Cottagecore: These warm, earthy paint colour tones complete the look

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When it comes to paint choices for our home interiors, there has been a fundamental shift towards cosy, warm earth tones in the last two years, spurred on by the pandemic, says colour marketing and development expert for Benjamin Moore Sharon Grech.

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Off-whites, creams, vintage blues and greens all complement the 90s shabby chic, cottagecore trend that’s been so popular in home decor over the past few years.

This style is all about celebrating the simple country life (even if you live in a very urban area) and is achieved through comfortable furnishings, serene, timeless colours and materials that are in harmony with nature, says Grech.

She remarks that this style is timeless and isn’t tied to any particular season – it works all year round. “If you start with a colour palette that feels peaceful for you and key furnishings as a foundation, you can easily switch out accessories such as heavy wool textures for winter, replaced by linen for warmer months. Look to your room’s rugs, upholstery fabric, artwork or even the view outdoors to pull paint colour inspiration,” says Grech.

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At Benjamin Moore, this cottage-inspired style has been the catalyst for some of their warm, earthy, pale colours like White Sand, November Rain, vintage greens and blues such as Mint Chocolate Chip, Palladian Blue and Gloucester Sage.

Outdoor style trends like black and white are still proving popular for sidings, doors and trims, but with a shift towards warmer whites paired with off-blacks, says Grech. You see it in Benjamin Moore colours like White Chocolate, Powder Sand, Wrought Iron, Flint and Mohegan Sage.

Martin Fuchs is senior marketing manager for SICO Paint by PPG. They’ve noticed a move away from the grey tones that were so popular the past few decades to warmer neutrals, beige and taupe colours.

“From a colour perspective, people are craving warmer, more comforting colours after two years of uncertainty and isolation,” says Fuchs.

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He says that contemporary earth tones (muted sage greens, breezy blues and earthy taupes) create an environment that feels secure and protective.

“While the shift away from greys was already underway before the pandemic, the cautious optimism we feel as we emerge from our homes and adapt back into more social lives has people wanting to add colour to their living spaces in the same, considerate way,” he says.

The pandemic has also affected the types of paint products people are looking for, adds Fuchs. After two years of heavy home use, with people working, living, working out and entertaining all in one place, they’ve come to value resiliency in their product choices as much as beauty.

In response to this, Sico has released a new line of paint products, called Sico Prestige, which includes more than 1,000 one-coat colours. The paint is scuff, scrub and mildew-resistant, says Fuchs.

“Canadian households are busier than ever. People are looking for a quick and easy way to infuse their homes with a durable boost.”