When it comes to interior design and decorating, choosing a cohesive, stylish and modern color scheme is one of the most important decisions. The right colors can breathe life into a space, make it feel fresh and exciting. The wrong color choices can ruin the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. So what defines a modern, trendy color palette in 2023?
Focus on Neutrals
Neutrals like white, gray, tan and black form the foundation of a modern color scheme. Crisp whites, warm grays and ecru tones create an airy, minimalist backdrop. Consider painting your walls and trims white or light gray. Use a neutral palette for your furniture, decor items and larger accents. Then sprinkle in punches of bolder hues for your pillows, throws, art and accessories. This foolproof approach makes it easy to switch out accent colors seasonally without having to overhaul your entire space.
Earth Tones
Natural, organic earth tones are very on-trend right now. Think warm beiges, light taupes, espresso browns and soft greens. These grounded, zen hues can lend a relaxed, casual vibe. Pair creams and tans with textures like wood, rattan, jute and stone for a cozy, welcoming look. Deep greens like forest, sage and olive mesh well with brass and copper metals. Use greenery in your textiles and floral arrangements as an easy way to infuse earthy color.
| Earth Tone Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Beige | #F5F5DC |
| Taupe | #8B8589 |
| Espresso Brown | #4F3629 |
| Olive Green | #808000 |
Modern Pastels
For an airy, feminine vibe try pale pastel shades like ballet slipper pink, mint, lavender and buttercream. These soft hues feel youthful and elegant when paired with glossy white trims and light wood tones. Accent with brighter jewel tones like emerald and sapphire blue for a striking pop of color. Metallic accents in rose gold, brass and chrome also complement blush pinks and powder blues beautifully.
| Pastel Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Ballet Slipper Pink | #F6CECD |
| Mint Green | #B6FFC8 |
| Lavender | #C5C0D9 |
| Buttercream | #FFF3D1 |
Bold Primaries
Vibrant primary colors like red, yellow and blue make a cheerful, lively statement. Try painting an accent wall or front door a vibrant azure, sunflower yellow or vermillion. Bring in bold red and cobalt blue using pillows, throws, artwork and floral arrangements. Keep your other furnishings, flooring and walls neutral to prevent the strong primaries from becoming overwhelming.
| Primary Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Blue | #0000FF |
| Red | #FF0000 |
| Yellow | #FFFF00 |
Modern Metallics
Metallic colors like gold, silver, bronze and pewter lend a glamorous, contemporary edge. Pair these shimmering tones with glossy blacks and whites for major modern impact. Use metallic finishes on fixtures, furniture legs and decor items. Metallic geometric patterns or large abstract art also helps capture this trendy aesthetic. Stick to accent pieces though, as large metallic surfaces can feel flashy.
| Metallic Color | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Gold | #FFD700 |
| Silver | #C0C0C0 |
| Bronze | #CD7F32 |
| Pewter | #96A6A6 |
Eclectic Color Mixing
If you’re feeling adventurous, blend and mix colors from different palettes for an eclectic, collected look. Maybe try robin’s egg blue walls paired with pink and yellow accent pillows and armchairs. Or experiment with glossy emerald green cabinets mixed with brass fixtures and muted earth tone tiles. Clashing colors and patterns with intention creates a personalized, curated style.
The most foolproof mixes include:
- Black + white + brights
- Navy blue + tan + red
- Gray + pastels + wood tones
- Black + metallics + jewel tones
Color Psychology
Also consider the psychology and mood you want to create when choosing hues for your space. Here’s how some popular colors generally make us feel:
| Color | Psychological Effect |
|---|---|
| White | Cleanliness, openness, tranquility |
| Gray | Sleek, modern, balanced |
| Black | Sophistication, drama |
| Green | Natural, peaceful, growth |
| Blue | Calm, trust, stability |
| Purple | Royalty, luxury, spirituality |
| Yellow | Happiness, optimism, energy |
| Red | Passion, excitement, intensity |
Conclusion
When designing a modern, trendy color palette focus first on versatile neutrals, then layer in texture and interest using today’s most popular accent colors like earth tones, pastels, bold primaries and metallics. Don’t be afraid to clash colors and patterns to achieve an eclectic collected look. Most importantly, choose hues that create the mood and emotions you want guests to experience in your space.
Follow these tips for a fashionable, modern color scheme that feels fresh yet timeless.
