Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Livingetc
Livingetc
Emily Moorman

6 Mid-Century Color Palettes That Help Make a Modern Home Feel Charmingly "Nostalgic, Rather Than Overtly Retro"

A modern kitchen with salmon pink cabinets, sandy beige walls, a caramel brown wall cabinet, a pink kitchen island, light grey flooring, and a white ceiling. .

The mid-century design era is iconic for many reasons, but especially its color palettes. A celebration of rich earth tones — peachy pinks, mossy greens, and mustard yellows, to name a few — the defining colors of this era feel as stylish now as they did in the last century, adding warmth and a playful feel to rooms.

But knowing how to pull off a mid-century-inspired color palette without overdoing it is key, as taking it too literally can make a room look instantly dated. "Mid-century color palettes can quickly tip into pastiche if you lean on every signature color at once," explains designer Rachel Robinson. "We prefer to pick one strong color, give it real presence in the room, and then surround it with quieter, warmer tones that let the architecture and furniture breathe."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.