2023 Paint Color Trends Designers Can’t Stop Talking About

Designers are already abuzz over 2023 paint color trends. Here, 17 industry experts let us in on what’s popular, what’s working and what’s out when it comes to top interior paint colors for the year ahead.

Greens reflect nature and there is a shade of it for everyone,” notes Chicago designer Sarah Montgomery. (Photo: Ryan McDonald)

Bringing the outdoors in.

“I use different shades of green and teal in every room. It can create a pop or serves as a backdrop for other colors to stand out.”

—Sarah Montgomery, Sarah Montgomery Design | Chicago

“A cozy mauve like Benjamin Moore’s Cashmere Wrap is a perfect example of a color that can flow throughout the home,” says Hudson, New York, designer Nicole Fisher. (Photo: Helena Palazzi)

Carrying color throughout the home.

“Clients are still being adventurous with color. Instead of one bold room, we’re seeing it throughout. It’s about creating beauty in every space, not just one.”

—Nicole Fisher, BNR Interiors | Hudson, New York

“Blue and greens are our go-tos right now,” says Denver-based designer Andrea Schumacher. In this office she used a navy from Benjamin Moore to add rich color. (Photo: Roger Davies)

Looking beyond gray.

“We love color and always will. Gray is a trend we are definitely over. Instead, we use a lot of blues and greens.”

—Andrea Schumacher, Andrea Schumacher Interiors | Denver

Chicago designer Sarah Vaile created visual impact by pairing Benjamin Moore’s Dark Sapphire with chartreuse drapes. (Photo: Ryan McDonald)

Embracing the unexpected.

“We recently paired a deep sapphire lacquer with chartreuse silk drapes. We received lot of fun, positive reactions to the unexpected color pairing.”

—Sarah Vaile, Sarah Vaile Interior Design | Chicago

“Sophisticated and refined only begin to describe this room in Sherwin Williams’ Agreeable Gray,” says Los Angeles- and Orlando-based designer John McClain. (Photo: Lauren Pressy)

Using the “Fab Five.”

“The neutral and classic combination of black, white, gray, green and brown will always provide the perfect pallet for every interior. They are rooted in nature and therefore resonate with the core of humanity.”

—John McClain, John McClain Design | Los Angeles and Orlando

Silver throw pillows and drapes set off the blue lacquer walls in this room designed by New York designer Jamie Drake.

Pairing blue with silver.

“Pale and mid-blue accents paired with white and silver resonate with so many. The popularity is because it is gender neutral, crisp and like fresh air.”

—Jamie Drake, Drake/Anderson | New York City

“From the kitchen to the bathroom to the living room, the color green is a strong player,” says Los Angeles designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, who used Benjamin Moore’s Weeping Willow in this kitchen.

Going green.

“Green in almost every shade is having the most amazing comeback. The richer shades like emerald and forest are really strong and will be here to stay for a while.”

—Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Martyn Lawrence Bullard | Los Angeles

Florida designer Sandra Asdourian set off a medium blue from Sherwin Williams with varying shades of the color and touches of white.

Turning to blue and white for the win.

“Blue and white is classic but can be contemporary, traditional or coastal.”

—Sandra Asdourian, Sandra Asdourian Interiors | Naples, Florida

Designer Elisa Baran Tréan used Farrow & Ball Cabbage White (No. 269) and JH Wallpaints 103 + 114 in this recent kitchen project. (Photo: Jared Kuzia)

“In California, some clients are requesting whites, creams and beiges with a subtle amount of texture on the walls. This will require limewash or plaster to achieve the desired vibe. People really need a sense of calm at home, and this combination has a bright and airy, yet warm feel to it.”

—Elisa Baran Tréan, Elisa Baran, LLC | New York, New York

A Bernhardt bed is framed by molding in a matte lilac bedroom by builder Divco and designers Glenn Midnet and Morgan Bratcher. The walls are swathed in Sherwin Williams Quest Gray. (Photo: Venjhamin Reyes Photography)

Make way for purple. 

“Purple is a color we’ve rarely seen used in bedroom designs, but we are expecting more of. Color psychology has proven purples are romantic, peacefuland luxurious. The buzz surrounding Digital Lavender as the 2023 Color of the Year has only reassured us that purple is a definite for 2023 design.”

Design West | Naples, Florida

Dark trim and casework in Benjamin Moore Black HV190 and ceiling coffers in Benjamin Moore White Dove pair for a statement-making dining room in this family home. (Photo: Thomas Kuoh)

Turn to timeless color combos.

“The power of black next to white stands the test of time.  Because they are both neutrals, the combination is bold and dramatic without being brash. Black can bring wow factor as a contrast window sash or passage door and can also highlight architectural detailing that would otherwise go unnoticed.” 

—Emilie Munroe, Studio Munroe | San Francisco 


White will never go out of style, but the key is to add pops of color for interest, advises Hillary Stamm. (Photo: Lauren Pressey)

Keep the color contrasts coming.

“Clients are looking for a timeless elegance but with contrast and a touch of something that creates a special and unique look and space to call their own.”

—Hillary Stamm, HMS Interiors | Manhattan Beach, California

“While there is a time and place for quiet, neutral greige, we’re advocating for something a bit more opinionated—we look for color with a point of view,” notes Kathleen Walsh. This library in Greenwich, Connecticut features Benjamin Moore Symphony Blue. (Photo: John Bessler)

A new twist on brown and blue.

“We’ve noted that brown and blue is slowly making a comeback. The combination allows us to easily mix antique and modern; however, it’s notably different than how we used in the ‘90s. We’re going way more saturated in the blues, picking up on deep complex hues for a more luminous, dynamic color.” 

—Kathleen Walsh, Kathleen Walsh Interiors | New York, New York

“While neutrals can sometimes be seen as playing it safe, venturing into bolder shades keeps a room contemporary and dramatic,” notes Leslie Murphy. This primary bedroom project features a Benjamin Moore Soot. (Photo: Lisa Hubbard)

Channel deep charcoals and browns.   

“Heading into 2023, we’re really into darker and dramatic shades, such as deep charcoals and browns. These tones are not only elegant and upscale when complemented with tonal furnishings and accessories, but theybring a warm and comfortable feel to the space.”

—Leslie Murphy, Murphy Maude Interiors | Memphis, Tennessee

Sometimes, it all boils down to the basics, as San Francisco Noz Nozawa notes about pairing oranges and blues. This Victorian parlor features C2 Tortoise with burnishing and gold resin drip by Caroline Lizarraga. (Photo: Colin Price Photography)

Opposites attract.

“Across all eras in design, I have always loved orange-red-brick tones and teal-blue tones together. From a color theory standpoint, these tones are perfect opposites on the color wheel; but I think there’s something so iconic about this pairing—from Southwestern indigenous jewelry pairing coral and turquoise stones together, to every Hot-and-Cold water  faucet.”

—Noz Nozawa, Noz Design | San Francisco

Peignoir by Farrow and Ball graces the wainscoting of designer Susie Novak’d own dining room, where the muted rose is paired with gray floral wallpaper by Cole & Son. (Photo: Thomas Kuoh)

Pink is sticking around.

“Dusty pinks, salmon, and taupes. These warm neutrals, in particular, really came up in the last couple of years or so, and I think are nowconsidered mainstays. There is something so soothing about a dusty pink that also feels special and unique.”

—Susie Novak, Susie Novak Interiors | Oakland, California

Virginia Toledo likens the timelessness of neutrals and blacks to the appeal of a pair of cream linen pants or perfect little black dress. Here, a living space project features Benjamin Moore Winter White with Benjamin Moore Decorator White. (Photo: Jacob Snavely)

Play nice with neutrals. 

“Neutrals became the response to living with greige for so many years. We find that these tones, paired with crisp whites and a dash of black, never go out of style.”

—Virginia Toledo, Toledo Geller | Franklin Lakes, New Jersey

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How to Mix Modern and Antique Furniture

By KRISTIN HOHENADEL

https://www.thespruce.com

 The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

The most livable interiors are those that can’t be pinned to a specific era or decade, but integrate elements from the history of home design. The desire to mix old and new can be sparked by the architecture (or lack thereof) of your home, an heirloom, or a thrift store crush. Here are some tips that will help you mix old and new furniture to create a layered interior that transcends time. 

What is Vintage vs. Antique?

The common definition of an antique is a piece that is more than 100 years old. Anything more than 20 years old but less than 100 is usually considered vintage. Modern may refer to midcentury modern design from the 20th century, or be used as a synonym for current and contemporary, which generally refers to anything that is less than 20 years old up to brand spanking new.

Find the Right Balance

“When it comes to mixing antiques with modern pieces, almost anything goes,” says interior designer Erin Williamson of Erin Williamson Design. “A home should be a collection of things you love and find meaningful, not a catalog of coordinated furniture. That said, it helps to spread the patina throughout a space so that the juxtaposition between old and new feels fresh and surprising rather than shabby.”

Williamson emphasizes the importance of considering scale when placing furniture. “Especially antiques,” she says, “since they were made to fit different spaces and lifestyles. Many dark, heavy wood pieces don’t float comfortably and would be happiest on or near a wall. Conversely, very light and leggy pieces should be placed next to items with more mass so that the room doesn’t feel nervy and uncomfortable. A balance of proportion across space offers a lot of leeway to run wild with prints, colors, finishes, and styles.”

Form Versus Function

When considering whether to keep or integrate an older piece into a modern design, it’s important to think about both form and function. Antiques often display fine craftsmanship that is harder to come by today and feature intricate wood carving, marquetry, or decorative flourishes that you won’t find in run-of-the-mill modern-day furniture. (One exception to this is Shaker-style furniture, which has been embracing the same clean lines for centuries and still looks current in even the most minimalist modern interiors. )

For interior designer Lisa Gilmore of Lisa Gilmore Design, successfully mixing modern and antiques is “all about playing with your lines, making sure you have a healthy mix of streamlined and curves.” Gilmore says she mixes metal finishes “to give the design legs” and keep it from looking dated. 

Repurpose and Refinish

While nothing beats the rich patina of a quality antique or vintage piece in terms of aesthetics and value, the truth is that not all antiques are valuable or need to be preserved in their original state. If you inherit your grandparents’ old dining table, stumble on an antique bed frame at the flea market, or find a thrift store armoire with great bones but a dated finish, take a step back and imagine how it would look stripped to its bones, refinished, or transformed with a brand new coat of paint.

“Fresh upholstery can give antiques a modern feel without sacrificing vintage charm,” Williamson says. “If you fancy a print, consider the shape of the piece and decide whether to play with or against the form. Stripes on a curved settee will highlight its shape while florals on a straight back chair might add some softness.” Williamson notes that it’s a good idea to have the springs and batting refreshed. “New materials can go a long way towards adding contemporary comfort,” she says.

Unify with Color

One of the challenges of mixing old and new pieces is figuring out how to make the mix of periods and styles work together while retaining an overall sense of cohesion. Even the most eclectic interiors need balance and harmony. While mixing wood finishes and metals is an art in itself, sometimes the easiest way to integrate disparate elements is to unite them using the same color palette. If you a fan of shabby chic interiors, you can create coherence by painting thrift store finds like nightstands, dining room chairs, tables, and dressers in a creamy white, and add white overstuffed armchairs and sofas. This will make it simple to marry styles and periods by keeping the focus on form.

Statement Pieces

If you are looking to create maximum impact in a modern room with an antique piece, go bold with a large-scale statement piece like an antique armoire, a Baroque-style or Art Deco headboard, or a massive vintage farm table. Make these pieces functional and appropriate for modern lifestyles by painting, refinishing, refurbishing interiors, or adding upholstery to an antique bed frame or armchair to bring it a sense of modern comfort. This strategy works particularly well in a neutral space that needs a focal point or a sense of drama that is achieved by introducing contrast and juxtaposition. This same formula can work for large-scale decorative pieces, like a giant French gilded mirror or a massive vintage rug to anchor an otherwise contemporary living room. 

Accent Pieces

Not everyone has the appetite or budget for creating large-scale drama with a splashy antique focal point. If you love antiques but feel intimidated by buying antique furniture, start with small furniture pieces such as end tables and wooden stools, or decorative pieces like antique French gilded mirrors, lighting fixtures, and rugs. “For me, a really large antique/vintage rug sets the tone immediately,” says Gilmore, “and you can have lots of fun adding and layering around it.”