In recent years, we’ve seen a shift away from cool greys toward warmer neutral shades. These toasty neutrals are reminiscent of classic beiges, such as Sherwin-Williams’ Redend Point.
A pale gray with warm undertones, it’s perfect for living rooms or dining rooms. Consider matching it with white trim and doors for a bright, clean look.
1. White Opulence
White walls can make a room feel larger and brighter, especially if the space has large windows or natural light. But choosing the right shade can be tricky because there are so many options with varying undertones.
White Opulence is one of the cleanest, most classic white shades available. It’s a failsafe option that designers like and that can work with most styles.
It pairs well with earthy tuscan colors, browns, creamy quartz or Calacatta marble. But swatch test it (as you should ALL paints) before committing because it can have slight yellow undertones depending on your lighting. It’s also a great choice for dark rooms or north-facing rooms.
2. Black Beauty
Paint is a quick and cost-effective way to change the look of a room. But paint colors go in and out of fashion, so choosing a color that will work with current trends is key.
One timeless shade that never goes out of style is black, which adds depth and richness to a room without feeling overly dark or stark. Color trend expert Sue Wadden notes that black paint works best in homes with a neutral palette. She recommends a flat or matte finish, as high-gloss sheens can show every blemish and flaw. Matte finishes also help absorb light, creating a more intimate feel.
3. Alabaster
White walls are the perfect canvas for other colors to steal the show. They are neutral enough to pair with a variety of home decor accents and furniture, while still allowing other colors to shine through.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster is a creamy white that never reads too warm or sterile. It pairs well with both modern and farmhouse styles and works on interior doors, cabinetry, trim, and even exterior shingle walls.
Alabaster has slightly warmer undertones than Pure White and Snowbound, but not as yellow as White Dove or Cloud White. It has a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 82, which places it in the white range but a little more toward off-white. Alabaster is a great white paint color for the bedroom because it helps create a peaceful and restful environment.
4. Grays
A tonal color scheme has the potential to be both bold and impactful and subtle and calm — it all depends on the palette. This year, warm colors are gaining momentum with a variety of options that include softer neutrals like classic gray, which works well for dining rooms and other larger spaces where the light can vary throughout the day.
Cool grays have reached their peak, which has allowed warmer grays to enter the picture. Meanwhile, earthy neutrals paired with warm woods are another hot trend in 2023. This works well for accent walls or for an entire room, and it complements a variety of materials. It also lends itself to a hygge-inspired space, which emphasizes comfort and contentment.
5. Blues
Painting a room can be an affordable and quick way to give your home a new look. But if you’re not careful, your new paint color could quickly go out of style.
This year, it appears that the pendulum swung from cool colors toward warm neutrals, and even some of the more calming blues and greens are feeling more saturated than in years past.
The shade of gray favored this year is darker and more warm than last. Pair a deep blue-gray like these with wood finishes and stone accents for a modern take on natural elements.
6. Terra Cotta
Reminiscent of sun-baked clay, this warm hue brings a rich and earthy appeal to living spaces. Whether you’re embracing rustic styles or modern vibes, terra cotta is a sophisticated option that will elevate your home to new heights of elegance and allure. If you ever need painting for anything like residential painting, I suggest that you go to the Old Charleston Company and visit their website to consult for your personal property paint.
Choosing the right terra cotta shade depends on how your space is lit and its overall ambiance. Consider swatching your color choice before fully committing. As sunlight dances across your walls during the day and the gentle glow of lamplight embraces them at night, you’ll discover how your color interacts with your room.
If you are looking for a light terra cotta paint color, try Behr Pinata or Cavern Clay. Both of these options read a little lighter in bright rooms and have a good balance of oranges and pinks to them.
7. Spanish Moss
Like terra cotta, this color comes from the warm side of the color wheel. While only one paint company selected it as their 2023 color of the year, most had a version on their trending list.
Krylon chose Spanish Moss, a deep midnight green that brings the natural beauty of forests and mossy terrain to your home. This shade is a sophisticated choice that pairs well with metallic accents and wood tones.
Other nature-inspired colors are also on the rise. Vining Ivy combines blue and green for a soothing tone. Raspberry Blush, is a saturated coral shade that is reminiscent of tropical gardens. It pairs well with wood finishes, rich textures, and stone accents. For a lighter option, try Redend Point which has an earthier shade more subtle pink undertones, and works well for accent walls or as a trim color on doors and windows.
8. Greens
A calming shade of green evokes serenity and peace. This natural hue works well with a variety of wood finishes and neutrals. Moss green pairs beautifully with brass accents and midcentury modern furniture in a living room. This tone also plays well with blue, its complementary color on the color wheel.
Cooler shades of green, such as kelly green, set a playful tone and pair well with white trim and reclaimed wood furnishings. For a richer look, opt for darker tones.
Greens offer a fresh alternative to neutrals when true whites may feel too stark in a room. They can also be used as a coordinating color for an accent wall or a focal point in a bedroom or kitchen. Pale fern shades offer subtle wall color with a touch of personality.
9. Neutrals
Neutrals like earthy grays, easy going beiges and fresh-canvas whites will always keep your home in style. These background colors will provide a blank canvas for any wall decor or furniture you bring in and play beautifully with all kinds of accents.
Agreeable Gray is one of the most popular neutral paints available today. It’s a mid-toned greige that reads warm in north facing rooms and cool in bright spaces. It’s a shade that has proven its longevity and it works well with both blues and greens. If you want a darker neutral, Iron Ore is an excellent choice. This dark neutral has an interesting depth to it that shifts as lighting changes throughout the day. It reads more charcoal in some lighting and has a subtle blue-gray undertone that gives it character. It pairs nicely with warm wood tones and honey oak trim.
10. Black and White
The pendulum on the color wheel has swung back toward warmer tones. Reds are bolder than last year’s shades. Pair them with dark browns for an inviting look.
Coastal blues and greens add freshness to rooms and work well on both trim and walls. The seaside hues can also complement a variety of neutrals. If you want your home to feel curated and intentional, reach for timeless blues that will stay beautiful as trends pass by. They look gray on a swatch but register as warm in most lighting, so try several samples before you commit. These colors are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. They also make excellent contrasting trim colors for any room.