A fresh coat of paint is the easiest way to revamp your home without dealing with a remodel. But this is especially true if you choose the right paint color to fulfill your overarching vision. Opting for a shade that doesn’t fit your personal design aesthetic or home’s existing décor scheme will have you painting over your hard work stat—an outcome you should do everything in your power to avoid.
If your goal is to pick something fresh and contemporary, get inspired by browsing some of the paint colors that are expected to be big in the new year. Top-rated paint brands, like Behr and Sherwin Williams, have already shared their predictions for the shades they think will be big in 2023. And the choices—which range from blushing beige to off-white—will give you some ideas for your own space.
Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year, Raspberry Blush, is ideal for the home owner looking to try something new. The saturated red-orange hue was inspired by an artist’s desire to communicate through color, shape, and sound. “People are ready to bring color back into the home, taking a step outside their color comfort zones,” said Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore. The charismatic shade will add a pop of color to smaller spaces, like the living room or bathroom. Alternatively, it’s the perfect accent shade for a mantelpiece or archway.
If you consider yourself a minimalist, Behr’s 2023 Color of the Year is the one for you. Coined Blank Canvas, the off-white hue is the perfect backdrop for any room. “Blank Canvas effortlessly offers a clean and inviting blank slate that allows individuality and creativity to flow freely,” said Erika Woelfel, the vice president of color and creative services at Behr, in a statement. “This white easily harmonizes with a wide range of hues, including neutrals, earth tones, and pastels for a charming and cozy appeal.” Use the calming shade to cover all of your walls or consider pairing it with bolder, splashier tones.
Hoping to make your home feel cozier in 2023? Graham & Brown’s Color of the Year, Alizarin, is the one for you. The moody auburn hue was designed to make homes more welcoming. Named after the rubia plant species that’s been historically used as dye around the world, the shade can be utilized in small spaces to create a cocooning affect or in rooms designated for entertaining to create a sense of opulence. The warm shade is available in multiple finishes, including resistance durable matte emulsion, interior eggshell, gloss, and matte emulsion.
Striking the perfect balance between classic neutrals and bolder hues is Sherwin Williams’ 2023 Color of the Year: Redend Point. The color walks a fine line between blush and beige, resulting in a shade that anyone, whatever their design aesthetic preference, can appreciate. “Redend Point was inspired by the idea of finding beauty beyond ourselves. It is a heartening hue that invites compassion and connection into any space,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “The color is a natural choice for those looking for a warm and joyful neutral in both interiors and exteriors.”
A medium-toned neutral color with a slight red undertone, Dutch Boy’s color of the year is understated without being boring. Versatile Rustic Greige is inspired by the need to escape, relax, and recharge. “It’s about retreating to a calmer, simpler lifestyle inspired by the peace and clarity of tones derived from nature,”said Ashley Banbury, NCIDQ and senior color designer of Dutch Boy Paints. The shade is designed to look great after just one coat, making the transformation process easier for DIYers.
Green continues to be a tending color in design spaces, so it’s no surprise that Krylon opted for an iteration of the hue as its 2023 Color of the Year. Spanish Moss is a nod to all things vintage, blending both warm and cool accents to create a shade that feels both familiar and new. “This year’s color selection is inspired by the comfort and reassurance found in the past, as we look to find contentment in the future,” said Ashley Banbury, senior color designer for Krylon. “Spanish Moss is a timeless, organic hue that embraces the raw beauty of the natural world.” The stunning green shade is designed to work in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Rather than just choosing one specific shade, Valspar debuted a 2023 Colors of the Year palette. The 12-shade collection, which ranges from comforting white and soft blue to dramatic teal and gentle violet, is filled with earth-toned colors inspired by nature. “Valspar’s 2023 Colors of the Year are usable shades that encourage self-expression and anyone can envision in their space,” said Sue Kim, Valspar’s color marketing manager. “With our 12 colors to choose from, you are guaranteed to find a color that is picture-perfect for you!”
Drawing inspiration from modern fashion, lifestyle, and culture, Dunn-Edwards’ 2023 Color of the Year—Terra Rosa—was chosen as a welcome update to browns and burgundies. The blushing cinnamon hue represents positivity, joyfulness, confidence, creativity, and coziness. Use the scorched-earth shade in any area of the home, including to cover entire walls, as an accent color, and even on the exterior of your property.
Go bold in the new year with Viva Magenta, Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year. The crimson hue is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the strongest and brightest dyes in the world. “As virtual worlds become a more prominent part of our daily lives, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. The assertive shade will encourage you to be braver with your home’s design choices.
