I wish I lived here: beige interiors – the new grey?

Grey might not be quite dead yet, but beige interiors are certainly giving it a run for its money. Dark grey walls and pale grey tones have given way to something much softer – a nature-inspired spectrum of off-whites, sandy hues, camel tones, taupes, milky creams, biscuit shades and oatmeal. Where the blue tones in grey mean it can be perceived as cold (especially in north-facing rooms), beiges are much warmer, no matter where they are used. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my greys, but neutral shades can often be more uplifting and less moody and downcast in feel. A beige room can feel calm, cosy, tranquil and serene, as these three Swedish homes attest to.

Beige needn’t be boring. Think of beige and you probably picture bland interiors decorated in standard, yellow-toned, magnolia paint. Today, beige interiors have been given a contemporary makeover, whether used on streamlined kitchen units, simple linen sofas, concrete effect paint and warm wood accessories. In these homes it forms a neutral backdrop for eye-catching vintage pieces and brighter, more colourful accents. The key to making beige interiors interesting is using texture (contrasting soft with hard, smooth with rough for example) and pattern (even if it’s just the arrangement of the kitchen tiles) to add depth and intrigue to a space. Black and white picture frames pop out against beige walls, while plants breathe a bit of life to a neutral interior.

1. Pale beige kitchen with white walls
I love this kitchen, it’s almost like a contemporary take on a shaker kitchen with simple, panelled units. Metro tiles and small, minimal handles keep it modern and urban in feel. Beige here is brightened with clean, white walls and lime-washed/light, oiled wooden floors. With pale wooden furniture and terracotta plants, this space is embracing nature and bringing the outside in.

The living room is much lighter in tone, with a velvety cream rug and natural linen sofa. The open shelving unit adds personality and detail to a space that could otherwise have been quite bare (well, except for that chimney breast!). It also creates a nice focal point when you look through the double doors from the kitchen.

images: Jonas Berg for Stadshem

2. Soft beige walls with warm wood and red accents
How cosy does this home feel? It makes me want to light all the candles, cook a lovely dinner for two and then settle on the sofa. I’m not normally drawn to the colour red but here it provides a lovely warm accent. Sometimes just one colourful cushion is all you need. And some fresh flowers of course – what a great idea to display Spring bulbs in a big, beautiful bowl on the kitchen table.

Styling: Grey Deco, images Janne Olander for Stadshem

3. Contemporary beige kitchen with vintage details
I love the mix of old and new in this home. The clean lines of the contemporary, beige kitchen are softened with natural textures, brass accessories and vintage details. It’s eclectic while still maintaining a light, airy feel. The green of the old, industrial cabinet really pops against the off-white walls. Mustard accents pull the whole look together, creating an inviting, stylish space.

Which home would you like to live in?

Images: Alvhem