What images does the term "beige" evoke for you? sandy beach ? A traditional trench coat? A mug of coffee with cream? Although these items evoke nice images linked to the color beige, numerous individuals see the neutral hue As dull, indifferent, or perhaps even monotonous. However, beige merits another glance, particularly within interior design contexts. Actually, beige serves as a versatile, cozy neutral shade capable of fitting into numerous settings.
"Beige serves as an ideal canvas for crafting your interior design narrative," according to interior designer Phillip Thomas It provides unparalleled versatility for designers and design aficionados to expand their creativity. I view beige as an all-season neutral base since it allows for varying degrees of intensity that complement nearly every hue under the sun.
Thomas points out that beige serves as a reliable constant neutral shade, noting, "Unlike many other neutrals which tend to alter their appearance when combined with different hues, beige maintains its inherent color quality without changing drastically alongside various shades. As an illustration, gray may frequently transform into tones of green, blue, or brown when mixed with other pigments, rendering it quite difficult to utilize effectively."
Interior Designer and Contributing Editor at DIWIDA Joy Moyler highlights how beige serves as a foundation for other hues, offering respite when necessary, "balancing out richer tones when they are placed adjacent to each other."
Therefore, which hues complement beige in design? Continue reading to discover this, including particular paint shades you might opt for.
Dark Blue
Deep blues in various tones complement beige beautifully (indeed, the dramatic sea and smooth sand blend seamlessly in their natural setting!). As an interior designer, I find this color combination quite appealing. Stephanie Sabbe is partial to Philipsburg Blue by Benjamin Moore , a rich historical blue that she likes complementing with a neutral beige. A somewhat deeper shade of this blue is Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball , described by Moyler as "a rich, deep blue" with a touch of gray."
Light Blue
Consider combining a pale blue that leans towards gray with your beige color scheme. Solitude by Benjamin Moore This particular shade serves as a great illustration of that tone, according to Sabbe, who claims it will produce a soothing atmosphere in a space without diminishing the vibrancy of color usage. Thomas tends towards Harbor Haze by Benjamin Moore , and Sabbe adds that this combination will produce a calming color scheme when paired with beige.
Dark Green
When combined with beige, a deep, rich, intensely saturated dark green can make the beige look crisper, "as though you're taking a profound stroll through the woods," Moyler notes, mentioning Absolutely Green by Benjamin Moore as a spokesperson for this color.
Light Green
When selecting a light green shade to pair with beige, Sabbe prefers A sprig of Rosemary by Benjamin Moore It represents the particular hue of light green that complements beige perfectly. As Sabbe describes it, "this green has a fun and playful quality yet, when combined with beige, achieves an elegance suitable for more refined settings."
Gray
As you look for the ideal gray to complement beige, opt for darker, more somber tones that border on being nearly black, according to Moyler. She recommends this approach. Hopper Head by Farrow & Ball , which she describes as wonderful for a contemporary setting, blending "yin and yang" particularly well with a vibrant beige."
Greige
Gray also pairs nicely with beige. According to Thomas, he frequently enjoys combining beige with another neutral like greige. "Incorporating warm gray hues with beige demonstrates the versatility that beige possesses," he explains. "Blending beige and greige can enhance beige, giving it a more refined appearance." In this situation, his preferred color choice is? Fawn Infant by Benjamin Moore .
Yellow
Thomas indicates that deep yellows have the ability to make beige tones appear more luminous, noting, "Deep yellow hues can also produce a warming radiance that envelops people inside a space." For achieving this ambiance, he suggests utilizing York Harbor Yellow by Benjamin Moore .
Orange-Red
Moyler thinks that an orange-red shade complements beige nicely, "as it casts a gentle shadow over the beige tones, which looks very attractive during sunset." She recommends incorporating this color combination. Red Planet by Benjamin Moore As a collaborator with Beige, referring to it as "a vibrant mix of burnt orange and red."
Lime
Looking to add some excitement to your neutral tones? Consider incorporating hues of lime. According to Thomas, these highly saturated colors can make a significant impact. Douglas Fir by Benjamin Moore demonstrates that beige serves as an ideal neutral backdrop when paired with various colors.
Pink
Gentle pastel pinks complement beiges beautifully. "Pink is one of my favorites," Thomas remarks. "Similar to beige, this shade casts a gentle, warm glow that enhances anyone’s appearance in spaces adorned with these colors." He has a special fondness for Coral Illuminated by Benjamin Moore with shades of beige.
To explore an alternative shade when blending pink with beige, you might want to look at Moyler’s suggestion of Smoked Trout from Farrow & Ball I call it 'a masculine shade of pink' because it possesses a gentle quality without feeling too traditionally pink. This hue is remarkably calming.