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What color is popular for interior design?

Color plays a crucial role in interior design. The colors used in a space can affect how we feel when we’re in the room. When designing a space, it’s important to choose colors that will create the desired atmosphere. Some colors evoke certain moods or feelings, while others can make a space appear larger or smaller. Interior designers carefully select paint colors, furniture finishes, accessories, and accents to enhance the aesthetic and functionality of a room.

But when it comes to popularity, some colors tend to be more on-trend than others for interior design. Looking at current color forecasts and trends can provide insight into which shades will be prevalent in the coming years. Here’s an overview of the most popular paint colors for interiors right now, along with some predictions for colors that will likely gain traction in the near future.

Current Popular Interior Design Colors

At the moment, warmer, nature-inspired colors are widely popular for interior spaces. Here are some of the trendiest paint colors right now:

  • Earthy tones like terracotta, ochre, and sand
  • Sage greens and lush forest hues
  • Neutral taupes and greiges
  • Rich blues like navy and denim
  • Warmer grays rather than stark whites

These colors create a cozy, grounded feeling in a room. They provide a subtle background that can be livened up with accents and accessories in bolder hues. Natural color palettes have been popular for the past several years and continue to have a strong influence.

Paint Color Trends

Looking ahead, paint brands have forecasted some new color trends that are expected to gain popularity in 2023 and beyond. Here are some of the up-and-coming paint colors predicted to make a splash in interior design:

Paint Color Color Family Description
Vining Ivy Green Deep forest green with natural, botanical feel
Redend Point Red Vibrant, sultry red-orange hue
Pale Powder Blue Hazy, ethereal pale blue
Candlelight Yellow Warm golden yellow reminiscent of candlelight
Peppercorn Gray Rich black-pepper toned gray

Bolder, saturated hues are expected to gain popularity after years of more muted, lighter colors dominating interior palettes. These emerging trends offer fresh, invigorating colors that can bring energy and drama to a room.

The Psychology of Color in Interior Design

Color isn’t just about aesthetics – it has an impact on our mood, emotions, and behaviors. Interior designers carefully consider the psychology of color when selecting a color scheme. Here is an overview of the emotions and ambiance associated with popular interior design color palettes:

Neutrals

Shades of white, gray, beige, and brown are considered neutral colors. They act as a backdrop that allows bolder accent colors to stand out. Neutrals create a calming, soothing environment and make a space feel airy and light. However, too many neutrals can also feel sterile or uninspired.

Earth Tones

Earthy paint colors like greens, browns, tans, and terra cottas feel organic, natural, and grounded. Earth tones connect us to nature and evoke feelings of stability, comfort, and tranquility. They provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Blues

From pale sky blue to rich navy, different shades of blue can impact mood. Light blues feel airy, ethereal, and peaceful. Navy blue is dramatic and thoughtful. Blue is often considered to be calming and productive. It slows heart rate and can aid concentration.

Greens

Green is another color strongly associated with nature. Deeper forest greens feel traditional and stately. Crisp lighter greens are energizing and renewal. Exposure to green is said to boost creativity and productivity while reducing stress.

Yellows

Bright, sunny yellows spark happiness and create an uplifting, optimistic ambiance. Soft buttery yellows feel cozy and cheerful. Too much yellow may cause eyestrain, but used sparingly it’s an instant mood booster.

Color Family Psychological Impact
Neutrals Calming, airy, soothing
Earth Tones Comforting, tranquil, welcoming
Blues Peaceful, productive, focused
Greens Renewing, energizing, traditional
Yellows Uplifting, optimistic, cheerful

Popular Interior Paint Colors by Room

While color trends come and go, some tried-and-true shades suit certain rooms in a home. Here are some of the most popular go-to paint colors for key interior spaces:

Living Rooms

As a gathering place for family and guests, living rooms tend to use warmer, welcoming colors. Popular choices include:

  • Soft greens like Sagebrush Green or Mountain Fern
  • Light taupes or greiges like Accessible Beige or Edgecomb Gray
  • inviting yellows like Solar Power or Lemon Cream

These hues create a cozy, conversational atmosphere. More vibrant accent walls in navy, olive, or rust orange can add visual interest.

Bedrooms

Serene, relaxing colors help bedrooms feel like a sanctuary. Recommended options:

  • Cool tones like Palladian Blue, Dusty Blue, or Rainwashed
  • Warm neutrals like Swiss Coffee, Classic Gray, or Linen White
  • Soft greens like Aloe or Clary Sage

Avoid overstimulating reds or oranges in bedrooms. Focus on colors that soothe and unwind.

Kitchens

Kitchens are often high-energy spaces that benefit from peppy, uplifting hues. Well-liked choices include:

  • Clean whites like Extra White or Chantilly Lace
  • Crisp greens like Thyme Green or Bay Laurel
  • Sunny yellows like Sunflower or Citron
  • Blue-greens like Coastal Plain or Oceanside

Neutrals like white or beige make kitchens feel light and airy. Bolder primary colors in moderation add a fun, vibrant accent.

Bathrooms

For bathrooms, soothing spa-like colors work best. Consider these relaxing options:

  • Cool blues like Rainfall, Seaside Villa, or Naval
  • Natural greens like Sagebrush, Mountain Fern, or Mossy Oak
  • Earth tones like Latte, Potters Clay, or Rockport Brown

Avoid harsh reds or too much black or brown. Stick to colors that evoke an upscale spa for the ultimate soothing bath space.

Home Offices

Home offices need colors that inspire productivity. Popular choices include:

  • Blue-greens like Surf Green, Misty Aqua, or Spa
  • Neutral tans like Software, Kilim Beige, or Accessible Beige
  • Grays like Net Zero, November Rain, or Cityscape

These colors provide subtle contrast without being overly distracting. Avoid bold oranges or reds unless only used as an accent wall.

Room Popular Paint Color Options
Living Rooms Sagebrush Green, Accessible Beige, Solar Power
Bedrooms Palladian Blue, Classic Gray, Aloe
Kitchens Extra White, Thyme Green, Sunflower
Bathrooms Rainfall, Mountain Fern, Latte
Home Offices Surf Green, Kilim Beige, November Rain

Considerations for Choosing Interior Paint Colors

Selecting the perfect color for each room requires considering a few key factors:

  • Natural light: North-facing rooms with cool daylight suit crisp blues and greens, while south-facing spaces bathed in warm sunlight can handle deeper hues like red or purple.
  • Room size: Dark colors can make small rooms feel closed-in and cramped. Stick to light, bright colors to give the illusion of more space.
  • Ceiling height: Rooms with high ceilings can get away with bold, dramatic colors. Low ceilings do better with neutral, monochromatic schemes to avoid appearing overwhelming.
  • Personal taste: Consider the mood you want to create and how colors make you feel. Select colors you find aesthetically pleasing and uplifting.
  • Furniture: Choose paint colors that complement existing furnishings, flooring, and permanent elements that won’t change.

Test paint samples on walls before committing. View colors at different times of day to judge lighting effects. Paint is fairly simple to re-do, so don’t overthink it too much. Trust your instincts!

Achieving Balance with Interior Color Schemes

One trendy approach is to choose three colors in varying proportions to create a balanced, harmonious palette. Follow these tips for combining paint colors:

  • Pick a main neutral color as the dominant shade, used on 75-80% of walls.
  • Add a secondary color as the accent shade on feature walls, furniture, etc. Use sparingly.
  • Incorporate a third color in smaller doses on decor items like pillows, art, flowers. A little goes a long way.

Vary tones and saturation levels. Pair a muted neutral with a bold accent for maximum contrast. Ground brights with plenty of solids. Don’t use more than three colors in a single space.

In Conclusion

Interior design color trends may come and go, but choosing the right colors for your space is about more than just following the latest fads. Consider how different hues make you feel and affect the ambiance. Select timeless shades that provide an uplifting backdrop that reflects your personality. The most popular interior design colors are those that create an environment you love coming home to.