Neutrals never go out of style, but specific shade preferences shift over time. And though cool-toned neutrals had their moment, warm tones are on the rise in color trends for 2024. Bringing depth, dimension, and a cozy feeling to any space, shades with warm notes are finding their way into more and more interior design projects.
The shade Mayonnaise by Benjamin Moore is loved by designers for its versatility and charm, and it brings loads of warm neutral inspiration. However, there's no denying that the shade leans pretty close to those yellow-toned creams that have been shunned for so long in the world of interior design.
Here's what color experts and interior designers have to say about why the color is on the rise once again, plus tips for bringing the hue into your decor scheme.
How to decorate with Mayonnaise by Benjamin Moore
Mayonnaise offers endless possibilities and works best in a space you'll use for relaxation. Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore, says this is one of the main reasons why the shade is making a comeback.
'We have seen a move towards warmer whites and neutrals. These hues, Mayonnaise OC-85 and many alike can create a feeling of softness rooted in wellness, which has become mainstream,' she explains.
Mayonnaise strikes a beautiful balance between bright and understated. And while the undertones of the popular hue allow it to shine no matter the lighting scheme, Hannah suggests using it in north-facing rooms that offer cooler lighting.
'The yellow undertone of Mayonnaise OC-85 brings warmth, and is bright enough so that it’s not overwhelming. With a light reflectance value (LRV) of 88, this light hue is great for north-facing rooms, connecting areas such as entryways or as an all-around house color,' she says.
In the entryway pictured below, Mayonnaise paired with 'delicate off-whites' creates a soft and welcoming atmosphere, says Hannah. For more colorful combinations, she suggests 'deep, saturated hues' like the brand's Wenge AF-180 or Vanderberg Blue 721.
Jennifer Mabley and Austin Handler, co-founders of Mabley Handler Interior Design, have seen homeowners start to move away from grays with cooler undertones, and toward warmer neutrals – it's part of the natural back-and-forth of trending colors. But decorating with Mayonnaise is an easy way to bridge the gap, says Austin.
'Benjamin Moore’s Mayonnaise is that perfect transitional choice, bridging the gap between cold and hot: It offers some warmth, without hitting you over the head with a yellow bat,' he says.
Jennifer adds that the tone works doubly to bring coziness to a darker space and even more energy to a room that already gets a lot of sun. And while this entryway uses the shade for wall paneling, pairing it with bright white and dark wood accents, Jennifer says the shade is 'natural and neutral enough to be used as a whole-house color.'
When it comes to creating a color scheme around the shade, Caroline Brackett of Caroline Brackett Studio of Design notes several exciting possibilities. She's found success pairing the hue with bold navy and French blues, contrasting cool statement colors with the classic creamy shade. Plus, she says there's plenty of room to add some pattern to the mix.
'It's a beautiful, warm hue that works with the background of many floral fabrics and wallpapers that we love,' she says.
Caroline suggests keeping trim on the simple side, though, saying she likes to match Mayonnaise-colored walls with the same shade for the trim. This helps to avoid a contrast that contributes to a dated look, she says.
Because it can be intimidating to choose 'the best white paint' when decorating your home, and bright yellows can be just as daunting, Caroline suggests using Mayonnaise for a 'happy, in-between choice.' She also recommends Farrow & Ball's Matchstick for a creamy, warm neutral that never dates.
Elizabeth Drake, principal designer of her namesake design firm, suggests using Mayonnaise for one simple reason: 'because it's not cream.'
'It threads the needle between warm undertones and a neutral white without becoming a light yellow or cream wall, which can turn a room’s decor in a different direction,' she says.
Elizabeth adds that the shade helps minimize the unwelcome shadows that appear on ceilings or in poorly lit corners. 'Short of installing new windows, yellow, warm undertones are the closest substitute for daylight,' she says.
Michael Ellison, principal designer of New York City-based Studio Michael Ellison, says he plans to use more of the white-yellow hue in his 2024 projects. As the design world gradually moves away from what he calls a 'less is more,' white-meets-gray approach to color, he finds comfort in the warmer hue.
'With this white, I am overwhelmed with nostalgia for the soft rays of evening sun beaming through a window and landing on the corner where two walls meet; the feeling of going outside to commune with nature whilst in the comfort of your sanctuary,' says Michael.
Benjamin Moore's Mayonnaise is sure to bring warmth and comfort, even on the coldest of days. Paired with bold accents or left to speak for itself, the shade represents a new wave of neutrals that designers continue to love.
