Design that’s barely there: how to decorate with nude tones

Nude tones have always been big in the world of make up, offering a fresh, natural look – but have you thought of extending this neutral colour palette to your interiors? Nude colours tend to be earthy and unobtrusive, in the same vein as grey and beige but with a warmer tone. The nude colour palette includes sandy tones, soft fresh pink, oatmeal, linen and soft brown.

As a colour palette, it works with pretty much anything and adds a warm touch to living areas. You don’t have to stick to one shade – mix and match colours on walls, ceilings and floors. As the tones are subtle, the finished result will be a backdrop rather than a statement. You can also work in some stronger versions of the same colours, such as pink, caramel and darker browns.

The beauty of nude tones is that they work with any interior. For a traditional look, pair with dark wood furniture and warm metallic tones such as bronze. For a contemporary feel, add silver metallics such as steel and pops of bright, primary colour. Here’s the Fresh Design guide on how to effectively decorate with nude tones.

Decorate with nude tones: wallpaper

This contemporary wallpaper by British designer Erica Wakerly features a modern twist on an Oriental-inspired design, creating a bold elegance and giving a sense of luxury to your walls. Use it on a feature wall for maximum impact. It’s printed with environmentally friendly, colourfast, non toxic, water-based inks and is fire rated for use in commercial and residential interiors. £96 per roll (roll measurements 52cm by 10m), available from Lime Lace.

This floral wallpaper shows illustrated botanic motifs outlined with delicate metallic highlights, and would make a lovely, calming background to a bedroom. Available in a choice of other colours as well as nude, it costs £15.98 a roll (roll measurements 53cm by 10.05m). Available from Wallpaper Direct. 

Decorate with nude tones: soft furnishings

This textured, pale pink linen cushion is perfect for layering. Pile it high with cushions in a mixture of materials and colours to create a warm, welcoming effect. It features a double trim on the edges and a concealed zip, and comes complete with a feather inner cushion. £35, available from Idyll Home. 

This chindi rug in soft nude pink with fringed edging is handmade from leftover cotton from the fashion industry. It’s washable, so would make a nice bath mat, or use it to add texture and warmth to a study, child’s room or bedroom. It measures 130cm x 70cm and costs £35 from Printer + Tailor.

Finishing touches to decorate with nude tones

This warm and modern light shade is made from moulded silicone rubber, a playful take on the classic metal industrial lamp but with a contemporary twist. The designers, Form Us With Love for Muuto, have combined the classic hanging light with a new perspective on texture and touch. It also folds up should you need to store it! Available in a range of colours including nude, £155 from Rume.

Dip a toe into the trend with these handcrafted, tapered candles, which have eight hours of burn time due to the traditional hand dipped method. They are also non-drip, soot free and odourless and and extinguish themselves when they have burned down. Ideal for elegant dinner parties, or for creating a romantic ambience.  £2.35 each, available from Cloudberry Living.

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