Peachy keen: the perfect Resene paint colour pairings for the hue everyone is talking about

11 Dec 2023

Societal shifts and colour trends will always be closely aligned, and one method of soothing ourselves during tumultuous times is wearing and decorating with calming colours. As we look to the new year ahead, the recent announcement of the Pantone 2024 Color of the Year comes as a gentle and nurturing reminder to slow down and care for both ourselves and one another. Named for the velvety texture that characterises the fruit of the same name, ‘Peach Fuzz’ captures the desire for softness that many people seem to be missing as we continued to be pummelled by an unrelenting news cycle.

"As we enter 2024, some of the things that have become especially apparent to us is the concept of lifestyle taking on new meaning,” says Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman. “We've been living in this time of turmoil in many aspects of our lives, and as a result of that, our need for nurturing, empathy, and compassion continues to grow stronger as we imagine a more peaceful future.”

The delicate shade encapsulates feelings of warmth and the human experience, with an emphasis on the importance of health and wellness for mind, body and soul. Often seen at both sunrise and sunset, the colour affirms moments of internal tranquility with the deep need for community, gathering, and connection.

“In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a colour radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless,” explains Leatrice. "We've been reminded that a vital part of living a good life and a full life is having the good health and the stamina and the strength to enjoy it. In a world which often emphasises productivity and external achievement, it's important we recognise the need to foster our inner selves and find moments of respite, creativity and human connection."

BlackWhite Editor Laura Lynn Johnston says that Pantone’s annual colour announcement always creates buzz but that it often takes a bit of time before the hue makes an impact on paint colour trends in New Zealand and Australia – if at all.

“Generally, it takes close to two years before we see these colours represented in architecture and interior design. For example, Classic Blue was the 2021 Pantone Color of the Year and it wasn’t until this past year where we saw it play a significant role as an accent paint colour through the rise in popularity of hues like Resene Aviator,” she says.

But, Laura Lynn adds, not every colour that gets announced gets traction. “Certain colours will always be more popular to decorate with than others because they are more appealing for built environments. When we do see uptake, the first places these colours appear is usually in hospitality settings like restaurants and the commercial retail, since these spaces are often more focused on keeping on top of the latest colour trends to stay competitive – and they often more frequently redecorated in order to stay fresh and relevant.”

For designers who are interested in using colours similar to ‘Peach Fuzz’ in their upcoming projects, Laura Lynn suggests looking to hues like Resene Romantic, Resene Tacao, Resene Dawn Glow, Resene Beethoven, Resene Florentine Pink, Resene New York Pink, Resene Japonica, Resene Wax Flower and Resene Cashmere. “Some of these paint colours are pinker, some are oranger and some are beiger, but they all capture the spirit of ‘Peach Fuzz’ – and they provide some wiggle room to find a suitable tone that will work best for your specific project.”

Paint colours to pair with peach

One of the great things about peach is that it is an incredibly adaptable colour to decorate and design with because it goes well with so many different hues. And much like pink, it can be a soothing colour to live with that flatters most skin tones. No matter what your project typology or what your client’s goals and preferences are, there is a pairing that can suit just about any project. While it’s likely not going to get much traction for use on exteriors beyond doors or small accents, the following combinations can be used across various design elements like walls, furniture, accessories and architectural features to create stunning interiors:

Peach + Mint: A refreshing and harmonious blend, evoking a sense of tranquility. Try Resene Wax Flower with Resene Springtime.

Peach + Navy: The deep richness of navy enhances the warmth of peach, creating a sophisticated contrast. Try Resene Awaken with Resene Carpe Noctem.

Peach + Coral: A playful and energetic combination, perfect for a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Try Resene Tacao with Resene Sunglo.

Peach + Olive: Earthy and natural, this combination brings a sense of balance and calmness. Try Resene Florentine Pink with Resene West Coast.

Peach + Grey: A versatile pairing that offers a subtle, elegant, and contemporary feel. Try Resene Beethoven with Resene Ted.

Peach + Gold: A luxurious and opulent blend, adding warmth and sophistication to any space. Try Resene Dawn Glow with Resene Gold Dust.

Peach + Lavender: A charming and calming duo, perfect for creating a serene and relaxing environment. Try Resene Romantic with Resene London Hue.

Peach + Cream: A classic and timeless combination, offering a soft and inviting palette. Try Resene Tacao with Resene Cararra.

Peach + Sage: A natural and refreshing combination, bringing a sense of rejuvenation and tranquility. Try Resene Dawn Glow with Resene Nirvana.

According to the Pantone Color Institute, peach captures our desire to nurture ourselves and other with an all-embracing spirit that enriches mind, body and soul. When supported with a warm beige like Resene Athena, more pigmented peach tones like Resene Dawn Glow are an effective mid-range hue for carrying popular punchy accent colours like capsicum red, sunshine yellow and powder blue. Background painted in Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Dawn Glow, oblong tray and large bowl in Resene Athena, plate in Resene Pandemonium, small bowl in Resene Incarnadine and vases in (clockwise from top) Resene Heliotrope,Resene Funk, Resene Arriba and Resene Solitaire.

Peach is linked to optimism and positivity. Being a lighter shade of orange, it carries some of the vibrancy but in a more subdued manner, encouraging feelings of joy and enthusiasm. Subtle peach tones like Resene Cashmere can take on a more pronounced peach (and positive) appearance under certain lighting conditions and when paired with pink, red or orange accents. Wall painted in Resene Cashmere, built-in shelf in Resene Athena with top and side in Resene Tequila Sunrise and floor and large vase in Resene Quarter Merino. Bedlinen from Foxtrot Home, jug, books, cushion (left) and artwork from Father Rabbit, chalice, throw and cushion (right) from Republic, lamp from Lighting Plus.

Peach is often associated with warmth and comfort, making spaces feel cosy and inviting. The softness of colours like Resene Romantic can be used to create a comforting atmosphere that promotes relaxation and ease. Background painted in Resene Romantic with A4 drawdown paint swatches in (from left to right) Resene Triple Alabaster, Resene Cornflower, Resene Aviator and Resene Sail, tray in Resene Cornflower, boxes in Resene Aviator, Resene Cornflower, Resene Triple Alabaster and Resene Torea Bay and desk accessories in Resene Torea Bay.

Traditionally associated with femininity, peach can bring a sense of softness and delicacy to a space, creating an environment that feels nurturing and gentle. If your client is keen to use peach but doesn’t want to paint it on major surfaces, try a peach-coloured statement chair and complement it with pink, green, cream and a range of wood tones for a chic and soothing colour scheme. Back wall painted in Resene Eau De Nil with timber moulding finished in Resene Colorwood Rising Tide, left wall in Resene Contented, floor in Resene Colorwood Bask, bowl painted in Resene Half Tea and textured artwork in Resene Contented, Resene Trek and Resene Otter with frame in Resene Colorwood Bask. Sofa and ottoman from Soren Liv, armchair and end table from Ligne Roset, cushion, lamp and vase from A&C Homestore, side table from Woodwrights, rug from Baya.

Pinker peach tones pair well with a wide range of greens, from chartreuse to forest to emerald to sage and parsley. The wavy vase painted in Resene New York Pink really pops on the background in Resene Gimblet. Trays in Resene Norway and other painted accessories in Resene Deep Teal, Resene Home Run, Resene Palm Green, Resene Fawn Green and Resene Blue Bayoux.

Peach was hugely popular during a number of design periods in the past, including the 1920s and 30s as well as the 1980s and 90s – making it an excellent choice for projects where you want to capture the spirit of times past. Resene Japonica is an ideal peach pick for a pastoral colour palette because of its slightly dusted appearance. Try it with mauves, chocolate brown, warm blues, deep red and golden yellows like Resene Otter, Resene Wafer, Resene Kilimanjaro,Resene Juniper, Resene Seachange, Resene Vanquish, Resene Twine and Resene Hot Toddy for a cosy and comforting cottagecore colour scheme.

Unlike brighter shades of orange, peach tends to energise without being overly stimulating. It can uplift spirits without being too intense, making it suitable for a range of spaces. A mild and milk orange-toned peach, Resene Tacao blends beautifully with creams, greys, browns and blues. Wall painted in Resene Tacao, table in Resene Carrara, plate in Resene Wet N Wild and vases (from left to right) in Resene Just Dance, Resene Tacao and Resene Route 66.

Peach is said to stimulate creativity and inspire imaginative thinking, and this gentle hue can foster a sense of creativity without overwhelming the mind. Peach paint colours are also a glamourous pairing for metallic accents in silver, gold, copper or rose gold. Wall painted in Resene Dawn Glow and dripping paint in Resene Inspire.

The Resene Wallpaper Collection has plenty of peach-coloured designs for those after a wallpaper solution to add this trending hue to an upcoming project. Pictured are (from left to right) Resene Wallpaper Collection 570243, 570601, 103774229 and 103824268. For a closer look at these designs and to see the full range of options on offer, visit your local Resene ColorShop.

For more popular peach paint colour options and colour pairings, visit the Resene website.

projects Kate Alexander, Amber Armitage, Laura Lynn Johnston, Leigh Stockton

images Bryce Carleton, Wendy Fenwick

Published: 11 Dec 2023