Perk Up Your Beige Room!

If there is one top color used in decorating today it is beige. It has been seen all over interiors and exteriors for decades. It is a staple in most product color lineups from big to small. Designers have told consumers to pick a neutral for long term items such as carpets, sofas, tile and siding.

Before we explore the colors that give beige a bit of spice we need to define what makes beige. Beige is a light value of brown and brown is a tone from the orange family meaning that black and white have been added to neutralize it. Because orange is a combination of yellow and red it has a yellow side and a red side. Yellow base beiges are the most commonly found and can be described as tan, cream, ivory, buff and sand (257 Shortbread). The redder side of beige includes taupe, blush or rose beige (131 Summer Beige). When buying beige make sure you don’t compare one beige against another. It is easy to mistake a beige as being on the yellow side when comparing it against something red or blue then discover that it looks pink. To be safe you can select a more neutral beige that works with many more colors. (216 Earthling).

Add color to beige with accents on walls, pillows, accent rugs, or accessories to add excitement, drama, interest or to just liven up the space. Use a pop of color for a front door or shutters on beige exteriors.  The selected colors are just suggestions, they can be darker, lighter or more muted and still achieve a pleasing combination. Noted colors are from Color Is, the second number is for Colorizer colors.

1.  Aqua or turquoise (681 Pleasant Stream, 7503). This color family is enjoying a revival and is a perfect companion to its complementary or opposite color of beige.
2. Orange (1011 Semolina, 8590). This color is in the same family as the warm and neutral beiges and therefore it is ideal as an accent in a bland beige room.
3. Purple (1200 Felicia, 7503) is a happening color; it can be unexpected and dramatic for areas such as family rooms.
4. Terra Cotta (1061 April Love, 8629). This earthy color is a natural companion to the natural color of beige.
5. Don’t forget charcoal or black (529 Black Licorice, 8285). This neutral is a sophisticated addition to any beige environment.