Color Crush: Not So Beige
Beige does NOT need to = Boring! We are absolute lovers of color and we have to remember that includes neutrals as well. While there is not necessarily a wrong way to do a neutral room, there is definitely a right way, so we wanted to give some tips on how to use this color trend. See the 4 important rules these neutral spaces follow to pack a designer punch.
1.TEXTURE, TEXTURE, TEXTURE
This is the KEY to pulling off a masterful beige room. Adding texture is a great starting point to take your space and make it not so beige. Velvets, linens, woods, wallpaper... all add visual interest. When using a neutral tone such as beige these materials create an added sense of interest. In this example, Andres Escobar of Lemay + Escobar uses a wide mix of texture to make a simple color scheme lively and visually exciting.
Design by Andres Escobar of Lemay + Escobar
2. MATERIAL MIX
Any great room uses a combination of materials to the space. Especially when going with a neutral, monotone look, it's important to mix up your material choice to keep things interesting. This not only offers a different hand, but different materials give off a different tone depending on their lustrous the surface is or not.
Design by Drew McGukin
3. MAKE A STATEMENT
Choose furniture and lighting with interesting shapes and sculptural qualities. This will ensure that you have some statement pieces in the mix. We are loving all of the sculptural table and floor lamps we've been seeing used in spaces as they serve double duty - beauty & function.
4. IT'S ALL IN THE (ARCHITECTURAL) DETAILS
Details like this help to offset a tonal difference in the neutral color. Fireplaces, mantels, bookshelves, archways, and ceiling details are all items to consider when designing your not so beige paradise. This example by Emelia Jensen takes the moulding in this space and works it into the whole flow of the design, making it an essential element.
