2023 Colors of the Year

The latest paint colors trends for interiors are warmer shades of neutral white, greige, and inviting, fresh tones. Behr's Canvas White and Origami White by Sherwin Williams are two of the most trendworth neutrals this year.

2023 is very different, but variety is the spice of life right? Think dark and moody. After a world-changing few years, where soothing greens, pale pinks, and cool neutrals helped create more calming indoor environments, expect to see the start of a return to more dramatic shades for 2023. "Strength, earthiness, and positivity: These are the feelings people will be hoping to inspire, so we'll be seeing rich, bold colors with lots of pigment and backbone," says paint and color expert Annie Sloan, creator of Chalk Paint. Colors found in terracotta are projected to soar in popularity, think reds, orange, and a lot of warmer earthy tones.

Experts anticipate seeing clients combine eye-catching shades in unexpected places—moving away from layers of white, ivory, beige, and cream layered into minimalist rooms and into more adventurous palettes and techniques. Studholme believes that the most defining paint trend of 2023 will involve how we use color—not just the color itself. "People will become braver in using stronger colors, even if they use them in very small amounts.

2023 Pantone Color

The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature. A red with subtle notes of purple, magenta flawlessly complements many different color palettes from those on the richer, jewel-tone side of the spectrum to even a lighter, earthy palette. Are you this bold?

Behr Paint Company’s Blank Canvas is exactly that — a clean, warm white that can clear a space and provide a backdrop to any decor. Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and services at Behr, says that after years of uncertainty, Behr wanted to deliver a sense of renewal.

“Blank Canvas is the ultimate color of renewal and fresh starts, with transformative power that clears the air and provides a clean background for endless design and decor possibilities for 2023,” she says.

Instead of the cooler tones we've seen in the past, today's neutrals embrace a warmer disposition with earthy undertones. Paint companies like Sherwin-Williams named Redend Point their color of the year—expect to see more shades of blush popping up in the upcoming year. If you like warm neutrals but want a little more color, Redend Point is worth a look. Sherwin-Williams says this color “can make any space feel safe, calming, and grounded, yet still energized.”

Benjamin Moore pivoted away from the soothing shades of years past to proclaim "Raspberry Blush" as their official color of the year. Particularly, colors in the red, orange, and terracotta families are projected to soar in popularity dues to their ability to take people out of their comfort zones and be more expressive with their color choices. Benjamin Moore describes this as a vivacious shade of coral tinged with pink. Although many describe Rasberry blush as a fiery red-orange that's basically the best color in a really good sunset. The vivacious color marks a pull toward bold, warm hues.

Benjamin Moore describes this as a vivacious shade of coral tinged with pink. Although many describe Rasberry blush as a fiery red-orange that's basically the best color in a really good sunset. The vivacious color marks a pull toward bold, warm hues. “We've had colors that are on the cooler side of the color wheel for a number of years, and now we're really starting to see a shift to the warmer colors,” says Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore.

“We've had colors that are on the cooler side of the color wheel for a number of years, and now we're really starting to see a shift to the warmer colors,” says Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore.

2023 PPG's Vining Ivy is an enchanting deep aqua representing contemporary and traditional styles, perfectly marrying a touch of the past and a taste of the future. More than 30 color experts convened to choose Glidden’s Color of the Year — the is-it-blue-or-is-it-green Vining Ivy.

“Our color experts found that consumers are seeking to simplify in this post-COVID era, as the past two years have shed a new light on the importance of serenity and little moments,” says Alyson Ferrari of PPG. “The blue and green undertones create a luxe, ultra-trendy color that is both calming and energizing — the perfect mood as we cautiously emerge from the pandemic, ready to live our best lives.”

I love the description on Glidden’s website as well: “This “bluish-greenish-something-in-betweenish” color serves up versatile vibes, making it an on-trend addition to any room. No matter if you think it looks more blue or more green, either way, it’s a vibe.”

Ferrari continues: “For those looking for a more luxurious feel, Vining Ivy can easily go glam when accessorized with golden accents and bright white trim. Those who love this moody hue but are still feeling color shy can treat themselves to the understated elegance of a teal accent wall or make a statement with Vining Ivy on their kitchen cabinetry. “For those short on square footage but big on style, we recommend using this rich hue as bold contrast to a neutral palette, making a petite room feel plush.”

Though nature still continues to inspire color trends into 2023, there's increasing interest in "more earthbound natural shades In particular, shades of warm brown that are reminiscent of different types of woods, minerals, and even jewels. C2 Paint announced Tiramisu, a coppery, midtone brown, as their color of the year which perfectly embodies this movement towards organic tones.

Green—one of the most popular color families for several years—remains a go-to shade. Expect to see it used increasingly as a neutral, and not just in olive, Kelly, or leaf-colored accents. "If you think of green in nature, we see it against everything—everything works against green," says Eiseman.

Pair it with tropical brights, like mauve, mango, peach, and aqua, or understated, comforting neutrals. "Greens are certainly an ongoing theme," says Eiseman. "It has that wonderful neutrality that makes it work with so many other shades."

All Shades of Brown/Creams/Neutrals -

Incorporating hues of warmer brown inspired by the world around you—instead of the cooler grays that have been popular recently—helps anchor and richen the atmosphere of your space.

For those who do not dare cross into the bolder color palette, there are still trending neutrals out there for you. Neutral shades are the foundation of most color palettes, since they allow homeowners to adjust furniture, accessories, or accent walls without a full makeover. Expect to see whites, beiges, tans, and grays with warmer undertones, say experts.

I know this will upset a lot of you grey color lovers out there, but..."There is certainly a move away from the cooler gray tones, so beloved for the last decade, to those that feel kinder and warmer," says Joa Studholme, color curator at Farrow & Ball. "We now want colors that are lasting experiences in our homes and reflect a little more of our personality."

"Brown is an earth tone, meaning it makes us feel grounded and more connected to nature," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "People are looking to bring warmth into the home but they also are looking to bring energy into their spaces, and browns can help a space feel both warm and lively."

Wadden points to softer, lighter hues in the brown and beige color families, like Redend Point, Cool Beige, and Malted Milk. These are all alluring options for those interested in the brown color trend, since they inspire "self-care and providing care for others," she says.