It’s official! Beige is back. At this years premier furniture and designer trade shows, manufacturers have been showcasing the up and coming beige trends. Did you know there are five different undertones to beige: Green, Pink, Gold, Yellow and Orange. This means that choosing the right colour to co-ordinate with the correct undertone is crucial to getting the correct look and feel and to prevent clashing of colours.
For this outing however, we are not using it as paint for walls. Beige is making its come back as upholstery fabrics, drapery, accent pieces and flooring.
This hue delivers a warmer softer and altogther more inviting look and feel which can translate to every room in the house.
In the caribbean we can use the undertones of beige in materials that perfectly suit our climate and the look and feel of the spaces we aim to create. Wicker, wood, jute and sisal all have similar undertones and can be used together for a harmonious warm and welcoming space.
Set beige pieces besides white backdrops. Primarily paint the wallswhite as a background, which then, when paired with beige furniture, show case this warm hue of fixed elements and accessories that then become the star of the show.
I never thought I would be considering this colour back in my decorating repertoire but here we are! For years, I have been advising against painting walls this colour and changing out old boring sofas, but used in an updated and different medium, we can still incorporate this colour whilst dragging the look and feel into todays aesthetic making it look classic and timeless, not dated.
Here are some suggestions of how to incorporate beige into a colour scheme:
Set sisal and jute rugs as place holders in a room scheme, either under a bed, dining table or seating area.
Bold wicker or bamboo sofas and chairs can be placed inside or outside and dressed with accent pillows in an alternative colour. Royal blues and jewel tone greens can look stunning.
Lamps, lampshades and pendant lighting all have a part to play here. Many manufacturers are coming up with finer, lightweight and flexible mediums that play well for this look.
Don’t forget fabrics: from sunbrellas to crisp cottons and textured prints. These all play a part. Beige velvets and chenilles are increasingly popular for soft furnishings.
Unfinished white oak wood cabinets, doors or panelling look fresh in a kitchen setting. Add in a smidge of black to sharpen the scheme and deliver an edgy more trendy look.
Artwork and mirrors are a popular place to repeat this colour vertically. A triptych or mosaic of prints can look extemely effective.
Smaller decorative accessories are also easy to incorporate. Baskets for plants, placemats, soapstone pots, rope and bamboo all have beige undertones, so dot these about for a super decorated finish.
Finally
Never underestimate the power of plants and greenery. For a softer more tropical mix with beige make sure you utilise plants, ferns be it real or silks to complete the look and feel.