth and lightness to a cream living room, and ideal for zoning your seating area.
A lumbar cushion is an easy way to break up a row of square pillows, and this ivory bouclé design does it with texture rather than color. I'd pair it with looser linen cushions or a smooth cotton throw to give a neutral sofa more depth.
Corduroy brings a distinctive texture to this sleeper seat, giving it more character than a plain upholstered design. I love the deep ribbing against its generous proportions, which makes it feel like it's built around comfort rather than formality.
Chocolate brown makes a sofa feel like a real focal point, bringing depth and warmth to a living room without relying on bold color. I'd pair this one with lighter wood and a simple coffee table to let the rich upholstery stand out.
According to Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, co-founder of Dowsing & Reynolds, the move towards warmer neutrals reflects a wider change in how we decorate our homes.
‘Earthy, grounded palettes bring an immediate sense of calm and serenity to interiors,’ she explains. ‘This further validates a trend that we’ve already started to see in interior design over recent years, with designers moving away from stark whites towards warmer, softer neutrals.’
For a living room, these shades offer a useful starting point. ‘These warm neutral tones create an inviting backdrop for your living room, making it easier to layer textures and accent colors without the space feeling cold or clinical. Pair warm neutrals with natural materials like wood and stone, and opt for soft, ambient lighting to enhance the cozy atmosphere.’
Adam and Behati's living room shows how decorating with neutrals can still feel considered, particularly when different finishes and materials are allowed to stand out. The few well-chosen pieces can give a room the character it needs.
Ally notes that this approach also leaves room for more personal details. ‘Although minimalism is still going strong, many people want something a little warmer and more expressive alongside it. We’ve seen that people are particularly responding to vintage touches and nostalgic accents, which can make a space feel more “lived in”.’
Plus, as Ally explains, classic materials such as leather have become increasingly popular as homeowners look to natural textures and interiors that feel comfortable to spend time in.
‘Two of the biggest interior design trends, tactile interiors and slow living design, are helping to shape this shift,’ she says. ‘Texture-rich interiors have become increasingly popular over recent years, with interior designers turning away from flat, glossy finishes and instead prioritizing the sensory experience.’
She adds that leather is a good example of this approach, with its natural patina and creases bringing warmth to a room while balancing classic design with more relaxed materials.
Adam and Behati prove that a room doesn’t need to chase trends to feel modern. They've decorated with antiques, neutrals, and natural materials to give their living room timeless appeal, with comfort at its heart. This classic combination works in a smaller home just as well as a Los Angeles estate.
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