When planning the decoration of our home, the instinct is often to paint them white to give the impression of space and enhance light, but there are other options. From delicate plaster pinks to captivating coral tones, peach and salmon hues are having a moment. Evocative of sunbaked Mediterranean buildings to fruity summer desserts, this surprisingly warm tone brings joy to any space it touches.
Decorating with pink is extremely versatile and has been a popular choice in interiors for centuries. Of all the variations, salmon pink and peach have the edge over others as they share orange undertones and warm characteristics.
Designed by Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, Anne Hathaway's 1906 country house takes its room color cues from the romance and beauty of the Southern California landscape.
‘The salmon is called the king of fish for good reason. In all its forms, salmon is a color we have enjoyed on the walls of our homes, just as much as we have on our plates for centuries,’ says Marianne Shillingford, Dulux creative director. 'The distinctive blush orange color was first described as salmon pink in the late 1700s and appeared on the walls of the finest houses until the 1940s when it became widely available to the masses through affordable modern emulsion paints. Peach, on the other hand, saw great popularity in later decades. ‘Its warm candlelight glow makes homes feel cozy and welcoming,’ adds Marianne.
With its clear ties to the natural world, salmon pink is used for painting accent walls and brightening a living space with splashes of color that symbolize and promote health and vitality. ‘Due to its close relationship with pink and orange shades, the color is mood-boosting and energy-stimulating without becoming overwhelming like many red shades. On the other hand, with more muted and subtle tones, salmon pink can become a good choice to enhance quiet confidence and serenity,’ enthuses Sarah Lloyd, senior brand manager at Valspar.
Peach also has a clear connection with nature and represents a set of shades ranging from a light orange pink to a yellow-hued orange,’ Sarah expands. ‘It is often used as a neutral shade instead of beige and warm whites. Encouraging light into a space, enriching it with calming yet refreshing energy, peach pink is great for a living or family room.’
Ruth Motteshead, creative director at Little Greene, agrees that softer peach hues can act as a neutral base for any decorating projects. ‘They are reminiscent of natural plaster shades, with earthy undertones that add warmth to a space to provide a color highlight or act as a neutral base for introducing bolder colors.’
If you are looking for color contrast, Andy Greenall, creative director at Paint & Paper Library suggests ‘contrasting peach shades with teals, cool whites, darker blues and grays, as Pamela Shamshiri has done in Anne Hathaway's living room. Or add natural finishes and combine with warmer neutrals for a sumptuous feel.’
Shop the peach edit
-
5 common roof pest infestations and what to do about them – plus, pro tips on preventing their unwanted returnDon't let pest problems reach new heights by paying attention to these key signs
-
When to cover plants for frost – experts reveal the temperatures that trigger actionUnderstanding your climate and your plants also help you know when to cover plants in winter
-
Anne Hathaway's bedroom uses simple, farmhouse furniture as a grounding backdrop for bold accents – I will never think about furnishing in the same wayThe actress's bedroom proves that furniture doesn't need to be the accent in a room, I plan to use the same technique in my future home
-
Anne Hathaway breaks the rules in her living space by pairing ‘two colors that should never be seen together’ – and quite honestly, it worksThe adage that 'blue and green should never be seen' is simply not true...
-
Anne Hathaway's unorthodox kitchen lighting brings new life to a classic style – I was over the modern farmhouse look until I saw itRecessed lighting gets a makeover in Anne Hathaway's modern farmhouse kitchen – her unique and whimsical take has renewed my interest in the aesthetic
-
Anne Hathaway's inviting kitchen countertop material is replacing white surfaces – experts swear by the durable and welcoming stone
Anne Hathway's warm and cozy kitchen is defined by her dark countertop material – it transforms her space with a functional, natural twist
-
Anne Hathaway's good-looking kitchen storage is stylish, practical and one-of-a-kind – it's the most important thing in a cooking spaceKitchen storage should never be an afterthought. Make the most of this essential element by putting pretty objects on display, and hiding anything less so...
-
Anne Hathaway uses this task lighting trick to bring a boutique hotel ambiance to her bedroom – experts explain its powerDesigned by Studio Shamshiri, Hathaway's bedroom is a rose-tinted haven – but there's more to this space than its color, as designers explain
-
Anne Hathaway combines rich browns and earthy greens to bring sophistication to her living room corner – designers say it has 'transportive' qualitiesStudio Shamshiri brought Swiss chalet-style luxury to California – it all begins with the unwavering power of this warming color scheme
-
Anne Hathaway's vertical living room shelving is the smartest and most unique storage solution I've ever seen
I look at beautiful celebrity homes for a living, but Hathaway's living room is something special – her vertical storage is so innovative
