For years, grey has reigned supreme in the world of interiors. But like all trends, its time in the spotlight is fading. A welcome shift is upon us, with warmer, more inviting tones taking centre stage. Yes – beige is back! But this isn’t your grandma’s beige. This is a sophisticated, revitalised spectrum of natural, earthy hues that have the power to transform your home into a haven of comfort and style.
It’s time to move on from the cool, composed greys of recent years. In its place, design trends are embracing the richness of warm putty, the grounding depth of plaster, the sun-baked appeal of clay and the rustic charm of terracotta. And, just a shade or two down, it’s linen’s airy lightness and the simplicity of natural tones that also feature in this new beige world.
Think sun-drenched Tuscan villas, cozy Moroccan riads, and the understated elegance of Scandinavian minimalism. These have all been rolled into one beautifully curated new trend.
This resurgence of warmth isn’t just about colour; it’s about creating a feeling. These earthy tones evoke a sense of calm and connect us with nature to make a welcoming atmosphere that grey can lack. This cheerier palette brings comfort to spaces making them feel lived-in and loved, rather than showroom perfect.
Why the shift?
The move away from grey towards warmer tones reflects a broader swing towards embracing natural materials and creating spaces that nurture our wellbeing. After years of sleek, minimalist interiors it seems like we’re craving more tactile, human-centric environments.
We want our homes to be sanctuaries, places where we can relax, recharge, and connect with ourselves and loved ones. These warmer, more natural tones are the perfect foundation for achieving that.
The Magic of Matt Finishes
Adding to this trend is the growing popularity of matt, soft finishes. The high-gloss, ultra-modern look is giving way to a more forgiving tactile, organic aesthetic. Chalky paints, textured plaster finishes and natural stone with a honed finish are all surfaces that add depth and character to a space. They also diffuse light beautifully, creating a soft, inviting ambiance. The result is understated but luxurious.
How to Incorporate the Trend
Here’s your ABC guide to getting this new warmer look.
Start with the walls: Consider wall coverings and paint in a warm putty, a soft plaster tone, or a light linen shade. Alternatively, explore the many textured tile options that add in an inviting, earthy feel.
Introduce natural materials: Bring in elements like wood flooring, stone tiles and woven textures. Porcelain, despite being manufactured, is entirely made of natural materials and offers almost every natural colour and texture you could imagine.
Layer with textiles: Add warmth and texture with throws, cushions, and curtains in natural fabrics like linen, wool, and cotton and woven textures. A jute rug would be absolutely perfect. It’s easy to choose colours that complement natural walls and floors as almost everything does.
Accessorise with intention: If you’re dedicated to charity shops, antique fairs or car boot sales, why not see what you can find? Woven baskets, vintage ceramics, wood or even metal objects could be just the ticket to your unique look.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match: The beauty of this trend lies in its versatility. Experiment with different shades and textures. You’ll end up with a truly personalised space.
Let’s get ready to warm up
This shift towards warmer tones and matt finishes feels like more than a fleeting trend. It’s time to embrace the warmth and think about ditching the endless grey for more comfortable, natural and inviting homes.
Our advice on colour schemes and options for wall and floor coverings is legendary in Windsor! With a stack of catalogues, a design table, our creative fair and knowledge of all things tile and flooring… isn’t it time you popped in for the MC² experience?
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Here’s our pick of the MC² online ‘beige’ options
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