2023 Colors of the Year Reflect Bolder Hues

Paint companies and interior design experts have named their picks for 2023 colors that will be featured in home décor next year. Some are more neutral, while others make a bold color statement.

Sherwin-Williams announced its choice of Color of the Year is Redend Point, an expressive blush-beige. The company said this clay hue draws inspiration form healing and restorative energy.

“Two major themes we wanted the 2023 color of the year to represent were warmth and empathy. For warmth, Redend Point reflects what we’ve been seeing in terms of neutrals warming up and earth tones evolving,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Homeowners are opting for warmer whites, beiges, pinks and browns. Redend Point is an earthy color and its subtle pink undertones exude a feeling of warmth and exploration—something people want to feel in their homes.”

The Pantone Color Institute forecasts global color trends has been naming a color of the year for more than two decades. For 2023, Pantone has named Viva Magenta Color of the Year.

Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, said, “We’re living in an unconventional time. So much has taken place, forcing us to make changes and impacting our lives. Viva Magenta vibrates with vim and vigor that’s an unconventional shade for an unconventional time. It’s a playfully disruptive red that’s witty and fun.”

Pressman said adding this tone to kitchens adds liveliness. Bedding, pillows, fabric and wall color in the Viva Magenta “are reflective of the cultural moment and serve as an expression of the mood of consumers.”

In a similar bold color choice, Benjamin Moore has named Raspberry Blush as the Color of the Year. The company notes “Raspberry Blush is the definition of charismatic color.”

“People are ready to bring color back into the home, taking a step outside their color comfort zones,” said Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore.

“I think the difference between the new colors is interesting,” said Kathy Kosciewicz, owner Brandywine Staging in Garnet Valley. “The Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams colors are very different. Benjamin Moore’s is a bold choice, while the Sherwin Williams is a little more subtle.”

“I think it’s an indication of where design is headed. It’s saying that color is back,” she noted. “I think people are growing tired of the gray coloring. The Sherwin Williams color is more of a neutral, earthy, basic color.”

Behr Paint Company announced Blank Canvas as its 2023 Color of the Year. The company calls the warm white hopeful and welcoming which offers limitless design and décor possibilities meant to inspire feelings of tranquility and renewal.

Lisa Baker, owner of Blue Stone Staging + Design Co. in Harrisburg, said, “For homeowners who want to incorporate these color trends, it’s best to play with these colors in smaller spaces, like a powder room or an accent wall/niche. The color could also be brought in with accent pillows or maybe paint a small accent table in the color.”

“Overall, I’m finding people gravitating toward warmer colors. We’re also seeing more purposeful placement of color,” she added. “Homes are having only a few main colors and possible variations of those colors (lighter/darker) are used throughout the home to ensure more cohesiveness. We start with an anchor color for the home – which would be used on all walls in open areas and then build complimentary colors off of that.”