Living room colors have a significant impact on the overall feel and atmosphere of a space. The colors you choose for your living room should reflect your personality and lifestyle while creating an inviting backdrop for conversation and relaxation. As interior design trends come and go, some living room color palettes stand the test of time better than others. In this article, we will explore the latest trends in popular living room color schemes.
Color Psychology
Before diving into specific color schemes, it helps to understand the psychology behind color choices. While reactions to color are somewhat subjective, some general psychological associations apply. Warm paint colors like reds, oranges, and yellows evoke feelings of energy, joy, and warmth. Cool paint colors like blues, greens, and purples give off a more relaxing, tranquil vibe. Neutral shades like tans, grays, and browns promote sophistication, flexibility, and balance. The psychology behind a color contributes greatly to the overall “feel” of a space.
The Latest Trends
So what are the hottest living room color trends right now? Here are three of the most popular palettes:
Earthy Neutrals
Natural, earthy shades are dominating living room interiors in 2023. Think warm beiges, soft greens, understated browns, and organic blues. These muted, nature-inspired hues provide a calming, welcoming backdrop for any living space. The earthy neutrals trend stems from a desire to connect with nature and bring the soothing qualities of the outdoors inside. Accenting with raw, natural elements like wood, stone, jute, and greenery enhances the organic vibe.
Saturated Colors
While neutral schemes remain popular, bold, saturated shades are also making a splash in living rooms. Vibrant colors like emerald green, rich purple, and bright tomato red are showing up on accent walls, furnishings, and artwork. Saturated colors woven thoughtfully into neutral spaces create a dramatic effect. They bring spaces to life and make them feel more contemporary and stylish. This trend offers a bold, confident alternative for homeowners who want a more colorful, energetic living room.
Monochromatic Palettes
Using different tones, textures, and shades of one single color is an increasingly popular approach for living rooms. For example, pairing a soft peach couch with peach-colored wall art above a slightly deeper peach accent wall. This monochromatic look offers a sleek, elegant, and coordinated feel. It is a bit more complex than using one solid color in a space. The subtle tone variations add depth and dimension while allowing the main hue to truly shine.
How to Select Colors
With endless paint options available, deciding on a color palette can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips for choosing living room colors:
- Consider the mood you want to create and how you plan to use the space.
- Select 2-4 colors at most for a cohesive look.
- Pull inspiration from existing furniture or decor items.
- Use color psychology to guide your choices.
- Opt for timeless classics over fleeting trendy hues.
View color cards at your local paint store. Paint swatches on the wall to see colors in real space.
Additional Factors to Consider
While the overall color palette makes the biggest impact, also factor in the following:
| Design Aspect | How It Impacts Color Choices |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Ample natural light allows the use of darker, saturated colors. Dim lighting calls for lighter shades. |
| Flooring | Lighter floors help ground and anchor bold wall colors. Dark floors work best with lighter walls. |
| Furniture | Match colors to fixed existing furniture pieces or select furniture after choosing wall colors. |
| Window treatments | Sheers soften bold colors; opaque drapes intensify color schemes. |
Consider these secondary factors as you finalize living room color selections.
Paint Finishes
In addition to color, paint finish impacts the look, depth, and texture of your living room. Here are some popular paint finish options to consider:
- Flat – Provides an understated, matte look. Ideal for darker colors.
- Eggshell – Offers subtle sheen. Works well in high traffic areas.
- Satin – Delivers light reflective quality. Recommended for most living rooms.
- Semi-gloss – Gives a smooth, shiny finish. Best for trim and doors.
Combining paint finishes (like satin walls with semi-gloss trim) adds appealing contrast.
Incorporating an Accent Wall
Including one bold accent wall offers several decorating advantages:
- Draws attention to the focal point of the room.
- Adds depth, contrast, and visual interest.
- Anchors the overall color scheme.
- Showcases wall art and architectural details.
- Easy to switch up down the road.
When using an accent wall:
- Paint the adjacent walls a coordinating neutral shade.
- Choose a complementary color that matches your decor.
- Use the boldest accent wall color in small to medium sized spaces.
- Highlight the main seating area or wall with the most architectural detail.
A strategic accent wall prevents the bold shade from becoming overwhelming.
Current Color Combinations
Some examples of living room color combinations on-trend for 2023 include:
| Color Palette | Description |
|---|---|
| Sage green + cream + natural wood | Earthy and relaxing |
| Navy blue + ochre + brass | Rich and sophisticated |
| Light grey + blush pink + black accents | Warm and chic |
| Forest green + mustard yellow + cherry wood | Bold and energetic |
Use these examples as inspiration when designing your own living room color scheme.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
Updating your living room color is an involved project but can be managed as a DIY job. Things to consider when deciding between a DIY project or hiring a professional:
- Budget – Hiring a pro is more expensive but saves money compared to mistakes.
- Scope – Smaller living rooms with 1 accent wall can be DIY. For whole room makeovers, a pro is best.
- Skill level – DIY is great for those experienced with painting techniques.
- Time – DIY takes more time. A pro team can paint quickly and efficiently.
- Finish – Pros have the tools and expertise to achieve a flawless, polished finish.
Evaluate these factors to decide if you should tackle the project solo or call in reinforcements.
Conclusion
The latest interior design trends offer a range of stylish, inviting living room color schemes. Earthy neutrals, bold saturated hues, and streamlined monochromatic palettes are ruling living spaces in 2023. However, classic color pairings like navy and white or gray and yellow never truly go out of style. Consider current trends and color psychology when crafting the perfect living room color palette. Establish the mood you want, pull inspiration from decor, and don’t overlook important details like lighting. With strategic planning and the right combination of paint colors and finishes, you can create a living room backdrop that you’ll enjoy for years to come.