It’s a primary shade in the era of quiet luxury.
In the era of “quiet luxury,” a taupe colour is a primary shade. “Taupe doesn’t shout for attention. Instead, it whispers sophistication,” says Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs in Dallas. Though it may seem ubiquitous, taupe can be tricky to put a finger on. “When considering a taupe colour palette, I refer to the word’s origin, which derives from the French word for ‘mole,’” says Emma Sims-Hilditch, creative founder of English design house Sims Hilditch. “This definition can straddle many tones—from warm to cooler shades of brown-grey or grey-brown.” A versatile colour, taupe can provide a unifying accent or a fresh alternative to the monotony of white walls.
To that end, we tapped some of our favourite designers for their expert tips on decorating with taupe, whether you’re after a stealth wealth bedroom or a maximalist living room with greige colour blocking. The perfect taupe decor is totally DIY-able.
What colour is truly taupe?
Taupe is on the spectrum between grey and brown. It can have warm or cool undertones, resembling anything from a dusty pink to stone grey. Behr has at least 22 shades of taupe, which shows the versatility of the colour.
When did taupe become popular?
A Dictionary of Colour places the first appearance of a colour described as “taupe” in early 19th-century England. While taupe has been around as a staunch neutral ever since, the rise of quiet luxury has undoubtedly increased interest in the grey-brown colour palette.
What are the basic rules for decorating with taupe?
“Incorporating taupe allows for versatility in design, providing a neutral foundation that can be easily enhanced. It’s a sophisticated neutral with depth. It strikes a perfect balance between warmth and neutrality, offering a timeless aesthetic that can evolve with changing trends,” says Beverly Hills–based interior designer Victoria Holly. She recommends embracing taupe’s versatility and take advantage of its neutral based to experiment with different textures, materials, and accent colours.
Curtis recommends using the neutral shade in well-lit spaces to showcase its warmth and versatility. Also, don’t forget to consider the undertones of taupe—some have warm tones, while others are cooler. Finally, Curtis warns against ignoring the overall style of the room. “Taupe can work in various design aesthetics, but it’s essential to complement the existing style,” she adds.
Pair light taupe with texture
“This Nantucket kitchen is a composition of lush textiles, natural materials, warm tones, clean lines, and curves,” says Melanie Coddington of San Francisco–based Coddington Design. “The palette of taupe and paprika was pulled from the landscape right outside the back door. In the autumn and winter, the beach grass turns a rich tawny orange colour.”
While a fireplace isn’t typical in a kitchen, it was a point of nostalgia for the homeowner, who fondly recalled her mom’s fireplace in her Vermont kitchen. In this kitchen, light taupe was the perfect neutral shade to pair with the texture of the mantle and the crisp white of the Holly Hunt pendant.
Use taupe to balance a dramatic element.
“In this primary en-suite, we opted for a stunning, heavily veined slab of purple marble for the countertop, which adds a touch of drama whilst being tonal and very liveable,” says Tiffany Duggan, founder of Studio Duggan. “Brass and black accents give the look a little edge—which always works well with taupe.”