From Farrow & Ball to Pantone and Little Greene, the leading paint and color experts have all revealed their predictions for the biggest interior color trends for 2023. The selection seems more disparate and varied than other years (indeed, Farrow & Ball introduced 11 new colors this year – the first alteration to their collection since 2018.)
“As we look to the future, we see two emerging paths that while completely diverse, are inextricably interconnected,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “This intense dichotomy comes through in our color choices for Autumn/Winter 2022/2023 where we see bold and brash colors that lend themselves to exaggerated statements reflecting our desire to embrace life with full vigor, coalescing with an array of neutral and natural tones that embody a sense of calm and containment and satisfy our need for harmony and tranquillity.”
So on the one hand, we’re gravitating towards calming neutrals – like Dulux’s golden Wild Wonder – and on the other, we’re immersing ourselves in vivid and optimistic colors like WGSN’s Digital Lavender, Pantone’s Viva Magenta and Benjamin Moore’s Raspberry Blush. Thankfully our homes can cater to both, and quite a lot in between.
Below, we ask experts to share their color predictions, and tips on how you can make the most of 2023’s color trends in your home…
Deep reds
In 2023, reds will be rich and pigmented, indeed Pantone’s Viva Magenta is inspired by the distinctive red of cochineal – a natural dye produced using insects – one of the strongest and brightest in the world.
Graham and Brown also chose a moody and romantic red as their color of the year. “The all-embracing hues of Alizarin bring depth to a space and provide a creative alternative to the gray and beige shades that have grown wearisome,” says Maryanne Cartwright, Head of Design at Graham and Brown.
When decorating with red, consider how susceptible the color can be to natural light. “It’s important to consider the lighting in a room when painting it a color like red,” says Camilla Clarke, Creative Director of Albion Nord. “This color takes on slightly different tones throughout the day and the seasons. It’s vibrant and fresh in the morning, cozy and rich in the evening.”
The new plaster pink
“We’re seeing a resurgence in the popularity of raw plaster, and with that has come a demand for a finish that mimics the appearance of fresh plaster,” says Ben Burbidge, MD of Kitchen Makers. “Plaster is a perfect shade of pink, one that transports me back to past holidays in the Mediterranean.”
Whist Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster was the shade that launched a thousand instagram posts in 2022, their newer Templeton Pink is a deeper and richer take.
Tom Howley, Design Director at the eponymous kitchen company is a fan of the shade in a kitchen. “Pink may divide opinion; however, over the past few years, this versatile shade has boomed in popularity,” he says. “An elegant, more playful alternative to gray, it creates incredible warmth and an alluring appeal to the kitchen.”
Wheat field neutrals
While there is a hint of a Scandinavian color palette here, wheat field neutrals introduce undertones of yellow and gold that add considerable warmth. Dulux’s Wild Wondersis a nature-inspired update on the theme.
Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, says: “Wild WonderTM speaks to us in a language we instinctively understand. Nature is what inspires us and makes us feel better in our lives and in our homes. That’s why, for the first time in 20 years, our entire color palette was inspired by the rhythms of the natural world.”
“Don’t be afraid to go big and bold with rich warm colored furniture to complement the Wild Wonder walls,” says Lucy Mather, interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi. “Yellow and golds both warm up this new neutral backdrop – and sofas and footstools can really make a statement in your living space in brighter accent shades. Alternatively, you can easily start layering in this color with smaller accessories, such as cushions and throws, adding hints of yellow to your existing interiors.”
Ink blue
The deepening and darkening of the blue shades used in our homes signals the return of classic heritage style – traditional shaker cabinetry is increasingly used in kitchens, rich herringbone flooring is appearing in hallways, and we are installing wall paneling to add the allusion of architectural heritage .
“Gone are the days when blues were seen as too cold to use,” says Sarah Keady, Style and Interiors Director at House Beautiful. “Dark, inky hues are now the go to for communal areas like living rooms and kitchens – it’s cocooning but also wonderfully dramatic.”
Painter green
The revitalizing aspects of the great outdoors are welcomed into the home with nature-inspired shades.
“In the last year, mossy hunter greens were all the rage, adorning the walls and soft furnishings of every modern home. But in 2023, it’s set to evolve to a more subtle, earthy tone. That will come in the form of sage green, which is already growing in popularity, or the more abstract verdigris,” says Kelly Collins, interior designer and head of creative at Swift. “Verdigris is the color produced by the oxidisation of copper, so we will either be seeing this shade in its truest form, or a creation of the muted color popping up in throws, pillows and trinkets.”
“As we are increasingly looking to connect more with our surroundings, showing the best of nature through your bedroom and bathroom design is a wonderful way of creating feelings of calmness and relaxation. Whether you’re incorporating a bold botanical quilt cover print, a sage green sheets or a soft green towel reminiscent of the leafy green landscapes, nature should continue to be your interior-muse for 2023,” says Joanna Ross, General Manager of Design at Sheridan.
Sunset
From Benjamin Moore‘s rosy Raspberry Bush to the fresh Digital Lavender from WSGNmany of the most popular colors forecast for 2023 are reminiscent of therapeutic and nourishing sunset hues.
“Raspberry Blush 2008-30 embodies an infectious optimism, full of hope and joie de vivre,” said the expert at Benjamin Moore. “Our Color and Design experts were drawn to the transformative qualities this vibrant color possesses. More subtle than scarlet, with just the slightest hint of orange, Raspberry Blush 2008-30 is an energising color with the impressive ability to completely change the mood of a room, injecting a positive, vibrant feel for a fresh new look with flair.”