A warm sage color refers to a greenish-gray shade that has undertones of brown, yellow, or orange. It gets its name from the herb sage which typically has soft grayish-green leaves. Warm sage colors are earthy, natural, and calming. They work well in home decor when you want to create a cozy and relaxed vibe.
Warm sage can come in lighter or darker shades. Lighter warm sage colors have more yellow undertones making them brighter. Darker warm sages have more gray and brown undertones giving them a deeper, moodier appearance. The warmth in the color keeps it inviting compared to colors like cool grays.
Defining Warm and Cool Colors
In color theory, colors are categorized by their undertones. Warm colors have undertones of yellow, orange, or red. Cool colors have undertones of green, blue, or purple. Most colors can be warm or cool versions. For example, blue can be a warm royal blue with hints of purple, or a cool azure blue with green undertones.
With green colors like sage, the warmth comes from subtle hints of yellow and brown. Without those warm undertones, sage would be a cooler, duller color closer to gray. The warm yellow and brown notes make the color more vibrant.
What are Some Examples of Warm Sage Colors
Here are some specific shades that exemplify the warm sage color palette:
| Warm Sage Color Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Celadon Green | #A3B18A |
| Pale Olive | #B5B788 |
| Clay Green | #84A798 |
| Aged Moss | #737B6D |
| Weathered Sage | #8B8C7A |
| Dried Thyme | #7F8471 |
As you can see from the hex codes, these colors have RGB mixes that include warm yellows, oranges, browns, and tans. Celadon Green is on the lighter end of the spectrum, with more yellow coming through. Aged Moss is a darker warm sage with more olive gray.
Paint companies like Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore have many warm sage paint colors to choose from. Some popular paint colors include:
– Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
– Benjamin Moore Hempstead Green
– Benjamin Moore Sagebrush
– Sherwin Williams Renwick Olive
How to Use Warm Sage Colors in Home Decor
Warm sage is a versatile color that can work in almost any room in your home. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate this cozy hue:
Living Room
In living rooms, warm sage makes a welcoming backdrop. It has enough personality to not be boring but is still neutral enough to furnish freely. Use it on the walls or for larger investment pieces like a sofa or sectional. Balance out warm sage walls with brighter, warm-toned accent pillows and blankets. Maple or oak wood tones also complement the earthiness.
Bedroom
The mellow vibe of warm sage can make it perfect for bedrooms. As an alternative to white or beige walls, warm sage offers a soothing ambiance. Pair it with crisp white bedding and natural wood nightstands to allow the hue to shine. Use greenery accents and plants to connect to the organic nature of the color.
Bathroom
For a spa-like bathroom retreat, consider warm sage green walls or tiles. Mixing the color with creams and grays prevents the space from feeling too avocado or mint green. Use neutral fabrics and accessories to allow the green sage to stand out. Brass plumbing fixtures also work nicely with the brown undertones.
Kitchen
The warm, earthy quality of sage makes it suitable for kitchens. Buttery yellow cabinets or tiles will contrast nicely with sage walls or an accent island. For vintage charm, sage also suits cottage kitchens with distressed wood elements. Keep countertops and backsplashes light to prevent too much heaviness.
Home Office or Library
Warm sage is a smart neutral choice for home offices, studies or libraries. It has enough personality without being distracting. The natural look can aid concentration while also being soothing. Use the color strategically on one wall or bookshelves to add subtle interest.
Exterior
Don’t forget the exterior! Warm sage colors work nicely on home exteriors too. Consider using it on exterior siding, shutters or front doors to make a statement. Sage also suits cottages or cabins surrounded by nature. Use creams and grays on exterior trim to provide contrast.
Combining Paint Colors with Warm Sage
One of the benefits of warm sage is that it combines beautifully with many other paint colors. Here are some ideas for color schemes:
– Cream + warm sage
– Gray + warm sage
– Tan + warm sage
– Navy + warm sage
– Terracotta + warm sage
– Yellow + warm sage
– Teal + warm sage
– Brick red + warm sage
Lighter warm sages will have brighter, more vibrant combinations. Darker warm sages work well for moody, cozy color schemes.
To make adjoining rooms flow nicely, choose a warm sage for the main color and use accents of navy, yellow or brick red in one room and cream or tan in another.
You can also opt for warm sage walls with bright white trim for crisp definition. For cottage styles, off-white or antique-looking trim blends in more seamlessly.
The Meaning and Psychology of Warm Sage
In color psychology, warm sage promotes balance and tranquility. The natural properties make it mentally stabilizing and grounding. It evokes thoughts of nature, growth and renewal.
At the same time, warm sage isn’t a high-energy color. It’s more meditative and introspective. It won’t overstimulate or cause anxiety. Instead, it encourages slower, mindful living.
The hints of yellow add optimism and positivity. The brown tones provide a feeling of strength and resilience. Sage also symbolizes wisdom, purity and protection.
Using Warm Sage in Feng Shui
In the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, practitioners aim to harmonize living spaces by properly harnessing energy flow or “chi.” Specific colors are used to enhance the feng shui in different room types.
Warm sage can be an excellent color in feng shui decorating. It is considered a stabilizing earth tone. Earth tones are believed to strengthen health and family relationships. They promote groundedness and sense of self.
In feng shui philosophy, east-facing rooms relate to health and renewal. Warm sage in an east room can rejuvenate energy. South-facing rooms represent relationships and passion. Warm sage balances lively south rooms nicely.
The color is also suitable for central home spaces like living rooms where grounding energy is preferred. Bedrooms, especially master bedrooms that govern stability, similarly benefit from warm sage palettes.
Conclusion
With its natural, earthy look and laidback vibe, warm sage continues to be a trending color choice. It works well for those seeking to add a subtle splash of color through a calming, neutral palette. Warm sage’s cozy personality makes it a go-to for many designers wanting to create an inviting yet soothing ambiance.
Play around with integrating this versitile shade into your home. Lighter warm sages add cheer and brightness. Darker warm sages lend themselves to moody retreats. Find the right warm sage hue for your style and needs. Paired with the right accents and textures, this organic shade may become your new favorite foundation for interior design.
