The new year is an exciting time of new resolutions, new decisions, and new trajectories. For many, that dedication to transformation also applies to the paints they apply to their walls and ceilings. We are looking at some dramatically different paint trends for 2023: we are moving away from safe neutrals and toward hues that are rich and inventive.
Maybe people are tired of staring at the same wall color through the pandemic and its residual effects. The color we surround ourselves with affects our mental health, after all. This migration to bolder hues may be an effort to liven things up, to invigorate our minds and enliven our souls.
The transition to bold colors can be a difficult one to make, and a more daring palette is not for everyone. However, if you think a change is in order, if you want tones that are warmer, richer, bolder, here’s what to expect for the paint trends for 2023.
Warm and Bold—Powerful Reds
Things are looking hot for this coming year, and many of the paint trends for 2023 are either dusky pinks or dramatic reds. Starting off strong, Pantone has selected Viva Magenta as their Color of the Year. This bold pink, the color of a pomegranate, is a burst of pure joy. Put it on your walls to feel empowered and energized, to chase both fear and the seasonal blues away.
Adding in a bit of orange leaves us with Benjamin Moore’s pick: Raspberry Blush. This vibrant coral color is not flashy (okay, maybe just a little bit flashy) and is sure to make any wall pop. The trendy take on terra cotta couples well with brilliant blues, especially if you want to invoke a Mediterranean aesthetic. If you want something a little darker and a little more muted, Alizarin from Graham & Brown is a great choice, subtle and sophisticated and sure to bring warmth and depth to any room.
The pinks this year are looking dusky. This is not the year for bubbly or sugary sweet tones. The two clear winners are Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards and Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams. Terra Rosa is a clear combination of burgundy and just a little beige while Redend Point’s base is a softer blush before the brown is added in.
Either of these beautiful hues work well as statement pieces or grounding neutrals, though Terra Rosa is certainly a bolder choice. These delicate tones will warm up any room’s palette, and both pair nicely with a variety of blues, golds, and whites.
A Bit of Gold
Moving away from the red family, Dulux has made a bold choice in making Wild Wonder their selection for the paint trends for 2023. This paint is a soft ochre, leaning into the gold highlights. The hue is daring in its difference from the others on the list, but on its own, Wild Wonder is really very mild, a tone that invites the outdoors right into your home with a friendly beckon.
Glorious Greens
On the other side of the spectrum from our reds are the greens, and we have two that are making a triumphant stand this year. Krylon is putting forward Spanish Moss, a true forest green that knows its worth. This color is confident, classy, and couples well with coppers and golds.
For a bold stroke that is more subtle than overtly sophisticated, consider PPG’s Vining Ivy. This green has a healthy dose of blue mixed in, and the results are tranquil and soothing.
Nearly Monochrome—Alternatives to Black and White
In keeping with the earthy tones, we don’t recommend using a true cool black in combination with any of the paint trends for 2023. Instead, look for deep earthy violet hues or hauntingly rich chocolate tones. A fathomless green will also do the trick. Choosing an alternative to black will incorporate and even improve on its drama and strength while also shaking up the status quo, adding unexpected layers.
We’ve already touched on some light neutrals to use instead of white, but Behr takes it one step further. It seems they are not ready to let the true neutrals go and have named Blank Canvas as their 2023 Color of the Year. This gentle off-white is a safe bet for those who are reluctant to embrace the other dramatic paint trends for 2023.
As you play around with 2023’s new paint trends, don’t be afraid to do what feels right for you. Do you want to be bold? Be bold! Are you easing into more striking colors? Take your time. Get creative and don’t be afraid to experiment as you look for the best paint palettes to make your 2023 amazing.
