Coffeehouse Color Palettes Perk Up Rooms
Order up hues from latte to espresso, with maybe a sprinkling of cinnamon, for a richly layered space that comforts and energizes
The brilliant thing about colors in the brown spectrum is that they all work so seamlessly together, so using them really is foolproof. Pick three shades or more from the range (from deep espresso and rich mocha to golden caramel and foamed milk) and watch your room come together in a look that's richly layered and utterly comfortable. Tap into the rich, warm colors of frothy coffeehouse favorites for this easy color scheme, and your house will feel cozy long after the last leaves fall.
Blend warm neutrals for an easy, elegant look. The beauty of a coffeehouse-inspired color palette is that you can mix shades with abandon — in fact, the more the merrier. A warm cinnamon-brown sofa anchors this living room arrangement, supported by espresso drapes and pale latte-foam-colored walls.
Warm up the kitchen with elegant coffee and cream. This dream kitchen matches cool Carrara marble with rich, warm chocolate cabinetry and an oversize pendant shade over the breakfast nook, floating over pale floors. Rustic wood stools bridge the gap between light and dark, tying the space together and bringing organic appeal.
Make mine an espresso with steamed milk on top. Flipping the previous kitchen's color scheme on its head, this stunning space has dark espresso floors with cream-hued walls and crisp white cabinets. The champagne-colored subway tiles are more glamorous than standard white and tie the look together perfectly.
Rondo Gold Cutlery, 5-Piece Set
Add a luxe touch with gold accents. A flash of gold, bronze or copper is the perfect way to elevate a warm, neutral look. Lamps, ceramics, picture frames and flatware are all wonderful accents to choose in a shimmering metallic shade.
Paint the ceiling for a cocoon-like effect. A richly colored ceiling makes any room feel a bit cozier. This luxurious bedroom brings in subtly varied shades of brown in the wall and ceiling colors, curtains and upholstery, rounded out by glam accents and a plush sheepskin rug.
Wells Leather Sofa
Invest in a piece to build a room around. Caramel and butterscotch are such delicious colors to work with — they bring the sunny warmth of yellow but the ease of a neutral beige or brown. Caramel is especially stunning in leather, as on this gorgeous (and truly massive) tufted sofa from Room & Board. Pricey, yes, but amply proportioned and built to last, which makes it worth it in my book.
Make a muted palette interesting with texture. Keep pale, creamy cappuccino shades from veering into "boring beige" territory by making sure to vary the texture: Rustic wood, natural-fiber rugs, matchstick blinds and nubby linen upholstery fabric all bring interest. But adding something smooth and shiny is important, too — try mercury glass or platinum or mirrored finishes.
Begin collecting — with a color scheme in mind. I am partial to the natural-hued pieces from Heath Ceramics (some of which are shown here), but there are also many wonderful pieces by small makers and vintage finds to hunt for. Create a display on open shelving, and your ceramics will add to the color palette of your room.
5 Questions for Heath's Adam Silverman
5 Questions for Heath's Adam Silverman