July is National Anti-Boredom Month – a month that celebrates all things bold and exciting. Basically all things that are not “beige.” But beige doesn’t have to be boring. If done correctly, beige can be an interesting color that serves as the perfect backdrop for the rest of your design.

Although beige is synonymous with “dull” in most instances, when it comes to color, beige helps keep things exciting. An accent wall of deep plum or fiery red would not be nearly as dramatic without anchoring neutral walls. And how would the pops of color offered by your accessories “pop” without an unassuming backdrop?

The purpose of neutrals is not always just to offset other colors. Mixing tones and textures of neutrals can create a fresh, clean look.

Neutrals like beige are no longer a one-dimensional. Popular neutrals have taken on more of a chameleon-like quality that allows them to shift and change based on the light source and surrounding colors.

If you’re considering using a neutral color like beige as the backdrop to your space, consider a more edgy neutral like gray or blue instead. Even though you may not initially think of these colors as neutrals, they actually play quite well with other colors and are classic enough to last through changing color fads.

 

Kathy Basil, of Hirshfield’s Design Resource, found Hirshfield’s 0217, Oak Tone is a great beige-gray crossover color. Working with homeowners who want to use gray, but have too many “hard” givens (existing finishes), Oak Tone helps make a smooth transition into the world of gray. To find the perfect neutral for your space, stop in to your local Hirshfield’s and speak with a color expert!