The new year is the perfect chance to embrace new beginnings and room refreshes. If you’re craving a bit of color for the new year, but prefer to take it slow, greige (that popular color between grey and beige) might be in your comfort zone. Greige has been popular for a long time because it is so versatile, working well alongside cool and warm tones alike. But have you been craving a little color? Add in a few maximalist pieces and your greige room will take on a whole new life. Read on to see how to add a little color and pattern to your neutral look, to achieve a Greige Goes Global look.

Start Simple

If the idea of adding color to your neutral space feels overwhelming, start with the basics and keep things soft and textural. Baskets look great on the wall, for instance. Or add texture with an appliquéd African pillow or a Vintage Mottahedeh Brass Samovar. Global elements come in all colors and textures.

Take a Cue from Moroccan Decor

Texture is the backdrop of Moroccan decor and a Moroccan-inspired color palette might be wildly colorful or soothingly neutral. Check out this inspiration room from a riad we stayed in in the heart of Marrakech.

Ready for Something Bolder? Try Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Easily add depth to your space using peel and stick wallpaper. Inspired by Moroccan plasterwork, the soft wash of color in SmithHönig’s Tadelakt peel and stick wallcovering will add drama to your neutral space, whether on a feature wall or throughout the space. Tadelakt helps create a layered look that pairs well with your existing gray or beige furniture and accessories. Plus, it’s commitment free! No muss or fuss going up – or coming down! It can even be used in a rental.

Embellish with Art and Vintage Accessories

There’s something magical about using vintage pieces in your home. From one-of-a-kind pillows to antique furniture, vintage finds add a unique touch to any interior. SmithHönig’s vintage camel saddle bags are a simple but impactful way to add a pop of interest to any greige interior. Originally designed to carry items from place to place on camel or horseback, they now make great additions to your modern boho home. Drape one over a chair back, use it atop a table or counter, or hang it as a piece of art.

Next, add some art with a cultural reference, or a pillow made with vintage textiles. Your space is going global but all your larger, neutral investment pieces still work perfectly!

Pile On The Pillows

Pillows, pillows, and more pillows. Mixing and matching pillows is one of the quickest changes you can make in any interior. We love using an array in different sizes, textures, and patterns. From sofa pillows to bed pillows, give us any—and all—of them.

Put a Tassel on It

Decorative tassels are the must-have accessory for any bohemian interior. They add a shimmy of color, texture, and fun to any room. If there are any areas of your home that could use a little love, introduce some colorful tassels to liven them up. You can use them as tiebacks for your drapery, drawer pulls, or as decorative accents on your hanging planters—the options are endless on how to incorporate bohemian tassels into any space!

Pro tip: Melanie likes to use SmithHönig’s silk and brass tassels on guest keys, on an antique secretary in her living room, and on these vintage-style dragon door handles in her entry way.

Use Fabric to Change Up Your Space

Try your hand at recovering the mattress of a daybed, or adding new seats to your dining room chairs. (Imagine the daybed below, decked out in some color and pattern.) With straight lines and not a lot of sewing required, handy types will find these types of space-changing DIY projects fun. If that’s not you, hire a friend or a local upholsterer. Here are a few SmithHonig fabrics in patterns that pair well with greige: Tatami Sand, Bakuba Lodge, and Shibori Sand.

So are you ready to take on the Greige Goes Global look? You can “Shop the Look” with SmithHönig’s globally-inspired products pre-selected to coordinate with all your favorite greiges.