For years now, we’ve been seeing a lot of high contrast tones in homes. Walls have been painted in either light and airy tones, or really dark and moody, and not much in-between. This trend has gone really hard and I’ve definitely happily been a part of that.
In fact, I even remember painting the reading room in our last house a green color and not even a year later, we ended up painting it an even darker green. Darker! Moodier! And elsewhere–white paint ruled main spaces. With “most popular white paint colors” being the top of Google searches for the last several years.
Now, I’m noticing colors landing on more of a middle ground again, and maybe you’ve noticed too? I’m really excited about the in-betweens.
I love the way that these mid-tones are a little softer on the eyes–gentle and, in a way, mesmerizing to me. So feast your eyes on these lower contrast rooms, and tell me your thoughts. Are you in favor of this trend, or are you already missing the high contrast tones?
via Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
And of course, there’s our living room we painted Farrow & Ball Pigeon.
Those are some beautiful images! I love the look, but I don’t think my house can pull it off! I’ve got to choose paint colors for my kitchen cabinets, and I think the tone-on-tone look is just a little more than I can manage in my 90s house. I think I need to accept her for what she is – a suburban 90s home!
I don’t think midtones ever went out of style in average homes. In fact, I’d say its the most prevalent wall color choice among friends, families, and houses on the market in my area. But your inspo photos are all muddier versions of a typical mid-tone color. I’d say that plus the tone on tone wood work is the new trend and I’m here for that!
It ALWAYS takes me awhile to acclimate…I just gravitate to the darker, richer colors…so…sticking w/w/I love!! franki
I also agree that a basic home with no character aka 80’s, 90’s, and even homes in the early 2000’s don’t really have the trim details and the character for these mid tones. Yes in an older colonial or a new custom high end will all sorts of trim work, sure midtone it up. I like using mid tones on furniture pieces. My walls have been all. Dark and moody, midtones, and now creamy not stark white. It’s much cozier in my 70’s ranch in the woods. I’ve mixed it with midtone furniture pieces and midtone rugs. You don’t alway have to paint walls to hit the trends. Sometimes furniture can be painted if an entire wall or room isn’t your thing.
Gorgeous! Love the mid-tones. Hope the move is going well!