The vintage paint color that never goes out of style

Trends come and go, and that certainly applies when it comes to paint colors. However, certain shades stand the test of time, especially those that evoke a feeling of nostalgia. One paint color that never seems to go out of style – and has been gaining popularity lately – is sand and gold ocher. Once a staple of midcentury modern palettes and retro '70s interiors, designers are embracing this warm, cheerful hue and using it to add playful pops of color and cozy character. Is this the vintage color everyone will paint their living room walls with?

Painting a room a sandy or golden ocher tone can instantly transform the room. The earthy undertones make a room feel cozy and inviting, reminiscent of another time. The color is also extremely versatile in a range of design styles, which is largely the reason for the recent revival of this vintage color. Golden-ochre tones can work well in a variety of rooms, from the living room or dining room, where they create an intimate atmosphere, to the bedroom, where they add a dose of serenity to the room. If you don't plan on painting an entire room, you can still give it some vintage character by using the hue to highlight a specific element, such as a bookshelf wall—a living room design trend that has replaced accent walls.

One shade that designers are particularly praising this year is Benjamin Moore's Summerdale Gold. Part of the brand's Historical Colors collection, this shade is described as a honey gold with soft green undertones. The earthy color makes it a perfect fall tone, while the calming, neutral feel it evokes makes it a beautiful choice all year round. Earthy Ocher by Sherwin Williams is another option for adding warmth and nostalgia to a room. The muted yellow and brown tones create a natural feel that suits rustic, boho or mid-century modern spaces – all of which focus on bringing natural elements into a space.

Due to the organic feel that golden ochres offer, these colors pair well with natural materials and surfaces. Structured materials such as wicker, rattan, burlap or linen harmonize particularly well with the umbrella. You can also complement a room painted with gold ocher by adding pops of color through fabrics for pillows, curtains or upholstered furniture. For hard surfaces, natural stones like travertine or marble emphasize golden ocher's earthiness, while its warm undertones make it a great complement to rich wood tones like dark wood floors and furniture pieces. If you've painted a room this shade, it's also a good idea to add some warm metals like copper or brass through lighting fixtures or other accents. To enhance the vintage look and feel of your space, consider combining metals in your interior design.