Every autumn, the design world eagerly anticipates the highly influential Color of the Year (COTY) announcements from leading paint companies. These annual revelations not only signal upcoming trends in home decor but also reflect broader cultural shifts and aspirations. For 2023, the chosen shades offer an incredibly diverse palette, spanning from deeply saturated berry tones to calming, creamy neutrals and vibrant, optimistic hues. This rich spectrum ensures that every homeowner and designer can find inspiration to transform their living spaces.
Understanding these selections is key to staying ahead in interior design. From bold statements to serene backdrops, the chosen pigments for the upcoming year provide a fascinating glimpse into the collective desire for comfort, creativity, and connection. So, what captivating shades are set to grace our walls and inspire our interiors in 2023? Let’s explore the prominent paint colors that will define the year ahead, offering insights into their mood, versatility, and potential applications.
Benjamin Moore Raspberry Blush: A Bold Statement for 2023
Benjamin Moore’s selection for 2023, Raspberry Blush, is anything but subtle. Described by Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and development, as “the definition of charismatic color” and “never a backdrop,” this unapologetic shade of red-orange radiates confidence and vibrancy. Magno’s assertion of “bold, bolder, boldest” perfectly encapsulates the invigorating spirit of this hue, which dares to step into the spotlight and command attention.
Choosing such a bright, lively, and energetic hue represents a notable departure for Benjamin Moore, a company often associated with more subdued or classic selections. This bold decision by their color experts aligns with a perceived “collective restlessness”—a societal desire for excitement, change, and a departure from the familiar. Raspberry Blush is a celebration of individuality and a call to infuse homes with unapologetic personality.
The application of Raspberry Blush can be tailored to personal taste and desired impact. From a small yet powerful pop of color in a powder room or an entryway to an expansive statement across an entire living area, its versatility is surprising. Magno highlights its appeal, noting, “The result is really fun and modern while bringing that dose of color to a room in an approachable way.” This implies that despite its intensity, Raspberry Blush can be integrated thoughtfully, perhaps through accent walls, painted furniture, or vibrant accessories. It pairs beautifully with crisp whites and light neutrals to create contrast, or it can be complemented by deep greens and rich woods for a more opulent feel. This exciting red-orange is ideal for spaces where conversation flows and creativity thrives, such as dining rooms, creative studios, or a dynamic home office, bringing warmth and an undeniable sense of joy.
Sherwin-Williams Redend Point: Cultivating Comfort and Connection
Sherwin-Williams introduces Redend Point as its Color of the Year for 2023, a profoundly subtle yet sophisticated shade that masterfully blends pink, gray, and beige. This unique hue is a cornerstone of the company’s 2023 Terra paint color launch, embodying a commitment to fostering empathy and humanity within our personal spaces. Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams’ color marketing director, articulates the inspiration behind this choice: “We really dialed into the conversation about empathy and humanity, and how we wanted the Color of the Year to fall in line with this idea of being good to each other.” This suggests a broader societal longing for connection, warmth, and sanctuary in our increasingly complex world.
Redend Point offers homeowners the flexibility to infuse their spaces with its comforting presence, whether used sparingly or expansively, always yielding equally soothing results. Imagine it creating an intimate atmosphere in a cozy reading nook or enveloping an entire bedroom or living room in its tranquil embrace. Wadden further elaborates on its profound impact, stating, “Redend Point really broadcasts how color can be not only grounding but nurturing, reassuring, and familiar.” This makes it an ideal choice for creating environments that promote relaxation, well-being, and a sense of belonging. Its earthy undertones connect us to nature, providing a stable foundation amidst daily chaos.
This versatile shade harmonizes beautifully with natural textures like wood, rattan, and linen, enhancing its organic appeal. It also complements various design styles, from modern minimalist to bohemian chic, providing a warm, inviting backdrop that allows other decor elements to shine without overwhelming them. For those seeking to create a restorative sanctuary or a subtly inviting common area, Redend Point offers a sophisticated and deeply comforting solution. It’s more than just a paint color; it’s an invitation to pause, connect, and feel truly at home.
Glidden Vining Ivy: A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Tranquility
Glidden’s selection for 2023, Vining Ivy, emerges as a captivating and serene blue-green blend that draws profound inspiration from the natural world. This calming, nature-inspired hue is lauded for its remarkable adaptability, effortlessly complementing a wide array of design styles. Ashley McCollum, Glidden’s color expert, perfectly encapsulates its essence: “Vining Ivy is energizing yet grounding, and it works in literally any space.” This dual quality makes it a uniquely powerful color choice, capable of simultaneously invigorating and calming a room.
Imagine this tempting teal transforming kitchen cabinetry, infusing the heart of the home with a refreshing yet sophisticated appeal. It also excels as a stylish accent wall in a bedroom, creating a tranquil retreat, or bringing a vibrant, focused energy to a home office. Its versatility means it can adapt to light-filled, airy spaces as easily as it can bring depth and drama to more intimate settings. Vining Ivy encourages a connection with the outdoors, making it perfect for those who seek to bring elements of nature and serenity into their urban or suburban homes. It pairs exceptionally well with light woods, crisp whites, and metallic accents, allowing its rich, jewel-toned depth to truly shine.
McCollum emphasizes another key benefit: “Its versatility takes the guesswork out of design, leaving consumers with more time to indulge in the things that matter most to them.” This speaks to the ease with which Vining Ivy can be integrated into existing decor or serve as a foundational element for new designs, reducing decision fatigue and fostering a more enjoyable decorating experience. For a color that provides both invigorating energy and profound grounding, Glidden’s Vining Ivy stands out as an exceptional choice for creating balanced, beautiful, and nature-inspired interiors in 2023.
Behr’s Blank Canvas: The Ultimate Foundation for Creativity
In a world often saturated with bold statements, Behr’s 2023 Color of the Year, Blank Canvas, offers a refreshing return to understated elegance. This warm, creamy white is celebrated for its incredible versatility, seamlessly pairing with virtually every color and design aesthetic imaginable. Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr, beautifully articulates its core appeal: “Blank Canvas effortlessly offers a clean and inviting blank slate that allows individuality and creativity to flow freely.” Far from being just a neutral, it is a foundation, an invitation for self-expression and imaginative design.
Unlike stark or cold whites, Blank Canvas exudes a profound sense of tranquility and comfort. Its subtle warmth prevents it from feeling clinical, instead creating an enveloping and inviting atmosphere. Behr supports its 2023 selection with compelling research: a survey of over 1,000 U.S. homeowners revealed that an impressive 63% agree that the color white is mood-boosting, and an even higher 77% report that it makes them feel positive. These findings underscore white’s powerful psychological effect, affirming its ability to create serene, uplifting, and spacious environments.
Woelfel emphasizes the enduring power of comfort in design: “As we look to 2023, we understand that comfort will still be a driving force behind design decisions and style statements.” Blank Canvas directly addresses this need, providing a calming backdrop that reduces visual clutter and promotes mental clarity. It’s perfect for creating minimalist havens, brightening dimly lit spaces, or allowing colorful furniture and artwork to truly pop. From bedrooms and living rooms to kitchens and hallways, Blank Canvas provides an adaptable, timeless, and effortlessly chic solution for any home looking to embrace peace, positivity, and boundless creative potential.
Backdrop Color of the Year: A Playful Twist on Tradition
Adding a delightful layer of humor and irreverence to the annual COTY ritual, LA-based paint company Backdrop took a distinctly unconventional approach for 2023. Instead of simply announcing a color, they cheekily named their vibrant yellow-orange pick as “Color of the Year”—literally. This playful self-referential title perfectly encapsulates the brand’s unique philosophy and sets it apart from more traditional paint companies. Backdrop challenges the very notion of prescriptive trends, advocating instead for personal expression.
Backdrop cofounder Natalie Ebel articulates this anti-trend stance, stating, “Rather than being driven by trends, the brand is based around a spirit of self-expression and a belief that color is a very personal choice for each of us.” She poses the provocative question: “Why prescribe or dictate something like Color of the Year?” This ethos champions individuality, encouraging homeowners to choose colors that resonate with their own tastes and stories, rather than feeling constrained by industry mandates.
Despite its rebellious spirit, the chosen shade—a collaboration with the vibrant New York gift emporium Coming Soon—serendipitously received top honors from the National Color Committee. This unexpected validation adds another layer of charm to Backdrop’s narrative. The brand’s website playfully touts the inspiration behind this yellow-orange color: “This yellow-orange color is inspired by Bottega Veneta boots and rubber bands. In a world where balls of rubber bands are disappearing, it’s time we start honoring them.” This blend of high fashion and everyday utility highlights Backdrop’s knack for finding inspiration in unexpected places, celebrating the beauty in both the mundane and the luxurious.
This sunny, optimistic hue is perfect for spaces that aim to evoke joy, creativity, and a touch of whimsical sophistication. Whether used in a child’s room, a creative studio, or as an accent in a living area, Backdrop’s “Color of the Year” is a testament to the power of personal choice and the sheer fun that color can bring to a home. As Ebel confidently declared, “We set out to create the best color in the whole wide world and we sure did,” reinforcing the brand’s playful confidence in its unique vision for home aesthetics.
Choosing Your Perfect Color of the Year: Tips for Homeowners
The 2023 Color of the Year selections offer an inspiring array of choices, from Benjamin Moore’s bold Raspberry Blush and Sherwin-Williams’ comforting Redend Point to Glidden’s serene Vining Ivy, Behr’s versatile Blank Canvas, and Backdrop’s spirited “Color of the Year.” While these trends provide excellent starting points, the ultimate goal is to find a color that truly resonates with you and your living space.
When selecting your next paint color, consider these practical tips:
- Test Swatches: Always paint large swatches on your walls and observe them at different times of day. Natural light, artificial lighting, and even the direction your room faces can dramatically alter how a color appears.
- Consider Existing Decor: Take into account your furniture, flooring, and existing artwork. The best paint color will complement and enhance your current belongings, creating a cohesive and harmonious look.
- Define the Mood: Think about the desired atmosphere for each room. Do you want a lively, energetic space (like with Raspberry Blush), a calming sanctuary (perhaps Redend Point or Vining Ivy), or a bright, expansive area that feels like a fresh start (Blank Canvas)?
- Don’t Fear Boldness (or Subtlety): If a vibrant color feels overwhelming, consider using it in smaller doses, such as an accent wall, a piece of furniture, or even just through accessories. Conversely, a seemingly subtle neutral can be transformative when applied generously throughout a space.
- Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, your home is a reflection of your personality. While trends are inspiring, personal preference should always be the guiding factor. Choose a color that makes you feel happy, comfortable, and truly at home.
Embracing the Palette of 2023
The diverse Colors of the Year for 2023 collectively paint a picture of a world seeking both vibrant energy and profound comfort, personal expression and universal connection. From daring reds to earthy neutrals and refreshing greens, these selections offer homeowners and designers a rich toolkit to craft spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful. Whether you opt for a dramatic transformation or a subtle refresh, these celebrated hues provide endless possibilities to personalize your environment and create a home that truly nourishes your soul. Embrace these inspiring trends and let your walls tell your unique story in the upcoming year.