6. Peach, soft browns and cream
“Paint colours are a backdrop on which to layer, rather than the hero,” says interior designer Christian Bense. “Mixing tones allows for a more organic styling of our homes.” Bense chose a warm neutral brown in this Somerset cottage, Etruscan brown by Edward Bulmer, layered with peachy cream on the ceiling and a profusion of textures including cream curtains and lamp shades, along with a rust-covered sofa and Afghan rug.
Warm neutrals are popular, Sanders tells the BBC. “These comfort colours are shifting,” she says. “What once meant beiges and blushes is expanding to include enveloping taupes, and complex mid-tone neutrals that bring emotional warmth without overwhelming a space.”
Studio Vero/ Simon Brown
7. Mineral blue
Hues rooted in nature are at the forefront of colour schemes as we shift beyond the quarter century. Just as teal is currently popular, pale mineral blues are also resonating with designers and homeowners. “These tones feel deeply connected to nature,” explains Rudebeck, “They bring a sense of ease.” This project by Rudebeck depicts pale mineral blue walls, along with green accents in the décor to reflect the natural world.
Birdie Fortescue
8. Sage and jade green
Sage and jade greens continue to be 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 muted landscapes of her native Norfolk. They are “calming tones” she says. “Use these colours to accentuate architectural details, that are often overlooked when left white.”
More like this:
• Eight of the UK’s cosiest thatched cottages
• How high-rise forests can transform city life
• Why UK countryside style has been big this year
So, whether you’re tempted to go full Cloud Dancer, savour some Nacho Cheese, or drink in the richness of claret, one thing is clear, colour is never just decoration. It’s mood, memory, and a little bit of levity.
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