Beige is Back: How to Incorporate the 'New Neutral' into Your Home Decor
Last Updated on May 20, 2024 by SampleBoard
Beige. It's the color of sand, of straw, of neutrality. And lately, it's been having a moment in the design world.
If you're considering giving your home a makeover but don't want to go too crazy with color, beige is the perfect solution.
The color "Beige" has long been considered a boring color, but that's no longer the case.
Designers are now using beige in new and interesting ways, pairing it with other colors or using it as a neutral backdrop for bolder shades.
Beige is also incredibly versatile - it can work in any room in your house, from the living room to the bedroom to the kitchen.
If you're looking for a fresh and stylish way to update your home, consider going with beige. It might just be the perfect hue for you.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
The Color Beige Introduction
After a decade of grey dominating the interior design world, we find ourselves desperately seeking warmer, more reassuring hues.
Grey might still be the homeowners’ number one choice when it comes to neutrals, but we can sniff the change in the air and it smells so, so refreshing!
The days of optimism and retromania are pushing us toward warmer color schemes with off-whites, champagne, and beige as the foundation colors of the new aesthetic.
Once considered boring and uninspiring, the beige
Who usually end up being early adopters of the most promising interior trends.
If you are looking to create a sophisticated retreat from the overwhelming hustle of the outside world, warm off-white hues tend to be the most reasonable choice.
They create a calm, resting environment, allowing us to unwind and regroup our thoughts and feelings.
Key characteristics
You will find beige and off-whites in many forms.
From beautifully layered minimalist tone-on-tone concepts to classic elegance bursting with ornamentations and details. Beige seems to be working well with just about any interior style.
However, earthy boho and new Scandi have been growing on us lately and have become our favorites.
Decorating with beige can be both very simple and a bit tricky.
The fine line between blah and wow look resides in the carefully styled layers of texture. Providing interest to the otherwise monotone space.
Jute rugs, wool throws, seagrass baskets, linen fabrics, dried flowers, wooden furniture, and room dividers, all add plenty of character, help elevate the room, and make it feel cozier.
Beige and off-white go hand in hand with our desire to surround ourselves with natural materials.
We are going back to basics and focusing on tactility rather than visual excitement.
We seek refuge from the overly digital, attention-grabbing world we live in, so our homes take on a more earthy, organic feel.
Dulux was the first to report on this trend with their Spiced Honey as the color of the year back in 2019.
Their choice might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But they’ve definitely hit the right direction which is still trending now, years later.
Beige feels welcoming and refined. It’s sunny, sandy, and warm.
An epitome of elegance and class, beige evokes feelings of royalty and sophistication.
It’s subtle, serene, and dignified.
It tends to be more appealing to adults than to kids and teenagers, but, if the interior is well-designed, everyone can learn to appreciate its subtle, natural vibe.
Sherwin Williams' Accessible Beige
Sherwin Williams' Accessible Beige (SW 7036) is a popular neutral paint color known for its versatility and widespread use in home interiors.
However, keep in mind that paint colors and product information may have evolved since then.
Accessible Beige is part of Sherwin Williams' neutral color palette, and it falls within the beige spectrum.
It is often celebrated for its ability to complement various design styles. Providing a warm and welcoming backdrop for different decor elements.
The color has a neutral undertone, which means it can work well with both warm and cool color schemes.
Here are some key characteristics of Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige:
- Neutral Undertone: Accessible Beige is neutral with a subtle mix of warm and cool undertones. This makes it adaptable to different lighting conditions.
- Versatility: This color is versatile and can be used in various rooms, from living areas to bedrooms and beyond. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice for homeowners and designers.
- Complementing Other Colors: Accessible Beige can easily complement a wide range of colors, allowing for creative freedom in choosing accent pieces, furniture, and other decor items.
- Light Reflectance: Like many neutral colors, Accessible Beige tends to reflect light well, creating a bright and airy feel in a room.
Before finalizing any paint color, it's advisable to obtain a sample and test it in different lighting conditions within the space you intend to paint. Lighting can significantly influence how a color appears.
How do you decorate with the color Beige
Beige is a great color to use when decorating your home.
It can be used as an accent color or as a neutral background color.
When using beige as an accent color, you can add pops of color with pillows, throws, and other accessories.
If you want to use beige as a neutral background color, you can paint your walls in a light beige shade and then add brighter colors to your furniture and accessories.
Beige is also a great color to use in bedrooms and living rooms because it has a calming effect.
When building a color scheme for a minimalist space, go for the beige + white + black combo.
For the boho desert or Modern Mediterranean interior style, think about earthy shades such as rust.
And if you are feeling playful and brave enough to aim for the eclectic - pastels might be a fine choice.
How do you feel about beige in interior design? Are you ready to ditch the greys and indulge in this warm interior color trend?
How do you modernize beige?
When it comes to the world of interior design, the color beige often evokes a sense of tradition and timelessness.
However, to stay current and embrace the ever-evolving trends of modern design, it is important to find unique ways to infuse this classic hue with a contemporary twist.
1. Embrace Texture and Pattern:
One of the simplest ways to modernize beige is by incorporating interesting textures and patterns into your design.
Consider adding a textured wallpaper or a patterned area rug to create visual interest and depth.
These elements will add a touch of contemporary flair to any beige-dominated space, elevating it to new heights of style and sophistication.
2. Introduce Accents of Color:
While beige serves as an excellent base color, it truly comes to life when paired with carefully chosen accent shades.
Experiment with bold, vibrant hues such as emerald green, navy blue, or even a pop of coral to create a striking juxtaposition against the neutral backdrop.
These accents will inject energy and a sense of modernity into the space, instantly transforming its overall aesthetic.
3. Opt for Sleek Furniture and Accessories:
To achieve a modern look, it is crucial to select furniture and accessories that boast clean lines and minimalist designs.
Replace bulky pieces with sleek, streamlined options that exude contemporary elegance.
Incorporate materials like glass, metal, and Lucite to add a touch of glamour and create visually stunning focal points within the space.
4. Play with Lighting:
An often overlooked element in interior design, lighting has the power to completely transform a space.
By strategically placing different light sources, such as pendant lights or floor lamps, you can create dramatic shadows and highlights that showcase the beauty of beige in a modern and captivating way.
Experiment with different lighting fixtures and intensities to achieve the desired atmosphere and bring your beige-dominated space to life.
Remember, the key to modernizing beige lies in striking a balance between tradition and innovation.
By infusing your design with unique textures, accent colors, sleek furniture, and captivating lighting, you will create a space that not only showcases the inherent elegance of beige but also embodies the spirit of modernity.
What color looks best with beige?
Beige is a versatile and neutral color that pairs well with a wide range of other colors.
Here are some color combinations that work well with beige:
- White: A classic combination, beige and white create a clean and sophisticated look.
- Gray: Beige and gray together offer a calm and balanced palette, suitable for various design styles.
- Taupe: A close relative to beige, taupe enhances the warmth and depth of a beige color scheme.
- Navy Blue: Beige and navy create a timeless and elegant contrast, balancing warmth and depth.
- Charcoal: Dark charcoal or deep gray tones can add drama and sophistication to a beige color scheme.
- Soft Pastels: Beige pairs well with soft pastel colors like blush pink, light blue, and mint green for a delicate and serene look.
- Olive Green: Earthy tones like olive green complement beige, creating a nature-inspired and harmonious atmosphere.
- Chocolate Brown: Deep brown shades add richness and warmth to beige, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.
- Gold or Brass Accents: Metallic gold or brass elements can enhance the elegance of beige, creating a touch of luxury.
- Sage Green: Soft and muted sage green works well with beige, bringing in a refreshing and nature-inspired feel.
- Coral or Terracotta: Warm hues like coral or terracotta can add vibrancy and energy to a beige color scheme.
- Teal: Teal creates a bold and striking contrast with beige, adding a modern and sophisticated touch.
Remember, the specific shade of beige can also impact how it pairs with other colors.
So it's always a good idea to test color combinations in your specific space and lighting conditions before making a final decision.
Additionally, personal preferences and the overall design aesthetic play a crucial role in determining the ideal color combinations for your home decor.
Interior design styles that go well with the color beige?
Crisp and Clean:
To create a fresh and modern ambiance, consider pairing beige with shades that exude purity and cleanliness.
Delicate whites, ranging from pure snow to soft ivory, effortlessly enhance the inherent elegance of beige, creating a serene and refined space.
This combination emphasizes the subtle beauty of both hues and introduces a timeless aesthetic that is both peaceful and welcoming.
Bold and Dynamic:
For those daring souls seeking a captivating contrast, injecting a palette of vibrant, bold colors into your design can be an exhilarating choice.
Deep, rich jewel tones, such as emerald green, sapphire blue, or amethyst purple, pulse with an energetic brilliance against the backdrop of beige.
These dramatic hues create a captivating juxtaposition, infusing the space with an air of luxury and providing an exciting visual experience.
Earthy and Natural:
Inspired by the magnificent wonders of nature, an earthy color palette harmonizes flawlessly with beige, creating a comforting and grounded atmosphere.
Rich browns, warm terracotta, and gentle olive tones evoke a sense of tranquility and rustic elegance.
This combination seamlessly merges the timeless charm of beige with the nurturing embrace of the natural world.
Resulting in a space that feels connected to the environment and soothing to the soul.
Subtle Neutrals:
When seeking a harmonious blend of colors that exudes sophistication and elegance, consider incorporating soft neutrals alongside beige.
Shades like dove gray, soft taupe, sage green, and muted greige form a refined and subtle palette that complements the understated beauty of beige.
While infusing the space with a touch of contemporary grace.
This combination allows for a versatile foundation, creating a backdrop that effortlessly accommodates any design direction.
Remember, the colors that coalesce with beige are not merely complementary, but integral in orchestrating a symphony of design.
Embrace our empowering palette suggestions and let your creative vision soar, as you discover the transformative power of color.
The beige interior trend inspiration:
Image source: Remodelista
Image source: Nordic Design
Photo: Sean Fennessy
Image source: Design Anthropology Mag
Image source: My Paradissi
Image source: Alvhem
Image source: architetturaxtutti
Image source: DeVOL Kitchens
Image source: El Mueble
Image source: @tthese_beautiful_thingss
Image source: Coco Lapin
Image source: Passion Shake
