I'm a Strict Classic Neutral Lover, but the Blue Paint in Jennifer Aniston's Library Has Changed How I See Color – It's Grounding Yet Uplifting

There's something about 'classic' neutrals, cream, beige, whites, and grays, that will always feel unbeatably timeless, or at least, so I thought. While I've always admired blues and greens from afar, I've always stood by the tried-and-true neutrals as a safer (and, I dare say, more stylish) choice. Then I saw Jennifer Aniston's robin-egg-blue library, and it shifted my perception of color for good.

Designed by the acclaimed Stephen Shadley, Jennifer's Bel Air home is a masterclass in decorating with blue. The walls, covered in the robin-egg shade, prove just how grounding this 'new neutral' can be, pairing seamlessly with the various dark wooden tones, seen through the perfectly curated bookshelves, antique-style table (much like this one from Wayfair), and rich flooring.

Despite feeling more vibrant than traditional neutrals, I confess, it feels just as timeless. I can't see this home library dating, and, unsurprisingly, designers agree.

Shop the Jennifer Aniston-inspired edit

'Robin-egg-blue is one of those tones that doesn’t chase trends because it transcends them. It is a colour with an ease and timelessness that feels both familiar and fresh. There’s a quiet sophistication to it – a softness that feels both fresh and nostalgic – and that duality is what makes it so enduring,' comments Simon Mayhew, the founder and interior designer at TXTURED.

'[I] lean into colors that evoke feeling, and robin-egg-blue has an emotional resonance that clients instinctively connect with. It carries a sense of calm without ever feeling flat, and when paired with the right materials, it becomes incredibly sensory – something you don’t just see, but feel in the space.'

Due to its versatility, robin-egg-blue is the pefect new neutral for a living room or, as Jennifer reminds, a library or study – both of which can be decorated with beautiful antiques and other textured pieces.

'To keep it feeling modern and elevated, we often combine robin-egg-blue with tactile, honest materials: think brushed oak, soft leathers, wool bouclé, or aged brass. In a study, it works wonderfully on cabinetry or wall panelling, creating an atmosphere that feels both serene and deeply considered,' Simon explains.

'Ultimately, the magic of robin-egg-blue is in its balance: refined but approachable, soothing but characterful. It’s a shade that quietly elevates a room and lingers in the memory long after you’ve left.'