Peach Fuzz: Pantone's color of the year predicts a rosy and inviting 2024

The race is on to predict the colors that will rule the interior design world in 2024.

Leading the field is the shade from the globally influential American color consultancy Pantone: peach down.

This “velvety peach has an all-encompassing spirit that enriches the heart, mind and body,” according to Pantone analysts.

They also claim that this rich blend of pink and coral meets 'our needs for nurturing, empathy and compassion' during a time of unrest.

You may not be convinced that any color has such powers. But Pantone's choice confirms that the fashion for pink and related shades, including amber and plum, is gaining momentum as it enables evolution rather than revolution.

Ideal in a period when people want to bring more convenience and glamor into their home, but cannot afford an expensive renovation.

The economic outlook is starting to look a little brighter – and the future may look peachy, as it brings what Furniture Village's Shelley Cochrane calls “refined warmth.”

It also provides a flattering backdrop, an aspect of interior styling that is often forgotten. For this reason it is already used in luxury interiors.

Jane Landino, of London interior designers Taylor Howes, an early adopter of peach fuzz, says: 'This shade is soft and easy, but also rich and inviting.

It also adds such a shine to a room. That's why we integrated it into many of our designs last year.

I defy anyone not to look good in the light it puts out.” Nicky Haslam, the association's interior designer, may be better known for his lists of what's common and what's not, but he's also praised for his talent for creating rooms that make people look more attractive.

It's a trick he performs by painting the walls an Elastoplast-like combination of pink and orange – peach fuzz, by another name.

He recently told House & Garden: 'Paint the inside pink and everyone will look prettier.'

If you're interested in testing the Haslam theorem, Lick's Orange paint is described as 'peach fuzz orange with a hint of yellow'.

The Boho Blush from Levis is another option. If you want to venture into wallpaper, Wallsauce's Tropical Haze mural features a 19th century print pattern against a peach background, bringing together the fashion for Victoriana and the color of 2024.

But Peach Fuzz and its variants will not only lend beauty to the occupants, it can also serve as a neutral.

Cochrane says: 'It's not a challenging colour: it will complement earthy tones such as brown and olive green, or add depth to dark tones such as plum or magenta.'

A peach chair from Dunelm (£209)

Lena Gierasinska, of Barker and Stonehouse, thinks some people will enjoy the full peach experience by opting for chairs or sofas, attracted by the mix of cozy and luxurious.

But she suggests that a peach-colored down rug can make a hallway seem much more inviting, while pillows and vases could serve as a nod to the trend.

Side chairs with velvet upholstery in pink-peach tones can be found for €450. Graham & Greenand for £299 at Dunelm.

Dunelm is gentle Martha four-seater sofa with button closure in soft coral velvet is an example of peachy, relaxed elegance (€839.20).

Habitat has a number of rugs, including the Leaf, in that same mix of Victorian exotic foliage and peach down. The price is £27.50, down from £55.

If you prefer the look of early 20th century abstract sculptures, Barker and Stonehouse has a Peach Fuzz Twin vase for £39.

Matalans The range of velvet cushions includes a €20.90 Furn cushion in deep pink. As the Christmas decorations come down, households will start discussing how they want to freshen up their interiors.

Peach fuzz may seem to some to be the breath of spring they long for in the cold of January.