Transforming Pink-Orange To Beige: A Guide To Repainting

Beige is back in trend, and with it, the return of its undertones, including pink beige and orange beige. If you're looking to paint your walls a beige colour, you'll need to consider the other colours in your space, such as the colour of your tiles, curtains, and furniture. For instance, if you have pink tiles, you might want to paint your walls a pale pink beige, or perhaps a green beige to marry the colours together. Alternatively, you could paint your tiles to achieve a more cohesive look. If you're looking to paint over a pink shade, you can mix in yellow and red to achieve a salmon or coral orange colour. For a stronger orange, add more red.

Understand the colour pink and its components

Pink is a tint of red, with a pale, rosy hue. The colour is named after the flowering plants in the genus Dianthus, which have frilled petals. The verb "to pink" dates back to the 14th century and means "to decorate with a perforated or punched pattern". The colour pink has been used in literature since ancient times, including in Homer's Odyssey, written around 800 BCE, where Homer describes "the child of morning, rose-fingered dawn".

Pink is often associated with love, affection, and romance. It is also seen as a feminine colour, although this association is relatively recent. In the 1920s, a similar shade, light red, was associated with masculinity. In art, pink has been used to represent Jesus due to its association with innocence. The Roman goddess Venus, who symbolises intimacy and love, is also often painted in pink.

Today, pink is the colour of awareness and activism for various causes, including breast cancer, women's rights, and the LGBTQ+ community. It is a calming colour that evokes feelings of comfort, warmth, and happiness. In colour psychology, pink is associated with creativity, joy, and inspiration.

In terms of colour theory, pink is created by mixing red and white. To create a darker shade of pink, more red is added to the mixture. Pink can also have bluish undertones, depending on the specific shade.

Learn how to mix colours to make orange

Mixing colours to make orange is a fun and simple process, but it can be surprisingly tricky to get the exact shade you want. The most common way to make orange is by mixing red and yellow together. These are the three primary colours, and by combining them in different ways, you can create all the colours of the rainbow. However, the orange you get from mixing red and yellow can sometimes turn out a little muddy and dull.

To make a vibrant orange, you can use different shades of red and yellow. For example, using a bright yellow with a magenta or fluorescent pink red will give you a much more vibrant orange than using primary red and primary yellow. You can also try using cadmium red and cadmium yellow to create a vibrant and intense orange.

If you want to make a light orange, you can add a small amount of white to your mixed orange. Titanium white is a good choice as it is opaque and will create an opacity to your colour. You can also use a mixing white if you want to allow more transparency.

To make a darker orange, simply add a tiny bit of magenta to your primary yellow. This will create a deep, rich orange without making it too dark.

Remember, the key to mixing colours is experimentation. Don't be afraid to play around with different combinations of colours and find the perfect shade of orange for your needs.

Identify the different shades of beige

Beige is back! This versatile colour offers a spectrum of shades, from light to dark, cool to warm, muted to vibrant. The different shades of beige can bring subtle elegance, warmth, and sophistication to any space.

One of the most popular beige undertones is orange beige, which has been described as the "trendiest new neutral". The deepest orange beiges are in the realm of caramel and cognac, with terracotta, a slightly more saturated cousin, also gaining popularity. However, there are also pale to medium-toned orange beiges, which can add a warm accent colour to a desaturated room.

Beige encompasses a wide range of shades, from off-whites to deeper, richer tones. For example, Bone is a soft off-white shade with subtle grey undertones, giving it a cool and sophisticated feel. On the other hand, shades like Buff, a warm golden beige, and Lemon Chiffon, a light shade with a hint of yellow, bring a sunny and cheerful vibe to a room.

Other unique shades of beige include Eggshell, a soft creamy shade between white and light beige, and Pearl, a luminous shade combining white with a hint of beige. Light Khaki is another interesting beige shade with a hint of green, creating a calm and natural ambiance. Tea Rose is a shade that blends soft pink undertones with a warm beige base, adding a touch of warmth and romance to any space.

With its versatility and adaptability, it's no wonder that beige is making a comeback in interior design.

Learn how to paint over tiles

Painting over tiles can be a great way to update the look of a room without breaking the bank. If you're looking to paint over pink or orange tiles to achieve a beige colour, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, it's important to choose the right paint colour. Beige is a versatile colour that can range from warm taupe to soft neutral, so selecting a shade that complements your space is crucial. Consider the lighting and surrounding décor to ensure the shade of beige you choose will not clash with other design elements. Sampling different shades of beige paint can help you find the perfect match.

Next, you'll need to prepare the tiles for painting. Ensure the tiles are clean and free of any dirt, grease, or soap scum. You may need to use a degreaser or a mild abrasive cleaner to thoroughly clean the tiles. After cleaning, lightly sand the tiles to create a rough surface that will help the paint adhere better. Be sure to wipe away any dust with a damp cloth after sanding.

Once the tiles are prepared, it's time to prime. Choose a primer suitable for the surface you're painting, whether it's walls, floors, or countertops. Apply the primer evenly according to the manufacturer's instructions, allowing it to dry completely before proceeding.

Now you're ready to paint! Use a paintbrush or roller designed for the surface you're working on, and carefully apply your chosen shade of beige paint. Multiple thin coats are usually better than one thick coat, as they will provide a more durable and even finish. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Finally, you may want to consider sealing the paint, especially if you're painting floors or countertops that will see heavy use. Choose a sealant designed for painted surfaces, and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will help protect your new beige paint job and ensure it lasts for years to come.

Understand how to pair colours with beige

Beige is a versatile neutral colour that can be paired with a variety of shades to create exciting or understated accents.

When it comes to colours that pair well with beige, orange is a popular choice. Warmer shades of orange, such as rust or burnt orange, can create a cosy and vintage feel when paired with beige. For a more subtle approach, opt for a muted orange with rusty undertones. Terracotta, a more earthy-toned orange, can also work well with beige, especially if you're looking to add a subtle pop of colour.

Beige also pairs well with other neutrals like white, grey, and black. Off-whites or ivory can add a little warmth to a beige colour scheme, while black provides a classic and sophisticated contrast. Beige and grey is another timeless combination, especially when paired with pale greys or "greiges" (a mix of grey and beige).

For a more colourful approach, consider pairing beige with blue or green. A cool-toned blue can add a hint of colour to a beige living room while keeping the space feeling neutral and sophisticated. Soft shades of green, such as olive or sage, can be paired with beige to create a vibrant and alive atmosphere without the need for bright colours. For a playful vibe, lime green accents can be introduced to a beige room.

Beige can also be paired with bolder colours like red, purple, or yellow. Red, when paired with beige, creates a welcoming and classic atmosphere. Purple provides a bold backdrop for softer decorative elements, while yellow adds a sunny pop of colour to a beige room.

Frequently asked questions