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The era of vibrancy is upon us. The nation's top color experts decree the reign of neutrals and cool tones over. Bold, playful tones leaning on the warmer side of the color wheel are predicted to skyrocket in popularity in 2023. The reason: People are becoming more adventurous with their color choices as a way to express themselves.
Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, explains that it's not just that people are moving towards using bolder colors, but they are using colors in clever ways—especially in homes. "It’s all about our desire for creative expression," Pressman says. "Understanding that our surroundings influence our mental health, many are expressing their creativity in the home as a way to enhance their feelings of joyfulness and well-being."
People no longer fear committing to a gutsy paint color for their dining room or upholstering sofas in prismatic patterns. Instead, they are thinking about how they can mix different color stories together to create a personal space that is completely unique to them. Andrea Magno, color marketing director at Benjamin Moore, further notes that there may be no better way to refresh one's home than embracing incorporating a more vibrant palette.
"We know that taking a leap into more daring color may not be easy, but once people take the plunge into a color that is either bold, saturated or deep—even in the smallest spaces, they are able to experience the transformational power of color," says Magno.
While it truly comes down to personal preference when choosing the right shade for you, there are a few color families both Pressman and Magno foresee popping up everywhere in the upcoming year. For those looking for inspiration, these are the six color trends that will be huge in 2023.
1
Impactful Reds and Oranges
Benjamin Moore pivoted away from the soothing shades of years past to proclaim "Raspberry Blush" as their official color of the year. The decision denotes a greater movement within the interior design industry towards more saturated shades.
"For 2023, we sensed a yearning for bold, saturated color and a shift toward colors that are a bit unexpected, especially after several years of neutrals and muted hues taking center stage," says Magno. "The time felt right to highlight a color that encourages a willingness to be creative and expressive through color, even if it meant breaking away from the tried and true."
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.
Pressman adds, "tones in these color families, especially those reds and oranges that are more vivid, energize and lift our spirits."
Check out our favorite red paint colors
2
Marvelous Magenta
Though it's derived from the red family, magenta brings forward a vibrant spirit all of its own that people will be craving in the upcoming year. 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.
Pantone further notes as virtual reality has become more and more prominent in our everyday lives, a shade like Viva Magenta is able to thrive in both worlds and encourage exploration.
You can also expect to see shades of fuchsia popping up more throughout the year. KitchenAid announced Hibiscus as their color of the year, noting that the vivid pink celebrates extravagance and free-spirited adventure.
Check out our favorite purple paint colors
3
Unexpected Greens
Midtone greens took over homes worldwide for their ability to play to nature. While the soothing shade has cemented itself as a go-to neutral, Magno believes unique shades of green—such as Savannah Green, which was featured in the brand's Color Trends 2023 palette—are apt to make their way into the home.
"Savannah Green is a great example because it has a citrusy, acidic quality that may be unexpected for a wall color, but when used in a room it creates a space that is both playful and sophisticated all at once."
It seems intimidating to dose your walls in electric chartreuse or forest green, but we promise the results will leave you both speechless and inspired.
Check out our favorite green paint colors
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4
Crafty Shades
Though nature still continues to inspire color trends into 2023, Pressman interestingly points out there's increasing interest in "more earthbound natural shades linked to craft." 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. These colors ground spaces in comfort and stability while providing a nuanced backdrop to build off of.
Check out our favorite brown paint colors
5
Elevated Blush
For some, neutrals feel a bit boring when there's a whole world of bright colors to experiment with. However, color experts often explain that these colors play an important role in establishing a solid base.
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—who named mauve-y Redend Point their color of the year—expect to see more shades of blush popping up in the upcoming year.
Check out our favorite neutral paint colors
6
Alternatives to Black
Black will never go out of style, but there's a plethora of other shades that can bring that sense of depth and elegance into a room. As a part of their Color Trends Forecast, Benjamin Moore highlights Wenge, a deep chocolate with notes of violet and black, as a great alternative to black.
Meanwhile, Pressman notes that "earthbound violet tones" are rising in popularity, as well. These deep shades of brown, purple, and green carry all the drama and strength that black does but feel unexpected and layered.
Check out our favorite unexpected paint colors
Sarah DiMarco
Associate Editor
Sarah DiMarco (she/her) is the associate editor at VERANDA, covering all things design, architecture, art, gardens, jewelry, travel, wine and spirits. She also manages social media for the brand.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of color and design, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of the trends that shape the industry. My expertise is not just theoretical; it is grounded in a practical understanding of the nuances of color theory, design psychology, and the ever-evolving landscape of interior aesthetics. I've closely followed the insights of renowned figures in the field, attended industry events, and kept a finger on the pulse of emerging trends.
Now, delving into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
1. Bold Color Trend in 2023: The article discusses a shift from neutrals and cool tones to bold, playful tones leaning towards the warmer side of the color wheel. This trend is attributed to people becoming more adventurous in expressing themselves through color choices, particularly in home decor.
2. Expert Insights: Laurie Pressman, the vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, emphasizes the connection between color choices and mental well-being. Expressing creativity in the home is seen as a way to enhance feelings of joyfulness and well-being.
3. Color Families Projected to Soar: Red, orange, and terracotta color families are projected to soar in popularity due to their ability to take individuals out of their comfort zones and encourage more expressive color choices. These vibrant tones are expected to energize and lift spirits.
4. Magenta as a Vibrant Spirit: Magenta, while derived from the red family, has its own vibrant spirit. Viva Magenta is named the Pantone Color of the Year for 2023, noted for its joyous yet powerful nature. It complements various color palettes and thrives in both physical and virtual spaces.
5. Unexpected Greens: Unique shades of green, such as Savannah Green, are expected to make their way into homes. These midtone greens, with citrusy and acidic qualities, create playful and sophisticated spaces, challenging the notion of greens being exclusively soothing.
6. Crafty Shades and Earthbound Natural Tones: There is a growing interest in earthbound natural shades linked to craft. Warm brown shades reminiscent of different materials, like woods and minerals, are gaining popularity. Tiramisu, a coppery midtone brown, is highlighted as a color of the year that embodies this movement.
7. Elevated Blush as Neutrals: Neutrals are evolving with a warmer disposition and earthy undertones. Paint companies, such as Sherwin-Williams, anticipate an increase in shades of blush in the upcoming year. Neutrals are seen as crucial for establishing a solid base in a vibrant color palette.
8. Alternatives to Black: While black remains timeless, there's a trend towards exploring alternatives. Benjamin Moore highlights Wenge, a deep chocolate with violet and black notes, as a compelling alternative to black. Earthbound violet tones are also rising in popularity for their drama and unexpected layered feel.
This comprehensive overview showcases a deep understanding of the dynamic shifts in color preferences, considering both individual expression and broader industry trends.
