Paint color experts have shared the hues that are losing popularity this year and the shades that will replace them as 2023 progresses. The predictions show that gray and pale colors will make way for brighter tones. There will be a rise in rich, intense colors combined with warm neutral, and natural tones.
Color Experts Share Their Opinion
It is important to note that these color trends will not completely disappear. According to Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar, due to the variety of homeowner styles, certain colors will not fall out of fashion entirely but will instead become classic shades that remain as a backdrop. The focus for this year is on embracing personal style and living life fully. As one plans small updates or extensive home renovations, these color trends can serve as inspiration for the spaces being transformed.
According to Tash Bradley, director of interior design and color specialist at Lick, people are increasingly using color to express themselves in their homes. This has led to a preference for subtle colors over gray as a neutral option. If a neutral is desired, customers are choosing taupe, beige, pink, or warm white. The current color trend is shifting towards warmer, earthy tones instead of cool grays.
The Color Trends for 2023
People are moving away from muted colors with gray undertones towards more lively variants. One popular color, sage Green 02, is being replaced by Green 05 Rome House, an olive green with energizing golden undertones. The trend is towards shades with a lot of personality, such as those that are rich and strong in tone.
Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, reports that Agreeable Gray, the company’s well-liked muted gray shade, has lost popularity among homeowners. This signals a shift away from gray, as designers have been discussing, and towards the rising popularity of dark tones such as brown and deep blue in 2023. Homburg Gray SW 7622 and Carnelian SW 7580, darker shades, are encouraging homeowners to experiment with bolder choices in their homes. These richer tones evoke a warm and luxurious mood and add depth and intrigue to a space, creating a feeling of safety at home.
According to Patrick O’Donnell, a color consultant and international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, the trend of using gentle pastels in design, which became popular during the last few years, is declining. Instead, cooler soft blues, such as Skylight, will be replaced by slightly bolder colors like Selvedge, which have enough depth to add character. Hannah Yeo, Manager of Color Marketing & Development at Benjamin Moore, agrees and believes that colors are becoming more confident as people move away from their comfort zone and express their creativity through color. This trend is influenced by the rise of small gatherings and dinner parties, as bold and confident hues create a moody backdrop for entertainment spaces.
Warm hues, including warmer grays, are becoming popular as cool blue-grays reach their peak. Popular warm grays include Pashmina AF-100 and Coastal Fog 976, while shades like Southern Road and Villa Grey offer a calming atmosphere. Teal is expected to be popular this year as people seek unique color options. The combination of blue and green in teal is appealing, appearing green in natural light and blue in artificial light. A deep teal like Lick’s Teal 03 76 Dean Street is recommended for a dark color scheme and is considered a timeless alternative if too dark.