With a new year comes new color prediction trends that can dictate everything from interior decor to fashion and even technology. But these color trends represent much more than that, giving us a lens into the feelings that resonate most with society today.
For example, the 2022 colors of the year were byproducts of the pandemic and our increasing need to get out of the house and reconnect with nature, a trend known as biophilia. As a result, 2022 saw many earth tones and designs that remind us of the outdoors.
In 2023, the colors of the year from paint companies and interior design experts are taking two contrasting paths.
On the one hand, we’re seeing lively colors that represent our desire to live fully once more. After years of varying degrees of caution, people want to start 2023 off with a bang.
On the other hand, many of the 2023 colors emphasize a continued focus on wellness and tranquility.
Which trend resonates most with you? Before you decide, let’s take a look at the colors themselves and the feelings they represent.
Lively 2023 Colors of the Year
Let’s start with the lively selections. As you’re about to see, these hues energize and invigorate.
Vim and Vigor | Viva Magenta by Pantone
What better place to begin than with Pantone, the industry standard for color expertise?
The 2023 Pantone color of the year is Viva Magenta, a carmine red that “vibrates with vim and vigor.” Both fearless and joyous, Viva Magenta empowers us to write a new narrative and create a more positive future in 2023.
If you want to make a statement in your life (and interior decor) in the new year, Viva Magenta tile might just be for you.
Joie de Vivre | Raspberry Blush by Benjamin Moore
If you like Viva Magenta, you’re sure to be delighted with the Benjamin Moore 2023 color of the year as well: Raspberry Blush.
This vivacious and unapologetic pink-tinged coral helps us strike the right chord in 2023 with electric optimism. Benjamin Moore even partnered with electro-funk duo Chromeo to express Raspberry Blush’s bold charisma via song. Listen to Chromeo’s “Raspberry Blush” below.
Energy | Canyon Ridge by Better Homes & Gardens
@better.homes.and.gardens Introducing: Canyon Ridge. Nature is one of our favorite places to find inspiration for our homes—which is why our Better Homes and Gardens color of the year comes from the idea of sunsets over sweeping desert landscapes. 🌵To learn more about how to use this terra cotta shade in your space, tap the link in our bio—and shop the paint right now exclusively at @walmart. #bhgatwalmart #paintcolors #coloroftheyear ♬ original sound Better Homes & Gardens
Next up is Canyon Ridge, Better Homes & Gardens’ 2023 pick.
Inspired by the golden-hour glow of sunset, Canyon Ridge instills energy into any space. And as a bright earth tone, this terracotta-like color is incredibly versatile. Use Canyon Ridge tile throughout your space as a neutral or use sparingly for pops of color.
Confidence | Terra Rosa by Dunn Edwards
Rounding out our lively colors is Dunn Edwards’ 2023 color of the year, Terra Rosa.
This cinnamon-rose hue infuses confidence, creativity, and strength — all qualities we could use going into 2023. And because of its terracotta tinge, Terra Rosa makes a refreshing alternative to burgundies and browns.
Calming 2023 Colors of the Year
While the first set of colors may indicate our desire to start 2023 with a bang, there’s nothing stodgy about the remaining selections.
The following 2023 colors of the year represent an emphasis on and investment in that which sustains and heals us. Much like self-improvement resolutions, these colors embody our desire to start the new year off on the right foot.
Connectivity | Gentle Violet by Valspar
Valspar starts off the lineup of calming 2023 colors with Gentle Violet.
This violet-tinged soft white represents the intersection of the digital and natural worlds. In an age in which many connections are made online, the lines between these two realms are blurred. Gentle Violet embraces that blurring and the connectivity and harmony it creates.
Style Gentle Violet tile with natural green accents and muted apricot tones to create a youthful look, and use brass fixtures to up your sophistication.
Softness | Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams
Redend Point, the Sherwin-Williams 2023 color of the year, is the very embodiment of softness and warmth. The beige-meets-blush tone manages to be both minimal and cozy, creating a comforting backdrop for your 2023 moments.
Going with Redend Point tile? Pair it with other warm, earthy tones.
Wellness | Digital Lavender by WGSN
Recuperative habits and practices have become a mainstay for anyone interested in protecting their mental health, and that’s what WGSN’s color of the year is all about.
Digital Lavender represents digital escapism and instills wellness, stability, and balance. But don’t take it from us — research suggests that colors with a shorter wavelength (such as Digital Lavender) promote peace and tranquility. Experts think this may be due to our evolutionary understanding of when it was safe to be dormant — i.e., during daylight, light blue also has a short wavelength.
Tranquility and Balance | Vining Ivy by Glidden
Glidden’s 2023 color of the year is Vining Ivy. With its blue tones instilling tranquility and its green tones instilling balance, Vining Ivy provides exactly what we need to resume our best lives post-pandemic.
Plus, the jewel-toned teal is both cozy and sophisticated, proving that these two qualities can go hand in hand.
A Sense of Glowing and Uplighting | Wild Wonder by Dulux
What does a sense of glowing and uplighting feel like? Like Wild Wonder by Dulux.
This gentle warm gold features hints of green and offers an unmistakable connection with nature. Dulux calls its effect “natural magic,” but whatever name you give it, Wild Wonder will make you feel better in your home.
Sophisticated Comfort | Spanish Moss by Krylon
Spanish Moss, Krylon’s 2023 selection, is a midnight green that evokes the richness of nature. Its effect is one of immediate comfort and renewal, creating a serene retreat in your home. Of course, it also manages to be effortlessly sophisticated.
Spanish Moss tile works with both cool and warm accents and looks great with geometric and decorative designs.
Renewal | Blank Canvas by BEHR
If there’s anything we can all agree on, it’s likely that we could all use a blank canvas heading into 2023. And that’s exactly BEHR’s intention with Blank Canvas, a soft, warm white that’ll create a sense of renewal and a welcoming atmosphere in every room of your home.
Harmony | Rustic Greige by Dutch Boy
Dutch Boy’s 2023 color of the year is Rustic Greige.
This versatile neutral balances the safety of gray with the coziness of beige and features slight red undertones for added warmth. Overall, it provides a sense of harmony and contentment — and manages to look both charming and worldly.
Starting the Year Off Right
In the end, there’s not just one “best” color for 2023 — it all depends on which feelings you want to embrace in the new year. As for us, we could use a little bit of all of these qualities!
For more information on the feelings associated with different colors, read our Tile Color Psychology blog post on how tile colors affect your mood. Then visit our Design Gallery and Pinterest boards for inspiration to help you choose tile for your 2023 projects!
