Make a Beige Interior Stylish and Unboring — Is It Really Possible?

Many people love beige interiors—they seem neutral and unobtrusive. However, in recent times, they have come to be seen as boring and outdated. Together with designers, we explore whether it's worth betting on this palette and what to consider.

Timur Abrakhamanov: "Painting an apartment in beige is yesterday's news"

"An apartment in one color, traditional finishing in 'beige-like' tones — this is a lack of desire to show individuality. Why did only this pastel tone survive among pastels — a mystery. It's better to replace it with noble dark blue — deep and rich".

Natalia Preobrazhenskaya: "Accentuate beige with soft but interesting tones"

"For a non-boring interior, take transparent beige as the base and accentuate it with other soft but interesting tones — mint, lavender, gray-blue. Pastel color combinations are especially appropriate for bedrooms, creating a feeling of coolness and calm associated with memories of the sea".

Olga Rayskaya: "Add color accents to a calm interior"

"In the redesign project of a house in Domodedovo, I bet on beige tones. They read as in the finishing, furniture and decor — resulting in a very calm and family-like warm interior. To avoid monotony, I added light yellow color accents".

Checklist: Is it worth decorating a beige interior? And if yes, what to consider?

If following trends is a principle for you, it's better to choose another calm base color — for example, dark blue. But if comfort and a 'warm' interior are prioritized, say 'yes' to beige. To avoid monotony and outdated look, blend beige with color accents. For a feeling of coolness and serenity, choose mint, lavender, or gray-blue as accents. For dynamism, a light yellow works well.

Design: Ariana Ahmad, Tatiana Karyakina

What do Western designers think?

Tisha Gild: "Beige is a cunning color"

"Look how beautifully it accentuates cool lilac or blue, how lovely the sand or eco-tone of linen is… Although there is also such thing as 'hotel' beige that turns a room into a thick, sticky soup.

I always use basic colors as a frame for a vibrant palette, using them with 'confidence and caution'. This is my working principle, my motto".

Design: Tisha Gild

Jean-Louis Denio: "Beige can become a great background"

"Try to ensure that your entire apartment or house has no more than three bright colors — and beige can be an excellent background. This approach helps create a sense of harmony in the space. By the way, when we talk about beige color in interior design, we immediately picture it as a very safe place".

Design: Jean-Louis Denio

Jonathan Adler: "Don't be afraid of bright colors"

"Don't be afraid of bright colors in interior design. Life is too short to live in an endless haze of beige".

Design: Jonathan Adler

On the cover: design project by Lyubov Klyueva.