Interior design trends are constantly evolving to reflect the latest styles and innovations. One of the most impactful elements of any interior space is color. The colors used in a room can dramatically affect the overall mood and aesthetic. As we move into 2023, several color trends are emerging for interior spaces.
Neutrals Will Continue to Dominate
Neutral colors like white, beige, gray and tan have been popular in interior design for several years. These muted, subtle shades provide a clean, soothing backdrop that allows people to accessorize with bolder pops of color. Neutrals are unlikely to go out of style anytime soon. They provide a flexible base that suits many different styles.
However, neutral tones will move away from the ultra-white and icy grays that have been popular. Instead, warmer neutral shades with subtle yellow, peach or pink undertones will rise in popularity. These hues provide many of the same benefits of traditional neutrals, while introducing more comfort, softness and approachability to interior spaces.
Natural Earth Tones Will Be On Trend
Natural earth tones like mushrooms, greens, terracotta and slate blues are expected to gain popularity in 2023. After years of bright, bold colors, many designers feel that soothing, grounding earth tones will be a welcome change. The colors of nature provide a sense of wellness and tranquility to living spaces.
Deep forest greens are slated to be particularly popular. This rich shade adds a sense of drama without overwhelming a space. Metallic accents in brass, gold and copper complement natural green and brown color schemes beautifully.
Saturated Shades Will Make a Statement
While muted earth tones are rising in popularity, vibrant saturated colors are still going to grab attention this year. Shades like emerald, sapphire and amethyst are bold choices that energize interior spaces. These rich jewel tones feel decadent and indulgent when used in fabrics, furniture and accessories.
Saturated colors work best when used intentionally as accents. A little bit of these dramatic shades goes a long way in creating a stylish, contemporary look. Just be cautious not to overdo it, as too much color saturation can feel overwhelming.
80s and 90s Nostalgia Colors Are Back
Many interior designers are taking inspiration from the past with 80s and 90s color palettes. Shades like muted rose, dusty lavender, light turquoise and buttery yellow feel both familiar and fresh. These nostalgic hues remind people of simpler times, which provides a sense of comfort and happiness.
Updating these colors with modern textures and materials keeps the look current rather than dated. Pairing retro shades with contemporary styles creates an interior that feels hip and innovative.
Black Will Continue to Make a Statement
As an enduring neutral, black never truly goes out of style. However, using black in an intentional, stylish way requires some finesse. All-black interiors can feel cold, so the key is using black in moderation as an accent.
In 2023, expect to see glossy black used in accessories, hardware and furnishings. Matte black makes a refined statement in cabinetry, flooring and molding. Black exudes sophistication and luxury, so this trend is ideal for modern, urban spaces.
How Color Trends Will Translate into Interior Spaces
These emerging color trends will impact interior spaces in several noticeable ways. Here are some of the shifts you can expect to see:
- More neutral backdrops with saturated pops of color
- Lots of warm, natural wood tones and black accents
- Earthy green, blue and terracotta shades in textiles and furniture
- Glossy black finishes and hardware
- 1980s pastels and neon accents used with modern styles
Color trends tend to translate to home interiors in more muted, subtle ways compared to high fashion. But interior designers will take inspiration from 2023’s most prominent color trends and translate them for real-world living spaces.
How Interior Design Professionals Choose Color Schemes
For interior designers, choosing a color scheme involves much more than just personal preference. Here are some of the factors that play a role in selecting colors for interior spaces:
- Client preferences – The client’s favorite colors and aesthetic style steer the color direction.
- Mood – Colors dramatically impact the mood of a space. A nursery requires different colors than a home office, for example.
- Architecture – The size and layout of the space informs color choices.
- Lighting – The direction and intensity of natural and artificial lighting affects how colors are perceived.
- Furnishings – Existing furniture and fabrics may dictate certain colors to achieve cohesion.
- Function – Spaces with specific purposes, like kitchens, often do best with certain classic color palettes.
Professional designers have the experience and training to consider all these factors and more when selecting interior colors. They know how to pull together disparate elements into a unified, pleasing color story.
Choosing Interior Colors for Your Home
If you’re not working with a professional designer, choosing an interior color scheme for your home may seem daunting. Here are some tips for selecting home colors:
- Determine the mood you want to create and choose colors that align with that.
- Look at color trends for inspiration, but don’t feel locked in. Focus on colors you genuinely love.
- Consider undertones. Cool undertones feel calming, while warm undertones are energizing.
- Limit your color palette to 3-5 core shades for cohesion.
- Use neutral backdrops and add color through changeable accents like pillows and art.
- Pay attention to how lighting affects your color choices.
- Choose timeless over trendy colors for expensive, permanent items like cabinetry or flooring.
- Decorate with color in mind. Furnishings and fabrics should coordinate with your color scheme.
With some careful thought and planning, you can create a color palette that enhances your home. Remember that color trends come and go, but well-selected timeless hues will remain stylish for years to come.
Color Forecast for 2023 Interior Paint
When it comes to interior wall colors, paint is one of the most important decisions. Leading paint brands release annual color forecasts based on upcoming trends. Here is an overview of popular 2023 paint color predictions:
| Brand | 2023 Color Forecast |
|---|---|
| Behr | Soft hues like Stonington Gray, Windmill Wings, Blank Canvas and Lilac Wisp |
| Benjamin Moore | Calming greens like October Mist, Guilford Green and Golden Straw |
| PPG Paints | Warm neutrals like Sandbar, Silver Pink and Cumberland Gray |
| Sherwin-Williams | Earthy tones like Playful Peach, Exploration Green and Everglade |
These paint predictions align with the interior color trends for 2023 focused on soothing, natural hues. Warm neutrals and organic greens are universally expected to be popular wall colors this year.
Using Color to Create Different Moods
Color is one of the most powerful tools for creating a specific mood or atmosphere within a room. Here are some examples of how different color palettes can shape the feeling of a space:
Relaxing Coastal Color Scheme
Breezy blues, sandy tans and seaside grays evoke a relaxing, coastal mood. These colors are reminiscent of ocean waves and beach cabanas for a tranquil atmosphere. Try pairing soft blue walls with neutral furniture accented by pops of navy blue. Natural textiles and rattan accessories enhance the coastal charm.
Romantic Blush Color Palette
For a dreamy, romantic ambiance, pink and peach shades create a soft glow. Blush pink walls look gorgeous paired with rose gold accents and cream-colored furnishings. Florals and candles enhance the feminine, romantic feeling. This color scheme is perfect for a bedroom retreat.
Rustic Farmhouse Scheme
Earthy beiges, hand-scraped woods and touches of green exude natural, rustic charm. Think cozy cabins and countryside cottages. Painted timber ceiling beams, neutral upholstery and jute rug accents completes this country color look. A few red apples or berries provide a bold pop.
Broody, Moody Color Palette
For an ultra-hip urban loft, go dark and dramatic. Deep plums, charcoal grays and black create an edgy, moody aesthetic. Use a matte black accent wall, dark eggplant sofa and modern light fixtures. This color scheme makes a bold style statement.
With the strategic use of color, you can shape an interior space to achieve virtually any mood you desire. Just follow basic design principles to keep the overall palette cohesive.
Conclusion
In 2023, interior color trends will reflect a need for flexibility, comfort and positivity. Warm neutral backdrops remain popular, with touches of retro pastels and saturated jewel tones. Black will continue to anchor modern spaces with sophistication. And organic green and blue shades provide a sense of wellbeing and tranquility.
Choosing interior colors requires balancing current trends with timeless appeal. A professional designer can help create stylish color palettes tailored to your home. With a little care and creativity, you can use color to craft interiors that align with emerging trends while showcasing your unique personal style.
