Why do peach and lilac have been identified as the new millennial pink and what colours work well with these shades?
Colours can evoke emotions and feelings in people, which can be influenced by cultural, societal, and historical factors. Therefore, certain colours may capture the mood of a period of time because they become associated with the events, fashion, and aesthetics of that era. For example, the 1960s are often associated with bold, bright colours like neon pink, psychedelic purple, and acid green, which reflect the era's counterculture and the rise of the youth movement. Similarly, the muted, earthy colours of the 1970s are often associated with a sense of nostalgia for a more relaxed and natural lifestyle, as well as the influence of the hippie movement.:
Colours can evoke emotions and feelings in people, which can be influenced by cultural, societal, and historical factors.
In addition to that, certain colours gain popularity at a certain moment in time as people are physically drawn to those, as somehow, they provide people with a feeling of emotional safety. A clear example is the rise in popularity of the colour green following the pandemic; during times of stress and uncertainty, people often seek comfort in nature and the outdoors, and the colour green is strongly associated with nature, growth, and renewal.
Peach and lilac have been identified as the Generation Z colour replacing millennial pink, so what do these colours say about interior style right now? What energy do they bring to a room?
The colour peach is a soft, warm, and inviting colour that is often associated with sweetness, and youthfulness; it is a colour that can evoke feelings of warmth and approachability, which therefore creates a positive and calming atmosphere in an interior space, and a feeling of comfort and protection. In my opinion the use of peach aligns perfectly with the slow living movement, which embraces a slower pace of life and it’s the antithesis of the bustle of city life; the slow interiors trend is all about creating a peaceful environment, a calming escape from today’s fast-paced world, that brings harmony and happiness. On a different, and perhaps lighter level, in my opinion the peach colour also reminds people of some of the most iconic cocktails of the 1980s, somehow evoking a sense of joy and happiness, and bringing positive energy, that we all strive for; this feeling of joy, combined with a relaxing effect, create a cocooning space that feels tranquil yet uplifting.
Like peach, lilac is a soft colour, a gentle shade of purple that evokes serenity and calmness, and is associated with elegance, and grace. Lilac is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and can promote relaxation and tranquillity in an interior space. However, lilac also has an adventurous spirit, and is associated creativity, as it is a colour that can inspire imagination. Lilac is an uplifting shade that brings optimism into an interior space.
Lilac is a soft colour, a gentle shade of purple that evokes serenity and calmness, and is associated with elegance, and grace.
It's very interesting to look at peach and lilac together, as they both are pastel colours, soft shades that instil harmony and balance in an interior space, which show how much people are in need of a tranquil and soothing environment. Nevertheless, both hues seem to be associated with something livelier and more energetic – peach is associated with joy and happiness, and lilac with creativity and quirkiness – meaning that people are not just looking for a cocooning space, but also for that positive energy that make them feel free-spirited and cheerful. Lilac is an uplifting shade that brings optimism into an interior space.
Furthermore, the colour lilac, with its whimsical mix of pink and blue tones, and its association with quirkiness and anti-conformism, has its own historical significance in representing Queer resistance. This might mean that Generation Z continues to embrace gender fluidity, and not only fight against inequalities, but also celebrate diversity with joy – all of this is reflected in today’s interior spaces.
What colours do you think work well with each of these shades?
Peach and red work really well together; a warm and bright shade of red for the sofa and a couple of scatter cushions for the armchairs could complement the peach walls of a living room beautifully and create an uplifting and sophisticated space. Peach and green is another lovely combination; chose a darker green for a calming atmosphere, ideal for a bedroom, and a brighter and lighter green for an area of the house that you want to be filled with a cheerful vibe, such as the kitchen. For a more sophisticated look, peach and a muted navy blue is a beautiful colour combination, as it pairs the more feminine energy of the peach with a more masculine and elegant shade.
For the brave minds, lilac and yellow is a great colour combination to create a high-spirited and joyful interior space that will certainly get your creative juices flowing! If you are looking for a softer alternative, lilac works well if paired with a warm off-white and a touch of brass - a delicate look for a principal bedroom or guest room. Lastly, another combination we like is lilac and red, perfect to achieve an uplifting yet regal interior space. It is an interesting pairing that feels very ‘arty’ and can be adapted to different areas of the house.