Is beige the new grey?

Loren 2 Seater Sofa - www.furniturechoice.co.uk 

“Cosy interior trends have been taking over the interior world over the last few years, from ‘soft minimalism’, ‘quiet luxury’ and ‘monochrome decor’. This modern aesthetic which prioritises texture and relaxation, calls for a sophisticated and timeless neutral palette that grounds the room. This is where beige comes in as it ticks all the cosy boxes. 

Beige’s strength lies in its versatility — as a light yellowish brown with a greyish tinge, there are so many variations of beige tones from pale cream-like hues like ecru and dove, stone, taupe, greige, to khaki. Similar to the magnolia trend that dominated UK homes in the 1980s and 90s, this can be seen as a soft revival with a contemporary touch. Paint companies have been launching many subtle beige, taupe and greige shades that you can introduce to your home by layering them subtly to add character and depth. For those keen to experiment, painting two walls next to each other slightly different shades of beige makes the space feel more lived-in and less one-dimensional. 

Beige’s associations with the earth give it a calming, relaxing and neutral vibe, making it a shoo-in for interior trends like Japandi, earth tones and biophilic design. Our homes are now places we retreat to from the chaos of the outside world, keeping us grounded in our personal spaces. Pairing beige with natural textures like cotton, linen, wool, stone or wood brings out its soft, comforting nature, making your space feel warm and inviting.

Loren Armchair - www.furniturechoice.co.uk 

The current popularity of beige can also be seen as a reaction to grey’s popularity over the last few years. While both are neutrals, beige has a warm undertone that’s perfect for layering and mixing different tones, unlike grey’s cool undertone. For beige, you can pair it with light creams and off-whites to lighten the room, or you can go darker with deep brown tones like rust, terracotta or try out Pantone’s Colour of the Year Mocha Mousse. 

Wood is a key accent to complement beige. As a key part of interior trends like biophilic design, Scandi interiors and mid-century modern design, the type of wood tone you choose will influence the vibe of your room. Pairing beige with dark woods like walnut adds a hint of drama while lighter woods such as oak make the space feel light and airy while adding texture. If you want to give your room a bit of edge, painting the wooden accents black will make the room feel more contemporary and sharpen the overall look.

Whether it's classic or contemporary interiors, beige’s influence and versatility can’t be denied.”

For more tips on beige living rooms, check out our guide for inspiration.