Haus & Home March 1, 2023

Hot Off the Brush

2023’s Top Interior Paint Trends 

From subtle, earthy tones to bright punches of color and bold, dark hues, this year’s interior paint trends will bring life and energy to your home. 2023 is all about self-expression and figuring out how to move forward from the pandemic.

The past few years of home design have focused on bringing the outdoors inside and vice versa. With social distancing measures in place, many of us were finding ways to live and work exclusively from home, which created an emphasis on comfort and functionality. Design trends showed a desire for simple yet multifunctional spaces that provide comfort and ease stress with calm and cozy earth tones.

Now that restrictions are almost fully lifted throughout much of the world, people are ready to move on and manifest a bit of their own personalities in their abodes. Read on for the latest trends and how you can implement them comfortably into your own home.

A Horse of a Different Color 

Feeling bold? This year is all about making brave statements with vibrant hues. We’re seeing lots of bright blues, oranges, and yellows that inspire energy and enthusiasm. Grab some swatches of Behr’s Dragonfly, Sherwin Williams’ Lively Yellow, and Benjamin Moore’s Razzle Dazzle and pick your interior target.

Not sure where to start? Try painting an accent wall or using bright colors in small doses around the room—think throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. Great rooms for making color statements are the entryway and powder room, but any room can have an accent wall. Rooms without an architectural feature can benefit from an accent wall, especially one with texture.

For those who are truly daring, there’s lots of room here for fun! You can mix different shades of one hue together—like coral and pink—on separate walls or in a single design to add texture and interest to any space. You can also show your courage through wallpaper or special finishes, such as a powerful metallic.

Still Bringing Nature In

In contrast to the vivid colors making their mark this year, there’s a continued trend toward natural colors inspired by the outdoors. Think muted greens, browns, and grays that evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility. Shades like a serene sage green are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in any room while still feeling modern and updated. The best places to use this muted color palette are:

  • Nursery
  • Bedroom
  • Entryway
  • Laundry Room

But, as Sherwin-Williams’s Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden noticed, we are also seeing darker tones for interior paint trends in 2023: “It’s not just about soothing natural tones. There are also a lot of darker tones in [the new palette], which may be a reflection that things are intense in the world.” If you’re feeling a room needs to be moodier but still inviting, have a look at Benjamin Moore’s Waller Green, Sherwin-Williams’ Seaworthy, and Behr’s Dark Everglade. When used appropriately, darker colors can open up a space and offer unique character to your home.

Looking for a safer bet for design? Neutral colors might be the way to go. They pair great with brighter accent pieces like furniture or art that can be swapped out later if desired. And for their versatility and timeless appeal, neutral grays continue to be popular. Examples of neutral grays include Sherwin Williams’ Repose Gray, Behr’s Classic Silver, and Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray.

Warm Earth Tones Trending 

Another popular option for 2023 is earth tones. We’re talking lots of tans, yellows, and browns inspired by the warm colors found in nature, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere in a room. Terracotta, sand, and olive green are expected to be especially popular this year. Check out Sherwin Williams’ Rustic Red, Benjamin Moore’s Golden Straw, and Behr’s Olive Tree, which are great options for creating minimalist spaces that feel both classic and contemporary at the same time. The best places to use this warm earthy palette are in any room where you want to unwind and relax.

No matter your style, there is something for everyone when it comes to interior paint trends this year. Bright pops of color can bring energy into your living space, while natural hues can create a calming environment that feels comfortable yet modern. Earth tones are great if you want something homely, timeless, and not too trendy. The big question in choosing your color palette is, “what best suits your personality?” If you need a little help, check out this Color ID quiz by Sherwin-Williams and paint your own way through 2023.