From Barbie Pink to Digital Lavender, these colors reflect a more optimistic outlook and encourage self-expression. Meanwhile, back-to-nature neutrals like Aged Barrel provide a grounding effect that aligns with this year’s focus on wellness.
Muted greens continue to reign as one of the biggest color trends for 2023. Take cues from Vetements and style it with oversized pastel pink tracksuits for the ultimate leisurewear look.
Warm Neutrals
There is a lot of interest in warm neutrals this year. In fact, they had a much stronger showing on the color lists this year than cool neutrals did. The pendulum has swung back towards warm colors, which can look more natural and cozy than cool ones.
Warm neutrals like whites and creams had a larger presence on this year’s paint list than we have seen in the past couple of years. One of the most interesting shades was Sherwin Williams’ Blank Canvas, which is a creamy off-white that looks great with almost any trim or cabinetry color. It is the perfect backdrop for all types of wood accents and looks lovely with a
range of light and dark furniture.
Beige and tan also had a bigger presence on this year’s color list. There were several options in different shades, from darker beiges like Manchester Tan to lighter beige neutrals like Sherwin Williams’ Natural Sand. These neutrals pair well with wood tones and honey oak cabinetry but also work beautifully with bright white trim.
Another popular option for neutrals this year was a darker green. Many paint companies included a shade of green in their list this year, and most were on the brown side of the spectrum. Sherwin Williams’ Green Teal and Benjamin Moore’s Raspberry Blush are both good examples of warm green shades that would work well in any room of the house.
There were a few other neutrals on this year’s paint list that were slightly more brown than the beiges and neutrals. Dutch Boy’s Rustic Greige was a nice example of this trend. This earthy shade pairs nicely with the warm earth-tone paints that are currently popular and looks great with both light and dark wood accents.
The pendulum swung back toward pink this year, too. With Pantone’s Viva Magenta as their 2023 Color of the Year, we saw a few rich pinks that really made a statement. These shades have a purple or red undertone and they are empowering in their tone. They would work well in any room of the house and are a wonderful way to bring a pop of color into a space without
going overboard with it.
Soft Pastel Tones
As consumers become more mindful of their environmental impact and are driven by a desire to create a safe space for themselves and their families, they’re turning to soft neutrals and pastel shades to create calming spaces. In 2023, this trend looks set to continue.
The Pantone Color of the Year 2023 is Digital Lavender, a soft, pastel purple. This hue is reminiscent of a dreamy summer sunset and invokes feelings of tranquility and peace. It pairs nicely with crisp white, or if you want to add warmth to your space, pair it with a shade of brown such as rust and terracotta.
Designers also see a move toward soft green and blue tones in 2023. From Benjamin Moore’s calming Coastal Fog to Farrow & Ball’s deep and serene Kittiwake, blue room ideas can be both invigorating and soothing. In addition to pairing well with other colors, blues are also a great way to add depth to your space.
Paint company Behr’s Rustic Greige is a warm neutral that perfectly captures this trend toward connecting with nature in our homes. Its earthy undertones and cozy, welcoming vibe make it a great choice for kitchens and family rooms. It’s an especially good choice if you’re looking to transition from the stark, cool white shades that have dominated design trends for the past few years.
Other soft neutrals that are popular in 2023 include HGTV’s Redend Point and Vintage Homestead’s Embraced By The Forest. Both shades offer a neutral alternative to traditional whites and beige. They also work as a foundation color for many styles of furniture and are a great option for those looking to avoid bright or overpowering neutrals.
While it’s a trend to see more muted neutrals and pastel shades, some designers still predict that bold and dark hues will have their moment this year. “We’re seeing a movement away from all-white and gray neutrals to warmer, richer tones like chocolate brown, brick red, and dark jade,” says Brooke Moore, interior designer at Freemodel.
Color trends are influenced by runway shows, new technologies, and socio-economic sentiments, but color forecasters such as Pantone and Behr also play an important role. These experts invest time, energy, and resources into analyzing new colors to understand how they can evoke a specific emotion or response. They then use their findings to guide design decisions and inspire consumers like you.
Bright Reds
As we move forward with the color trends for 2023, expect to see a wide range of bright hues. From bold orange reds to rich blue-green shades, these vibrant colors are sure to make a statement in your home. If you’re not quite ready to commit to a full paint job, consider using this trend as an accent in smaller areas like the stairwell or entryway.
While the majority of the 2023 color trends are soothing and calm, some of them also have a bit of an edge. In addition to brighter neutrals, designers predict that we will begin to get more comfortable experimenting with darker shades.
One such shade is terra cotta, which was selected as the color of the year by three of the major paint companies. It’s a fiery orange red that’s perfect for adding drama to any room. If you prefer a more muted option, try Sherwin-Williams’ Redend Point. This earthy shade has subtle pink undertones and is ideal for creating a cozy bedroom or living space.
Green tones are another popular option this year. Although only one company selected a green as their color of the year, most had a variety of nature-inspired shades on their trends list. Sherwin-Williams’ Everglade Deck and Krylon’s Spanish Moss are both deep emerald tones that would pair well with wood tones and brass accents in any space.
While some designers believe that dark tones will be more popular in 2023, others think that light grays will continue to dominate the industry. Regardless of your preference, warm neutrals will continue to be a popular choice for the year ahead. In fact, Valspar’s livable shade collection includes a variety of soft neutrals including Gentle Violet and Southern Road. These hues will add a touch of sophistication to any room while still keeping things feeling airy and light.
While many of these soothing and calming hues are great for larger spaces, the prevailing neutrals will remain a popular option for smaller homes as well. Designers recommend choosing neutrals with hints of grey or tan to create an overall light and airy feel. Additionally, if you choose to use a bolder color, you can balance it with plenty of white for a clean and fresh look.
