Color of the Month: Decorating with Taupe

While “taupe” usually brings visions of drabness and dullness, in reality it’s a warm, earthy, sophisticated shade that just so happens to be stylish. It’s soft and subtle without being blah; related to gray but warmer and richer, combining the best features of gray and beige. Pantone’s top ten colors for spring includes Iced Coffee, a strong, stable “transitional color” in the taupe family that’s expected to “take us through the seasons.”

Taupe works with all palettes and styles, even stark pairings like black and white. While it’s considered a neutral, it quietly makes a fashionable statement on both large fundamental areas (like walls and floors) and smaller accents (such as lights, textiles, furniture, and other fixtures and accessories).

Not convinced? These homes showcase the awesome potential of taupe in every room of the house.

Taupe is tranquil in the bath:

Bathroom by D’Cruz Design Group Sydney Interior Designers
Avanity Delano Bathroom Vanity Combo
Fairmont Design Belle Fleur Vanity

A cozy and welcoming living room:

Living Room by Rachel Reider Interiors

 

Family Room by Amoroso Design

 

Living Room by Amoroso Design

 

Living Room via Houzz.com
A soothing bedroom (choose a darker shade for more warmth):
Bedroom by Cardea Building Co.

 

Bedroom by Michael Abrams Limited

 

Bedroom by Chalet
An elegant or casual kitchen or dining room (depending on shade and coordinating colors):
Kitchen by Cedarglen Homes

 

Kitchen by Frankel Building Group

 

Kitchen by Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.

 

Dining Room by Michelle’s Interiors

 

Photo credit: Greg Riegler Photography

 

Dining Room by Laura U, Inc.
Add visual interest without distraction to a transitional space like a hall, stairway, or entry:
Entry by Amoroso Design

 

Hall by Visbeen Architects

 

Photo credit: Spacecrafting / Architectural Photography

 

Entry by Raymac Remodeling
Taupe is the perfect finish for warm yet modern lighting:
Arteriors Rittenhouse Large 6-Light Antique Silver Chandelier
Arteriors Drea Lamp

And ideal for exteriors, complementing – but not blending with – the surrounding landscape:

Exterior by BEHR®

 

Exterior by Studiobuild

 

Exterior by Cella Architecture
What do you think of this month’s Color? What color would you like to see featured? Let us know in the comments!
yael