Eight paint colors that can easily transform your home

6. Peach, soft and creamy brown

“Paint colors are the backdrop against which to layer, not the hero,” says interior designer Christian Pence. “Mixing tones allows for a more organic design for our homes.” Bense chose a warm neutral brown in this Somerset country house, an Etruscan brown by Edward Bulmer, with layers of peach cream on the ceiling and a wealth of textures including cream curtains and lamp shades, along with a rust-covered sofa and Afghan rug.

Sanders tells the BBC that warm, neutral colors are very popular. “These colors of comfort are changing,” she says. “What previously meant beige and blush is expanding to include enveloping grey, neutrals with complex mid-tones that bring emotional warmth without overwhelming the space.”

Studio Vero/Simon Brown

7. Metallic blue

Hues rooted in nature are at the forefront of color schemes as we move forward a quarter century. Just as teal is currently popular, light metallic blue is also resonating with designers and homeowners. “These tones seem closely connected to nature, they bring a sense of comfort,” explains Rudebeck. This project by Rudebeck Design depicts pale metallic blue walls, along with green accents in the decor to reflect the natural world.

Birdie Fortescue

8. Sage and green jade

Green sage and jade plants remain very popular, drawing on centuries of symbolism and history, from springtime renewal to the muted tones of Georgian interiors. Designer Birdie Fortescue sees this shift in her upcoming paint collaboration with Fenwick & Tilbrook, inspired by the silent landscapes of her native Norfolk. She says they are “soothing tones.” “Use these colors to highlight architectural details, which are often overlooked when left white.”

More like this:

• Eight of the UK’s most comfortable thatched cottages

• How tall forests can change city life

• Why country style in the UK was big this year

So, whether you’re tempted to go full Cloud Dancer, sample some nacho cheese, or drink a rich claret, one thing is clear, color is never just decorative. It’s mood, memory and a little lightness.

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