Five Revival Hues that Evoke a Sense of Familiar Comfort
Homes are transformed by the power of paint. The right shade can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia, making a space truly feel like home. According to Paula Taylor, head stylist and trend specialist for Graham & Brown, people are now embracing warmer tones that can add brightness to spaces without abandoning the comforting ambiance.
That's why we're looking back to the decorating styles of our mothers and grandmothers to bring back that cozy and welcoming feel. As Taylor explains, having homes that foster feelings of security, warmth, and relaxation is crucial. A splash of nostalgic paint colors can help achieve this.
🌱 Burnt Clay
During the '90s, terracotta shades were popular for their ability to add warmth to spaces. Taylor recommends updating this classic look with a burnt clay shade like Graham & Brown Arizona Sky for a warm and inviting aesthetic. Pair it with deep-stained woods and black metal hardware finishes for a modern twist.
Try these shades:
- Benjamin Moore Warmed Cognac AF-235
- Benjamin Moore Rust 2175-30
- Farrow & Ball Bamboozle No. 304
🍫 Cocoa
sense of feeling,” says Paula Taylor, head stylist and trend specialist for Graham & Brown. “We’ve long left behind minimalist sterile spaces that promised to promote the addition of light and have instead opted for tones that can still brighten up spaces but also add warmth into our interior schemes.”
Rich, chocolate tones inspired by the '70s are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere. Use a cocoa-inspired shade like Graham & Brown Elderton to add warmth to living spaces. It pairs well with taupe undertones for a cocoon-like feel and brings an old-world charm to smaller rooms like office or study spaces.
Try these shades:
- Benjamin Moore Cocoa Brown 2101-20
- Sherwin-Williams Caraïbe SW 9090
Graham & Brown.
🌱 Green Blue
Nature-inspired shades like green-blue never go out of style. This versatile shade can harken back to the 1940s and 50s, creating a serene atmosphere that shifts from green to blue depending on the light. Incorporate it into traditional entrance halls or dining and living spaces for a sophisticated nod to the past.
Try these shades:
90s, terracotta shades reigned as a favorite for saturating spaces in warmth. To give this nostalgic shade new life in 2025, Taylor recommends a burnt clay pick like Graham & Brown Arizona Sky to create a warm and inviting space. “The orange-red hue works well with deep-stained woods and black metal hardware finishes, making it a first choice for bringing kitchens or sunrooms to life,” she says.
- Graham & Brown 1946
- Farrow & Ball Inchyra Blue No. 289
💆 Pastel Blue
For a nostalgic shower moment, consider a soft blue shade like Graham & Brown's Rowing Boat. Its green undertone is perfect for bright spaces with warm light, offering a serene and relaxing atmosphere.
1970s are ready for an updated take with cocoa-inspired shades like Graham & Brown Elderton, says Taylor. She explains that the cozy and decadent shade works well with secondary shades featuring taupe undertones and can effectively create a cocoon-like feel when used in living spaces. It also creates a wonderfully old-world feel when used in smaller rooms like an office or study. Consider using a color-drenching technique when applying this shade to your space in order to provide a more modern feel.
Try these shades:
- Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144
- Sherwin-Williams Sleepy Blue SW 6225
🍊 Peach
nature-inspired shades seem to never go out of style, striking the right tone can harken back to the 1940s and 50s when the serene shade was popular not only in homes, but in car interiors as well, says Taylor. “A timeless yet traditional green-blue shade is a true chameleon that changes on the light through the day, shifting from
In 2024, homes will see a revival of staple '80s colors, including a more orange-hued peach. Use Graham & Brown Peach Pit with red undertones for a playful accent in bedrooms, adding warmth and a sense of fun.
Try these shades:
- Sherwin-Williams Nearly Peach SW 6336
- Benjamin Moore Antique Coral 1198
- Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster No. 231
green to blue,” she explains. “Incorporate this shade into entrance halls of traditional properties or add a sophisticated nod to dining or living spaces.”
Now, go ahead and transform your space with these nostalgic and comforting paint colors!
- For a modern twist on the '90s terracotta trend, Paula Taylor recommends using a burnt clay shade like Graham & Brown Arizona Sky in your home decors, paired with deep-stained woods and black metal hardware finishes. You can find this shade on the Graham & Brown website under the 'article__broad' and 'block_8' sections, with the help of the 'lazyload' feature.
- If you're looking to create a cozy atmosphere with rich, chocolate tones, consider using Graham & Brown Elderton, a cocoa-inspired shade that pairs well with taupe undertones and adds an old-world charm to smaller rooms. You can find it on the Graham & Brown website, along with other cocoa-inspired shades.
- Natural-inspired shades like green-blue never go out of style, and Graham & Brown 1946 is a versatile shade that harks back to the 1940s and 50s. This shade can be incorporated into traditional entrance halls, dining, or living spaces to create a sophisticated nod to the past.
- To give staple '80s colors a modern twist, Taylor recommends using Graham & Brown Peach Pit with red undertones for a playful accent in bedrooms, adding warmth and a sense of fun. This peach shade is a more orange-hued version of the classic '80s color and can be found on the Graham & Brown website.
