Design & Trends

A Ceasefire in my War Against Beige

A Ceasefire in my War Against Beige

Do you remember the last time beige was in style? Like, really in style?

I recall decorating the first apartment shared with my husband, back in 2011. While I wasn’t personally a huge fan of the color (or Not A Color, if you’re of a certain philosophy), it seemed everything cute for the home was some variation of beige or tan. Beige paisley bath rugs. Dishware with mix-and-match solid and beige floral print rims. Beige sheets. I then spent 2014 – 2019 trying to scrub the evidence.

My home is currently a mix of black and charcoal, warm-ish woods, and jewel tones. Early last year, I started to crave a warm-up to the space, seeking to replace our cool nickel living room rug with a warmer tone. Now, I’m looking at warm creams, alabasters – gasp, and even beiges – as accents to refresh the space. What’s happening here?

Beige is back, y’all!

Farrow & Ball just released their first new paint colors in 4 years, and three of the 11 are on the cream-beige continuum. Sherwin Williams’ Colormix Forecast 2023 heavily features beiges and warm taupes. Beige is popping up everywhere from pottery to upholstery, and in the rest of the fashion world. Last month, I bought my first beige blouse in a decade.

I see this as an extension of the overall warming trend in colors – the popularity of sages, terracotta, and warm reds, along with the general appreciation of natural materials and craft.

beige color swatchesHere’s a couple shades that work perfectly for a 2023 take on Beige:

Redend Point by Sherwin Williams – Sherwin Williams’ 2023 Color of the Year straddles the line between beige and terracotta, creating a bold, warm statement. “It delivers an enveloping warmth that instantly makes you feel at home. Build on its earthiness by utilizing the hue alongside natural-looking textiles and wood accents or create a desert oasis by layering terracotta shades and clay materials." — Sue Wadden, Director of Color MarketingSherwin-Williams

Shaker Beige by Benjamin Moore – This updated neutral plays well with other warm, saturated tones such as rusts or emeralds “This neutral paint color is the perfect backdrop to allow the art to take center stage.” — Marguerite Rodgers told Elle Décor

Stirabout by Farrow & Ball – One of their new 2023 paint colors, this is an earthy beige with a hint of underlying gray. “Stirabout is perfection and adds the right amount of warmth without diminishing the light.” – Crosby Designs

Kilim Beige by Sherwin WilliamsKylie Mawdsley from Kylie M Interiors declares this to be a warm beige “… that’s actually warmer and more intense than many of the other popular beige paint colors,” noting it’s a popular choice for clients with a mix of décor and styles.

Bleeker Beige by Benjamin Moore – A true beige that holds in various lighting situations. “Benjamin Moore’s Bleeker Beige is the perfect beige that holds true in sunlight and is subtle and highly adaptable." — Kendall Wilkinson told Elle Décor.

Beige Inspo

But wait, y’all, this is a ceasefire, not a love letter.

I’m not here to slather my home in sandy colors. I am, however, considering adding a few beige accents with a strictly modern twist, to avoid memories of the last “Beige Wave.” Here’s what I’m loving right  now:

beige Anacua House products

  • Natural stones: Warm alabaster with beige and tan detailing and taupe-y grey marble boards with modern beveled edges are a very 2023 upgrade to the continuing marble/stone trend. Try our alabaster trays and vases or modern Granada boards from The Collective.
  • Geometric prints: sharp geometric prints on throw blankets, pillows, wallpaper, and rugs keep the color from leaning too precious or rustic. Try our White Sands throw blanket from the Mineola Knitting Company or our Waves bath mat from Kiliim.
  • Asymmetrical, freeform, or curvy shapes: A modern interpretation of classic objects in the form of whimsical or natural shapes keeps a beige tone elevated. Try our lake centerpiece bowl from Danish design brand Stences or bubble-inspired, confetti-covered cream mugs from Portuguese ceramics brand Egg Back Home.

Are you looking to incorporate more beige into your home? In what ways?

 

angela signature

 

 

Reading next

Design Talk: Thea Bækkelund from Stences
Design Talk: A Maximalist Restaurant & Bar in Bangalore, India

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.