6 nostalgic colors interior designers are loving in 2025 – perfect for creating a stand-out transitional scheme

Nostalgic colors are having a moment right now. Comforting shades that conjure times gone by, nostalgic colors are becoming a go-to for interior designers looking to create welcoming and timeless schemes that kindle happy memories of simpler times. But what shades are the designers turning to? We reached out to color experts and interior designers to get their insights on the current color trends and decorating tips.

'Nostalgic decorating trends will be a key factor in choosing paint shades in 2025 and beyond because it encourages decorators to think about the colors that mean something to them, trigger specific memories tied to the past, and make them feel safe,' says Tash Bradley, director of interiors at Lick. 'The meaning of the 'home' has evolved over the years. Our homes act as personal sanctuaries and memory boxes. And what we are seeing more and more of is decorators leaning towards colors that feel cozy and nostalgic, and mean something to them.'

What are the nostalgic colors are designers loving right now?

1. Burgundy

The best burgundy paint colors have found particular favor with interior designers in recent years. Often avoided in the past for fear of being dark and dated, the striking hue has been seen cropping up more and more in recent projects with designers embracing the depth and warmth of decorating with burgundy. Tash Bradley explains how its burgundy shade Purple 02 has been on the rise.

'Nostalgic colors designers are loving right now are burgundy, earthy browns and warming oranges. These colors have nostalgic qualities due to their cocooning, cozy feel,' says Tash. 'Three Lick colors which have significantly risen in popularity this year are Purple 03, Brown 02 and Orange 02.'

'A dark velvety purple with blue and yellow undertones. Purple 03 oozes coziness and sophistication, creating warm spaces that offer a feeling of luxury and power. It is so packed full of pigment and depth that it demands your attention. It looks incredible in downstairs bathrooms where you can afford to play around and go bold and also in dining rooms where you want to create sophisticated, cocooning spaces.'

When it comes to kitchen color ideas burgundy is becoming increasingly popular, with interior designers using it on cabinets and kitchen islands and even through stone worktops with burgundy tints. ‘Looking into 2025, we're seeing rich, warm tones in yellows and reds coming into the kitchen,’ says Emily Arthur, chief commercial officer of Isla Porter. ‘We're building several kitchens in deep red and even burgundy wine tones. Even if you can't paint your entire kitchen red, try small pops — like painting interior cabinets and drawers in bold hues.’

We explore more beautiful burgundy kitchen ideas in our dedicated feature.

Cozy cottage and country kitchen ideas are perfect spaces to inject a touch of nostalgia-core and deep reds are a wonderful way lean into the warm, inviting look.

'We wanted to choose an earthy and warm color for this kitchen to reflect the colors in the countryside outside,' says Laura Stephens of this beautiful space. 'The cream walls provide a perfect foil for the deep red and help to keep the scheme feeling fresh.'

2. Buttery yellows

We predicted buttery yellows would be one of the vintage paint colors that made a comeback this year and that’s certainly what’s playing out.

As warm and comforting as they are joyful and uplifting, mellow yellows have been proving particularly popular in kitchens. There is something comforting and optimistic about a yellow kitchen that feels timeless. We're seeing yellow in all shades — from butter to saffron — showing up all over the millwork space,' says Emily Arthur, chief commercial officer of Isla Porter. 'For homeowners who are risk-averse but don't want the monotony of white cabinets, butter yellow can be a wonderful neutral to work with. An icy blue mixed with a dark red burgundy is also finding its way into both modern and traditional kitchens which is a great playful palette that feels fresh.

Luxury British joinery brand Artichoke, creators of bespoke kitchens inspired by traditional joinery, have also used yellow in several of their projects to enhance the heritage-style cabinetry.

‘Yellow is the original artist’s color – in ancient Egypt, yellow ochre pigments were used in lieu of gold. Evoking hope and optimism, it’s a bold choice but perfect where you need natural light to flood a small space,' says Bruce Hodgson, founder of Artichoke. 'Here in the guest kitchen of a Victorian country house we offset the natural wood of the sink against the joinery painted in Farrow & Ball’s Sudbury Yellow to make the whole space cheerful and welcoming.

Yes Colours has recently launched a new paint collection dedicated to nostalgic colors with buttery yellow tipped as a hero shade. ‘Our newly launched, Nostalgic Yellow is a warm, tanned contemporary twist on magnolia, ready to grace walls and ceilings everywhere. Inspired by 1950s fashion, this warm tan yellow is an ideal paint choice for kitchens, dining rooms and naturally dark spaces where a more cocooning, cozy feel is desired,’ explains Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of Yes Colours.

‘Those wanting a bold and dramatic contrast could pair it with deep, saturated colors for a moody interior scheme. Alternatively, embrace the softer side with complementary pastels such as peach and green for a spring-inspired look.’

3. Rich browns

Moving into 2025, decorating with brown remains a firm favorite, as we continue to crave warm, comforting interiors with a connection to nature. Popular in the 70s and further back into the Victorian and Georgian periods, brown is being rediscovered by interior designers as a wonderful backdrop for decorating with natural materials and art. Pale blues, pinks and warm yellows all make wonderful partners.

A selection of warm, grounding shades, including brown, featured strongly in Lick’s latest color collection ‘New Nostalgia'. ‘An earthy dark brown with red in its undertones, Brown 02 emanates warmth, making it perfect for creating grounded, comforting spaces. Style Brown 02 with Purple 03 for the ultimate 2025 color combination. These colors share a richness and depth of color, supported by deep red undertones. This pairing works particularly well in a bedroom scheme, with Brown 02 offering grounding and assuring qualities and Purple 03 adding warmth and a touch of luxury.'

If you are cautious about brown room ideas and other rich colors, follow the lead of interior designers and start small in rooms such as powder rooms and boot rooms.

'London Clay by Farrow & Ball is a perfect choice for a windowless powder room, wrapping the space in a rich, warm depth that feels both cozy and sophisticated, says Sara Swabb, founder of Storie Collective. 'Instead of fighting the lack of natural light, it embraces it, creating a moody, intimate atmosphere. Paired with unlacquered brass fixtures and vintage accents, it adds character and timeless appeal.'

Interior designer Uns Hobbs often gravitates towards warm, grounding shades in her projects. In this rural new build project she introduced a palette of warm neutrals to bring a welcoming feel.

'Move beyond magnolia and gray and be brave with color as it will totally transform your space,' advises Uns. 'We love to explore color with our clients and delve deep into the palettes they are drawn to. We then create a scheme that fits perfectly with them.'

Our new build clients liked a softer pared-back palette, and this earthy brown – Mouses Back by Farrow & Ball – worked so beautifully as the joinery color.'

4. Coral and peach

Farrow & Ball have recently launched a collection of 12 brand new colors which include several tones that hark back to simpler times. We asked brand ambassador Patrick O’Donnell for his top nostalgic tones.

'Coral and apricot tones have a nostalgic whiff of English country house from the 1950s and 60s,' says Patrick O’Donnell. 'Naperon, from our newly launched collection, is a great choice. Or alternatively, be inspired by the 1970s glamour of brown by using Broccoli Brown.'

Natural paint company Edward Bulmer has also noticed an uplift in peachy tones. 'We are seeing a big ‘peach revival’ with these warm terracotta shades reminiscent of Mediterranean summers and/or an 80s drawing room,' says Milla Elder, head of marketing at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint.

'Peachy colors bring warmth, rustic charm, and a touch of the Mediterranean to any space. Edward Bulmer’s terracotta tones have an earthy undertone and are truly exquisite, they are packed full of the finest earth and mineral pigments, so whether you go for a coral pink or more pinkish brown, these shades will create a soft, living finish that will flatter all lights and work and transcend time.'

Helen Shaw, color expert at Benjamin Moore has also noticed a resurgence in certain pastel shades with a vintage feel. In this retro peachy shade, Sweet N Sour is teamed with pale yellow Golden Garden.

'Pastel shades are making a strong comeback, but with a modern twist. Moving away from overly sweet, sugary tones, the new pastel palettes embrace a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic,' says Helen. 'These updated color combinations bring depth, mood, and style, making them perfect for contemporary interiors. Whether you're creating a casual retro-inspired home office or designing a sleek and stylish kitchen, these soft yet elevated hues add a fresh and timeless charm.'

5. Warming oranges

Commonplace in the 1970s warming oranges are making a comeback. 'A rich earthy orange with warm brown undertones, Orange 02 has a joyful quality that is comforting, making your space feel relaxing and peaceful. It pairs perfectly with the more neutral colors like Taupe. I also really recommend incorporating lots of warm woods and plants in the home, as the green and brown tones complement the earthy-ness of the Orange 02, creating tonal harmony and a grounding feel' says Tash for Lick.

Farrow & Ball's newly released collection features a new captivating orange hue which is set to be hugely popular. ‘Marmelo, named after the quince that inspired marmalade, is one of my favorite new colors,' says Joa Studholme, color curator for Farrow & Ball. 'Who could fail to be comforted by that familiar orange reminiscent of warm, buttered toast and conversations around the breakfast table?'

6. Soft pinks

Elegant and feminine, soft, vintage pinks remain a perennial favorite with interior designers. While once reserved for bedrooms or dressing rooms, pinks are frequently being used in kitchens as a way to bring comfort and warmth to practical spaces.

'The multifunctional aspect of kitchens means they can often be rather utilitarian in feel. Consider creating a softer ambiance and making the overall space feel more welcoming and relaxing with a gentle and elegant palette. Pair the delicate ‘Rose Cluster’ with ‘Slate II’ for a sophisticated scheme, where the warm grey of Slate will ground the space whilst ‘New Black’ on a window frame or skirting will provide a further graphic highlight,' suggests Andy Greenall, head of design, Paint & Paper Library.

We often associate pinks with sickly, overly pretty hues, but by combining with natural materials such as wood, stone and rattan or warm neutral colors we can create contrast in a scheme, that feels elegant and appealing and deeply grown-up – elevating the delicate floral quality.'

For more decorating inspiration filled with nostalgic charm, we round up the biggest vintage trends for 2025 in our separate feature.