2 min readWhile interior designers have long advocated bringing bold color back into homes, that sentiment still hasn’t fully reached the mainstream, especially in the United States.
“The American design scene is suffering from an epidemic of beigeness,” designer Oliver M. Furth tells House Beautiful’s editorial director Joanna Saltz in the latest episode of The Next Issue series. He goes on to explain that he doesn’t simply mean there’s a heavy usage of cream and ivory tones, per se, but more so a beigeness in terms of banality—almost like a “copy-paste” phenomenon of disposable rooms that could belong to anyone.
At its core, the issue comes down to personality—and how difficult it can be to express through design. People often hire interior designers not only because they lack the time or technical expertise to decorate their homes but because designers bring a creative confidence to the process. A professional isn’t afraid to introduce color when it suits the client’s vision, and they’re skilled at reassuring homeowners that yes, an oxblood wall or another moody shade really can work in a living room.
For someone decorating on their own, though, that confidence can be harder to find. According to Furth, this “beige epidemic” stems from a fear of trusting one’s own taste. Neutral palettes feel safer and more approachable than vibrant hues, but they can also leave homes feeling indistinguishable from one another, almost factory-made. “Color is luxury,” Furth adds. “Color is choice, but it is also living without fear.”
There are, however, easy ways to pull oneself out of this monotonous cycle and infuse some character into the home without diving headfirst into the rainbow. Looking for some inspiration is a good place to start and can help inform you of what you like. Flip through the latest issue of House Beautiful, check out our home tours online, or scroll through Pinterest to find photos of rooms that resonate with you and what you want. Then, infuse the hues you like slowly, adding in little things around your home for added color, like a vase, candleholder, throw pillows, and lampshades.
As your confidence grows, experiment with layering patterns and textures to add depth and dimension. Paint is another easy, low-commitment way to explore color—it’s far more affordable than replacing large furniture pieces and often simple enough to tackle yourself. And if you end up disliking the shade, you can always paint over it and try again.
For more design insights from The Next Issue, visit our Instagram or watch the full episode below.
