Decorating & Design
Colour Spotlight: Embrace The Retro Look With Parchment
Author: Harleen Sidhu & Jacklyn Gilmor
Published on February 5, 2020
Design editor Kai Ethier shares which hue she’s crushing on right now.
Parchment shades are leading the renaissance of all things natural, from French farmhouse kitchens to bisque pottery and the rise of oat milk. Unlike the yellowy interiors that gave the ’70s a bad rap, parchment’s warm complexion glows brightest next to its neutral cousins. It’s no wonder Virgil Abloh named his buzzy brand Off-White — the retro hue feels fresh yet familiar, and versatile enough to work in almost any space.
How To Make A Big Statement
Buttery tones of taupe, cream and copper almost melt into the oatmeal-swathed walls in this living room designed by Moscow’s Mia Karlova Interior Design .
Photographer: Sergey Ananiev
Designer: Mia Karlova Interior Design
Ecru walls and a matching island create a sense of openness in this narrow farmhouse. Bright accents — like the rusty orange stools — pop against the pale backdrop.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home October 2015
Designer: Architecture by Dan Costa
Cream-colored throws blend into the cloudy white comforter and draw attention to the high-contrast headboard. Soft white lights overhead give the sleep sanctuary a warm glow.
Photographer: Angus Fergusson
Source: House & Home November 2017
Designer: Morgan Michener and Joel Bray
How To Add A Small Accent
In this Hudson Valley, New York, kitchen by Jersey Ice Cream Co. , a toasty bisque range brings a lived-in, vintage feel to the otherwise white space.
Photographer: Beth Kirby
Designer: Jersey Ice Cream Co.
A vanilla-hued barrel chair makes this bedroom feel cozy and serene.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home March 2018
Designer: Stacey Smithers
An off-white mirror brings a warm, lived-in touch to this bright bathroom.
Photographer: Maxime Desbiens and Angus McRitchie
Source: House & Home June 2018
Designer: Judith Gougeon
Source: House & Home February 2020