Timeless Hues for Couches: Their Enduring Popularity in Interior Design
Movies, Sundays, and Cozy Escapes: chairs make a lasting impression
Chairs - more specifically couches - are a significant investment, both in terms of money and space. Apart from being a focal point for gatherings, they serve as momentary beds on lazy Sundays and offer a comfortable haven for delving into a good book.
Ideally, you'd want one that lasts, which is why experts recommend choosing a timeless color. Jenna Schnabel Wedemeyer, principal designer at Schnabel Interiors in Lexington, Kentucky, explains this decision extends the lifespan of the chair and keeps it relevant to any design changes.
So, what are the alternatives to the monotonous beige? Four designers reveal their top choices.
Jenna Schnabel Wedemeyer helms Schnabel Interiors in Lexington, Kentucky.
Bess Pooler is a designer at Summer House Lifestyle in Grayton Beach, Florida.
Alexis Earman heads The Woodbury Home in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Rachel Little is the owner and principal designer of Browne House Interior Design in Austin, Texas.
Green
Although the surging green trend has led to a wave of velvet moss-colored couches, Bess Pooler, designer at Summer House Lifestyle, argues that they've always had a place. "These furnishings lend an old-world library ambiance and add a timeless charm without fail," Pooler states. Pair them with thrifted oil paintings and brass hardware to complete the look.
Brown
Alexis Earman, the founder of The Woodbury Home, advocates a rich, earthy brown. She believes this neutral color, like beige, delivers the same warmth and timelessness. Brown, she contends, creates a welcoming, comfortable space with an added sense of sophistication. Moreover, it connects us to nature, instilling a laid-back, grounded feel into any room.
There's versatility to consider, too. Imagine luxe velvet for dramatic flair, soft boucle for cozy comfort, or performance linen for durability. A brown couch exudes a lived-in charm, making any space feel like home.
White
In the coastal South, according to Pooler, a white slipcovered couch persists in popularity. White offers a relaxed, tranquil vibe, and slipcovers can be easily bleached when (not if) stains occur. It blends seamlessly with various styles, making it a neutral that suits multiple aesthetics. While a longtime favorite in the South, white will remain classic, particularly in beachy areas.
Blue
For a vibrant splash of color that complements a timeless aesthetic, turn to blue. Rachel Little, owner and principal designer of Browne House Interior Design in Austin, Texas, notes that, "due to its range, it can either add a bold, dark depth with navy or create a breezy, ethereal ambiance with lighter hues." Many consider blue a neutral in its own right.
Camel
A current favorite for Schnabel Wedemeyer, she extols the virtues of camel, noting that "it's a richer, more atmospheric shift from off-white or lighter upholstery, and pairs harmoniously with a variety of other shades like blues, greens, browns, blacks, purples, even reds, or even oranges." In fabric forms like chenille or velvet, camel comes off as elegant and inviting. A buttery, camel leather sofa suits numerous design styles, from industrial to mid-century modern.
- Jenna Schnabel Wedemeyer, principal designer at Schnabel Interiors in Lexington, Kentucky, describes camel as a current favorite for furniture.
- In agreeing with the surging trend, Jenna Schnabel Wedemeyer from Schnabel Interiors suggests camel as a richer and more atmospheric alternative to off-white or lighter upholstery.
- The home, with its furniture, can incorporate various shades when using camel upholstery, as noted by Jenna Schnabel Wedemeyer from Schnabel Interiors.
- From the picks of four designers, a camel couch, as described by Jenna Schnabel Wedemeyer, offers a unique blend of elegance and inviting warmth for home decor.