Jenni Kayne’s LA home is a good example of the luxe American ‘Beige’ home. It’s designed by Vincent Van Duysen but its scale makes it look rather hotel-like. I think Beige is an American interpretation of Scandinavian minimalism; scaled up and flattened. I think it needs soul- texture, vintage and antique elements to succeed.
Loved this read and the image references. Our term has always been "bachelor beige", the color of a rent-controlled apartment in LA that hasn't been repainted in decades. It was definitely replaced with gray for a long time and now beige is back and I have to admit I'm happy about it.
I will confess to rather liking Magnolia - I came across it in the UK in the early 80s when it was already ubiquitous and generally despised, but I rather liked its warm vanilla creaminess.
And also, as someone who is leaning into the idea of a pinky beige to offset a lot of colour, I absolutely agree that it can be an interesting backdrop for liveliness or texture.
Thought provoking read Kate. I have two beige sofas in different styles and the walls are F&B’s Purbeck Stone with F&B Paisley wallpaper on the chimney breast in the Purbeck Stone colourway. I’ve then used greens, teal, and a thread of ochre to bring it to life. I have a large Anthropologie rug in beige, black and cream which anchors the space over not very attractive grey Amtico flooring which I hope to change in the future. Beige is a useful neutral and I much prefer it to the greys that have been everywhere in recent years.
Jenni Kayne’s LA home is a good example of the luxe American ‘Beige’ home. It’s designed by Vincent Van Duysen but its scale makes it look rather hotel-like. I think Beige is an American interpretation of Scandinavian minimalism; scaled up and flattened. I think it needs soul- texture, vintage and antique elements to succeed.
Completely agree with you. It’s great with antiques and dark wood and needs a lot of texture to remove the inherent flatness.
Loved this read and the image references. Our term has always been "bachelor beige", the color of a rent-controlled apartment in LA that hasn't been repainted in decades. It was definitely replaced with gray for a long time and now beige is back and I have to admit I'm happy about it.
I will confess to rather liking Magnolia - I came across it in the UK in the early 80s when it was already ubiquitous and generally despised, but I rather liked its warm vanilla creaminess.
And also, as someone who is leaning into the idea of a pinky beige to offset a lot of colour, I absolutely agree that it can be an interesting backdrop for liveliness or texture.
I’m for colour every time. Love Lily Allen’s place. Colour for me equals happiness. Who cares about keeping up with the Beiges.
I think Kelly Hoppen for interiors uses beige in such a luxe way.
Question: are we considering "beige" to be a yellow-based neutral, or is it being used to describe any 'off white' shade?
I've come to really like red-based neutrals and taupe-y shades but haven't made the leap to beige (beige-aissance?)
Thought provoking read Kate. I have two beige sofas in different styles and the walls are F&B’s Purbeck Stone with F&B Paisley wallpaper on the chimney breast in the Purbeck Stone colourway. I’ve then used greens, teal, and a thread of ochre to bring it to life. I have a large Anthropologie rug in beige, black and cream which anchors the space over not very attractive grey Amtico flooring which I hope to change in the future. Beige is a useful neutral and I much prefer it to the greys that have been everywhere in recent years.