When it comes to transforming your living space into a cozy haven, selecting the perfect paint color is a crucial decision. In the world of interior design, Benjamin Moore has earned a reputation for offering an exquisite array of colors, and one shade that stands out as a timeless choice is Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe.
In this article, we’ll walk into the allure of Smokey Taupe, explore its versatility, and provide tips on using this enchanting hue in your home decor. We will also provide you with some color combinations and maintenance tips.
Smokey Taupe: The Perfect Neutral for Any Room
Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe, also known as CC-460, is a versatile neutral paint color that can be used in any room of the house. If you have a question, Is Smokey taupe a warm color? Then, YES, it is a warm gray with a hint of taupe, making it a cozy and inviting choice. Smokey Taupe is also relatively light, with an LRV of 54.53, so it can be used to brighten up a dark room or to create a sense of space. Also, it’s RGB Color Code: RGB(205, 196, 181). And Hex Color Code: #CDC4B5.
Here are some of the benefits of using Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe in your home:
- It is a versatile color that can be used in any room.
- The warm gray with a hint of taupe makes it a cozy and inviting choice.
- Its relatively light nature, with an LRV of 55, so it can be used to brighten up a dark room or to create a sense of space.
- It has a timeless color that will never go out of style.
- Easy to care for and maintain.
The Allure of Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe
Benjamin Moore Smokey 983 Taupe is a warm, classy color that strikes the right balance between traditional and modern design. Suppose you wonder what color is smokey taupe. Then, it is in the taupe color family, which has a range of calm, earthy colors. However, Smokey Taupe stands out with its smoky undertones that give any place depth and personality. Now, let’s delve into some of the allure of this shade:
1. Versatile Neutrality:
Smokey taupe is a great combination of dull colors. Moreover, its soft, modest style makes it easy to match with many different color schemes and design styles. Regardless of how classic, modern, minimalist, or eclectic your home decor is, Smokey Taupe is a great background color that lets other things in the room stand out.
2. Timeless Appeal:
Smokey Taupe is a color that looks good at any time. Unlike popular colors, which may lose their appeal over time, this color is a timeless choice that will never go out of style. It will always look beautiful, giving your home a sense of elegance and class.
3. Aesthetic Depth:
Some may ask, what are the undertones of Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe? Then, Smokey taupe is not just a flat, one-dimensional color. Furthermore, it has faint undertones that give your space depth and complexity. These subtle undertones can give a room a warm feeling that makes it feel welcome and cozy. Because of its depth, Smokey Taupe is also a great way to add difference to a room without being too much.
4. Natural Harmony:
Most of the time, Smokey Taupe gets its ideas from the natural world. Think about the soft, earthy colors of the aged wood and stone or the quiet of a sand beach. This natural connection gives your living area a sense of harmony and peace, making it a great choice for rooms where comfort and relaxation are important.
5. Lighting Friendliness:
Smokey taupe looks good both with natural and artificial light. In well-lit rooms, it gives off a warm and welcoming vibe. Furthermore, it doesn’t look dull or dead in rooms with little natural light. Instead, it keeps its elegance and makes the room feel cozy.
6. Complementary Accent Colors:
Smokey taupe is a great base color for making secondary colors stand out. Moreover, if you want to add bold colors like deep blues, rich reds, or bright greens, or if you want to go for a more muted palette with soft pastels or muted grays, Smokey Taupe is a good base color that lets your highlights stand out.
7. Cohesive Flow:
Using Smokey Taupe as a unifying color in your home gives it a sense of flow and continuity. Furthermore, you can use it in different places, giving your whole living space a harmonious thread of neutral elegance.
8. Soothing Serenity:
Taupe is a color that makes people feel calm and relaxed, according to color psychology. So, it shouldn’t be a wonder that Smokey Taupe is often used in bedrooms and living rooms, where a calm atmosphere is important. Consequently, it helps you relax at the end of a long day and creates a calm place to rest and feel better.
Benjamin Moore Smokey taupe isn’t just a color of paint; rather, it’s also a symbol of timeless elegance, flexibility, and calm. Moreover, its ability to fit into different design styles, work well with different background colors, and create a relaxing atmosphere makes it a favorite among both homeowners and interior designers. Whether you’re doing a full-scale home makeover or just want to freshen up a room, Smokey Taupe is a reliable and beautiful choice. Consequently, it will keep you interested for years to come.
Benjamin Moore usually offers different types of paint colors and it is better if you can understand their differences. For example, you can read the Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments Vs Beach Glass and Benjamin Moore Thunder Vs Revere Pewter.
Use of Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe in Interior Design
Now that we’ve established the allure of Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe, let’s explore how you can implement this captivating color into your home decor.
1. Living Room Elegance:
In the living room, Smokey Taupe serves as a versatile backdrop for various design elements. Consider these ideas:
- Accent Wall: Paint one wall in Smokey Taupe to create a focal point. This draws attention to a particular area, such as a fireplace or artwork gallery.
- Neutral Furniture: Choose neutral-colored furniture like beige or light gray sofas and chairs. These pieces will blend seamlessly with Smokey Taupe walls, creating an atmosphere of understated sophistication.
- Vibrant Accents: Introduce pops of color with vibrant accent pillows, throws, or decorative items. Bold colors like teal, mustard, or coral will contrast beautifully against Smokey Taupe, adding energy and personality to the room.
- Natural Elements: Incorporate wooden furniture, coffee tables, and indoor plants. The warmth of wood and the freshness of greenery complement Smokey Taupe’s earthy tones, creating a balanced and inviting ambiance.
2. Bedroom Bliss:
Smokey Taupe can transform your bedroom into a serene and restful retreat:
- Soft Bedding: Choose soft, luxurious bedding in neutral tones or pastel shades. Crisp white or pale lavender sheets and duvet covers pair wonderfully with Smokey Taupe walls.
- Textured Fabrics: Incorporate textured fabrics like a shaggy rug or velvet pillows. These textures add depth and tactile comfort to the room.
- Subtle Lighting: Opt for soft and warm lighting with bedside lamps or pendant lights. This creates a cozy atmosphere for reading or winding down.
- Artwork: Hang soothing artwork above the bed, such as nature-inspired prints or abstract paintings with muted colors, to enhance the tranquility of the space.
3. A Chic Kitchen:
Kitchens benefit from the sophistication of Smokey Taupe:
- Cabinet Color: Paint kitchen cabinets and island in Smokey Taupe. This provides a perfect contrast to stainless steel appliances, creating a sleek and modern look.
- Countertops: Pair Smokey Taupe cabinets with white or light gray countertops for a fresh and clean appearance.
- Backsplash: Add a pop of color with a decorative tile backsplash featuring soft blues or greens, creating visual interest against the neutral backdrop.
- Open Shelving: Incorporate open shelving with natural wood or white shelves to display your stylish kitchenware and bring a touch of warmth to the space.
4. Home Office Retreat:
A home office with Smokey Taupe can foster productivity and style:
- Ergonomic Furniture: Invest in comfortable and ergonomic office furniture. Opt for a desk and chair that align with the room’s elegant theme.
- Organized Storage: Install wall-mounted shelves and cabinets in Smokey Taupe to keep your workspace organized. This not only adds functionality but also enhances the room’s aesthetics.
- Art and Inspirational Decor: Hang artwork or inspirational quotes that motivate and inspire you. Choose frames that match the room’s color scheme for a cohesive look.
- Ample Lighting: Ensure your workspace is well-lit with task lighting, like a stylish desk lamp. Proper lighting promotes focus and reduces eye strain.
5. Welcoming Entryway:
Your entryway sets the tone for your home:
- Smokey Taupe Walls: Paint the entryway walls in Smokey Taupe to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider a satin or eggshell finish for a subtle sheen.
- Statement Mirror: Place a large decorative mirror on one wall to make the space appear larger and brighter. Choose a frame that complements the room’s color palette.
- Console Table: Add a stylish console table in a complementary color like deep espresso or antique white. Use it as a functional space for keys, mail, or decorative items.
- Coat Hooks or Rack: Install hooks or a wall-mounted coat rack for convenience and to keep your entryway organized. Choose hardware that matches the room’s overall design.
Here are some additional tips for using it in your home:
- If you want to create a bolder statement, you can pair Smokey Taupe with a darker color, such as navy or black.
- For a more subtle look, you can pair Smokey Taupe with a lighter color, such as white or cream.
- You can also add interest to the space by adding pops of color with accessories, such as pillows, throw blankets, or artwork.
- If you are worried about Smokey Taupe being too dark, you can lighten it up by adding a coat of white or light gray paint to the ceiling.
Using Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe in your home decor is a journey of elegance and creativity. Furthermore, by carefully selecting furniture, accent pieces, and decor elements, you can create a cohesive and visually pleasing environment that reflects your unique style. Simultaneously, you can embrace the timeless charm of this versatile paint color.
Color Combination With Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe
When decorating your home, it’s important to use colors that go well together and look good to the eye. Additionally, a well-planned color scheme can make you feel a certain way, improve the general look, and tie together different parts of your decor. You can read Smokey Taupe vs Revere Pewter to understand their basic differences. You may wonder, what goes with smokey taupe? Then, here’s more about the colors go together:
1. Monochromatic Color Scheme:
A monochromatic color scheme revolves around a single color in different shades and tones. This approach provides a sense of unity and simplicity:
- Example: Using varying shades of blue, from navy to light sky blue, in a room.
- Effect: Creates a serene and balanced atmosphere with a sense of depth through different shades.
2. Analogous Color Scheme:
An analogous color scheme involves selecting colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. It provides a pleasing and harmonious look:
- Example: Combining colors like green, blue-green, and teal.
- Effect: Generates a sense of continuity and flow, with a subtle variation in hues.
3. Complementary Color Scheme:
Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel and create a dynamic and visually striking combination:
- Example: Pairing red and green or blue and orange.
- Effect: The contrast between complementary colors adds vibrancy and energy to a room.
4. Triadic Color Scheme:
A triadic color scheme consists of three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel, creating a balanced and harmonious look:
- Example: Combining primary colors like red, yellow, and blue.
- Effect: Achieves a dynamic and visually pleasing contrast while maintaining balance.
5. Split-Complementary Color Scheme:
The split-complementary scheme is a variation of the complementary scheme. Instead of using the direct opposite color, it combines a base color with the two adjacent to its complement:
- Example: Pairing blue with yellow-orange and yellow-green.
- Effect: Provides the contrast of complementary colors with a bit more flexibility and less intensity.
6. Warm vs. Cool Color Scheme:
Categorizing colors into warm (e.g., red, orange, yellow) and cool (e.g., blue, green, purple) groups allows for creating atmosphere and contrast:
- Example: Combining warm and cool colors in various proportions.
- Effect: Creates a dynamic atmosphere where warm colors can evoke energy and cool colors induce calmness.
7. Neutrals with Accents:
A neutral color palette (e.g., whites, grays, beiges) can be enriched by adding a few accent colors to create focal points and interest:
- Example: A predominantly gray room with pops of bold red and yellow accents.
- Effect: Maintains a clean and timeless backdrop while infusing vibrancy and personality.
8. Tonal Gradient:
This approach involves using a single color but in varying levels of saturation and brightness:
- Example: Using deep and muted blues alongside a pale, almost pastel blue.
- Effect: Achieves depth and interest without introducing multiple colors.
9. Natural Color Schemes:
Inspired by nature, these color schemes incorporate earthy tones and organic colors:
- Example: Combining shades of green, brown, and earthy reds.
- Effect: Creates a calming and grounding environment reminiscent of the outdoors.
10. Minimalist Black and White:
A classic and timeless combination, black and white can be used in modern and minimalist designs:
- Example: Stark white walls paired with black furniture and accents.
- Effect: Achieves a clean, sophisticated, and high-contrast look.
When choosing colors for your home, you should think about the mood and setting you want to create in each room as well as your own tastes. Additionally, try out different color combinations, and don’t be afraid to experiment with paint samples or swatches of fabric to see how colors work together in your area. Ultimately, the right mix of colors can truly transform the look of your home and showcase your unique style.
Maintaining Smokey Taupe in Your Home
Maintaining the beauty and integrity of Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe in your home is essential to ensure that your living space continues to exude its elegant charm. Consequently, here are some detailed tips on how to effectively maintain Smokey Taupe in your home:
1. Regular Cleaning:
- Dust Removal: Dust tends to settle on painted surfaces over time, which can dull the color. Regularly dust your Smokey Taupe walls and trim with a soft, lint-free cloth or a microfiber duster. Start from the top and work your way down to capture any loose dust effectively.
- Vacuuming: Consider using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust from wall surfaces gently. Make sure the attachment is clean to avoid scratching the paint.
- Cobweb Removal: Check for cobwebs in corners and ceiling edges. A long-handled duster or a soft-bristle brush can help you reach these areas without damaging the paint.
2. Gentle Cleaning Products:
- Mild Detergent: For more stubborn dirt or stains, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. For example, dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and gently clean the affected area. Then, rinse with a clean, damp cloth afterward.
- Avoid Abrasives: Never use abrasive scrubbers, harsh chemicals, or scouring pads, as they can damage the paint finish and leave visible marks. Stick to mild cleaning solutions to maintain the paint’s integrity.
3. Spills and Stains:
- Immediate Action: Accidents happen. If you spill something on your Smokey Taupe walls, blot it immediately with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Do not rub the stain, as this can spread it further.
- Stain Removal: Then, for tougher stains like grease or marker, use a specialized stain-removing product that is safe for painted surfaces. Moreover, always test the product in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t harm the paint.
4. Touch-Ups:
- Maintain Paint Cans: It’s a good practice to keep a small container of Smokey Taupe paint in a cool, dry place for touch-ups. Additionally, paint can sometimes chip or wear away in high-traffic areas or where furniture has been moved.
- Blending Touch-Ups: While doing touch-ups, blend the fresh paint with the existing paint to ensure a seamless finish. Feather the edges of the new paint into the old paint using a brush or a small roller.
5. Preventative Measures:
- Furniture Protection: Place felt pads or furniture coasters under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches or scuffs while moving items.
- Artwork Protection: Use proper hanging hardware and wall anchors to secure heavy artwork, mirrors, or shelves. This prevents damage to the paint and wall.
- Maintain Ventilation: Adequate ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to paint peeling or mildew growth. Ensure your rooms have proper ventilation to protect your Smokey Taupe walls.
- Avoid Smoke and Cooking Residue: Smoking indoors or excessive cooking without proper ventilation can lead to the buildup of smoke and grease on walls. Consequently, these substances can discolor paint over time, so it’s advisable to minimize these activities or use exhaust fans.
6. Periodic Inspection:
- Routine Evaluation: Periodically inspect your Smokey Taupe walls for any signs of wear, stains, or damage. Additionally, catching issues early allows for easier maintenance and prevents the need for extensive repairs.
7. Professional Assistance:
- Consult a Professional: Lastly, if you encounter paint issues beyond your expertise, such as significant peeling or bubbling, it’s advisable to consult a professional painter. They can assess the problem, recommend solutions, and execute repairs effectively.
By following these detailed care instructions, you can make sure that Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe will continue to add elegance and beauty to your home for many years to come. Consequently, with the right care and attention, this elegant paint color will last for a long time and enhance the general feel of your living space.
Is Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe a warm or cool color?
Benjamin Moore’s Smokey Taupe has a warm color. However, depending on your perception of colors, you may experience a different color. Smokey Taupe has a yellow-green undertone. These undertones provide a welcoming look and you can use them in various designs and schemes.
Conclusion
In the world of interior design, Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe shines as a timeless and versatile choice. Furthermore, its warmth, elegance, and adaptability make it a beloved color for transforming living spaces into havens of comfort and style. Whether you’re looking to create a tranquil bedroom, a chic kitchen, or a welcoming entryway, Smokey Taupe can elevate your home decor to new heights.
So, embrace the allure of Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe, and let it infuse your home with timeless elegance and sophistication. Happy Painting!
S. Pushon is a paint expert, self-taught artist, and currently working as an adviser in the paint industry as a Quality Improvement and Development Assistant.
An artist by heart, he draws remarkable art pieces and as a professional paint industry individual, he seeks the insight and shares with enthusiasts. Read more…