Jennifer Lopez's classic living room color scheme will be just as in style in 100 years – experts love the cool, calming design

The singer swears by these simple colors for a living room design that will never date – the look is utterly timeless with relaxing benefits

Jennifer Lopez
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot via Getty Images)

White and gray are the colors that just keep coming back, and they look stylish as ever in Jennifer Lopez's home. The neutral shades are ever popular because of their cool, calming effects, that pair well with any space. Though warmer neutrals have grown more popular in recent years, these cool shades show no signs of fading.

J Lo.'s white and gray living room incorporates the colors into every aspect of the space. Her walls and curtains are white, as is her sofa. Gray comes in with a rug on her dark hardwood floors and an abundance of decorative pillows on the white couch. Though its incredibly simple, the timeless shades make the room immediately striking.

Interior design experts approve of the living room color scheme. Rebecca Ward, Sacremento-based Principal Designer states: 'White and Gray schemes are the epitome of classic design and will never be out of style, just think about the Carrara marble in Ancient Rome! White provides the best backdrop for any color. Gray is the perfect neutral because it can be warm or cool depending on the undertone. The two dance together providing a pleasant contrast with every shade of gray.'

Nitya Seth, interior designer at NITYANAMYA adds: 'White and gray are wonderful color choices for living rooms as they do not go out of style. White makes a room look bigger, brighter, fresher and cleaner, clears out light from all corners to make it appear larger than it is while grey adds depth making the place feel warmer ranging from modish coolness to snug warmth. They thus create a neutral background against which different tastes may be accommodated as one would require while decorating his/her dream living room.'

Furthermore, the look goes beyond interior design trends. Seth tells Homes & Gardens: 'Gray is a timeless and flexible color option. Regardless of how trends change, it can match with a multitude of different styles and colors. Even though certain shades of gray may become less fashionable, the color itself will not go out of style. It provides a neutral and elegant view of things which could develop along with homeowners’ tastes and preferences.'

modern gray and white living room

(Image credit: Kathy Kuo)

Shop the Edit

Accessories are the key to bringing a white and gray living room to the next level. In Jennifer Lopez's space, gray throw pillows, flowers, and family photos bring texture and warmth. Our living room styling edit features faux flowers that are unbelievably easy to care for, gray velvet pillow covers to add interest to any sofa, and a knitted throw blanket for bringing in even more texture.


If you plan to install Jennifer's modern living room idea in your own home, it starts with the base. Seth advises: 'For a well-coined living room in these colors, one has to start with the background. You can opt for light gray walls with crisp white moldings or white walls with gray wood furniture. This level can then be layered with different textures and highlights. Bring in a variety of grays through furnishings, carpets, and other accessories that will add interest and depth. You may use timber, metal, or glass for some contrast and warmth to avoid a monotonous appearance. Try including green plants and organic fabrics to keep the space alive.'

Jennifer Lopez wasn't the first to opt for a white and gray color scheme, and she certainly won't be the last. When you focus on texture and integrating warmth, it's easy to bring this design to the next level.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.