Color resonates in distinct ways for different people. During the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, some gravitated toward soothing neutrals while others immersed themselves in bright, uplifting colors. Now, as we begin to imagine a post-pandemic world, the colors that fill our homes and lives will again vary widely, but certain trends are likely to emergeâand some experts are already predicting the top paint colors of the year 2022.
Each year, paint companies and color experts reveal their picks for the shade that best encapsulates the current period. Their choices for paint color of the year often draw on trends in pop culture, fashion, technology, and design from around the world, and the results are starting to roll in for 2022. Minwax is the latest major paint company to announce its selection, but there will be more to come. See if this popular shade resonates with you, then check back to find out all the paint colors of the year 2022 as they're announced.
Gentle Olive by Minwax
Minwax selected a rich green stain called Gentle Olive as its color of the year 2022. A soft sage with subtle gray undertones, it highlights the natural beauty of the wood when applied to furniture, cabinetry, shelving, decorative items, and more. Chosen for its connection to wellness and the restorative qualities of nature, Gentle Olive imparts a soothing atmosphere to living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, and more.
"Over the last two years, we have been making our homes a more comforting placeâa place focused on our well-being, where we decompress and clear our minds," said Sue Kim, Minwax color marketing manager, in a press release. "This year's Minwax Color of the Year reflects the search for serenity in our changing routines, as Gentle Olive creates a meditative mood that injects everyday optimism at home."
Pair the color with dusty pastels such as peach or blush to foster a warm, organic look, or lean into a modern aesthetic with cool gray or black accents. Green Olive is available in Minwax's water-based semi-transparent and solid stains, sold at various retailers nationwide.
Satin Rolling Surf by Krylon
Spray paint brand Krylon selected a vibrant teal hue called Satin Rolling Surf for its color of the year 2022. Embodying "optimism, stability, and balance," the shade reflects the renewed focus on well-being and mindfulness that's currently driving home trends. The bold, refreshing blue draws inspiration from nature to deliver a sense of calm to both indoor and outdoor areas.
"This year's color direction focuses on the importance of softer, warmer, and more human-centric design as the home becomes a dynamic hub for all activities, from work to wellness to play," said Sue Kim, color marketing manager for Krylon, in a press release. "Satin Rolling Surf is perfect for helping to create spaces that soothe and rejuvenate." Use the color to revamp outdoor furniture with fresh style, or spruce up indoor furnishings and decor for a jewel-tone accent. Krylon's spray paint color of the year is available at Lowe's and various other retailers nationwide.
Very Peri by Pantone
Instead of selecting a color of the year from its wide library of shades, Pantone created an entirely new hue for its pick for paint color of the year 2022, a first in the 23-year history of the program. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a vibrant shade of periwinkle that blends the soothing familiarity of blue with the energy and excitement of red. Designed to pique curiosity and creativity, the warm, joyful hue is meant to symbolize our transition out of the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue color family," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director for the Pantone Color Institute, in a statement. "Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression."
The Pantone paint color of the year 2022 brings a sense of playfulness to interiors and invites unexpected color combinations. Pair Very Peri with lush green tones for a refreshing, nature-inspired look in living rooms and home offices. Or incorporate muted shades like mauve and terra-cotta for a comforting, balanced look that's well-suited for bedrooms. In kids' spaces, riff off the classic primary color palette by combining this periwinkle blue with hot pink and bright yellow. Whether brought in through furniture, accent pieces, or paint colors, Very Peri imparts an imaginative, hopeful attitude to any space.
Laurel Leaf by Better Homes & Gardens
Laurel Leaf is the first-ever paint color of the year from, available only at Walmart. This dusty green shade mimics the rejuvenating appeal of eucalyptus leaves and reflects a renewed desire to incorporate elements of nature into our homes. "During the pandemic, people spent more time outside enjoying their backyards, parks, and other outdoor spaces," said Max Wilker, style director for the Better Homes & Gardens brand. "And now those shades of green are coming along back inside the home."
Because of its organic feel and warm undertones, Laurel Leaf pairs beautifully with creamy whites, cozy beiges, light to medium wood tones, and leafy house plants, Wilker says. Try it in a bedroom to foster a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere, or use it to inspire focus and concentration in a home office. In a dining room, it can serve as a sophisticated backdrop that delivers color without going too bold. All paint colors in the Better Homes and Gardens Collection, including Laurel Leaf, are available exclusively at Walmart.
Art and Craft by Dunn-Edwards
Dunn-Edwards' pick for color of the year 2022 is a warm, earthy shade that reflects a broader back-to-nature trend in interior design. Art and Craft DET682 is a soft, sophisticated brown that channels the richness of walnut wood and offers a peaceful, grounding effect. "Art and Craft is truly a down-to-earth color that signifies stability, comfort, and calm, a color that expresses what we all seek right now," said Sara McLean, color expert and stylist for Dunn-Edwards, in a press release.
This moody, complex color draws inspiration from the bohemian aesthetic of the 1970s as well as today's folksy cottagecore trend. Use it as an all-over paint color to establish an inviting feel in living areas, dining rooms, and bedrooms. For a modern take, coat both the walls and millwork in Art and Craft to envelop the entire room in cozy warmth. Pair this chocolatey brown with light, breezy neutrals to brighten it up, or opt for vibrant jewel tones to lean into a luxurious look. This 2022 color of the year is available at Dunn-Edwards stores and at numerous independent retailers across the U.S.
October Mist by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore's pick for color of the year 2022 is a soft, silvery-green called October Mist 1495. This botanical shade mimics the pale green of a flower stem and serves as the foundation for the brand's larger 2022 color trends palette. The assortment includes 14 nature-inspired hues that span tinted off-whites, warm earth tones, and refreshed primary colors.
"October Mist 1495 and the corresponding color trends 2022 palette reflects an effortless harmony of colors while inspiring unique combinations for any paint project," said Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore's director of color marketing and development, in a press release.
Combine the gentle tones of October Mist with a rich dark shade like Gloucester Sage HC-100 to add warmth and depth to a monochromatic palette. For a crisp look, bring out this color of the year's cool undertones with an icy blue-green like Quiet Moments 1563 or the inky blue-black Mysterious AF-565. All of the shades from the color trends 2022 palette, including October Mist, are available on Benjamin Moore's website and at local paint and hardware retailers nationwide.
Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams selected the subtly soothing Evergreen Fog SW 9130 as its color of the year 2022. The mid-tone gray-green signifies a shift away from the cool neutrals and brilliant jewel tones that have previously dominated paint color trends. This familiar, organic color can extend a comforting welcome in entryways, establish quiet and calm in bedrooms or bathrooms, and introduce restorative energy to living rooms, kitchens, and other common areas.
Sherwin-Williams Forecasts the Bright, Optimistic Colors That Will Define 2022
"Evergreen Fog is a sophisticated wash of color for spaces that crave a subtle yet stunning statement shade," said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, in a press release. "Evergreen Fog inspires us to begin again and is a great choice for modern interiors and exteriors." Wadden suggests complementing the color with warm, earthy neutrals, such as beige, camel, or coffee brown. Then bring in additional layers of texture with natural materials including wood, leather, jute, and rattan. For a polished look that veers more glam, try incorporating a mix of metal finishes like warm brass, light gold, or matte black. You can find Evergreen Fog at Sherwin-Williams stores nationwide.
Valspar 2022 Colors of the Year
Instead of naming a singular color of the year, Valspar curated a palette of 12 nature-inspired hues that represent our current craving for comfort and calm. These colors of the year 2022 encompass warm neutrals, dusty pastels, and soothing blues and greens, ranging from light and subtle to dramatically dark. Each shade was selected for its ties to nature and ability to foster a peaceful, optimistic mindset.
"Colors can power moods, energizing us with confidence, strength, and curiosityâallowing us to express ourselves with color anywhereâwhether it be a full room, an accent wall, trim, or furniture," said Sue Kim, Valspar color marketing manager, in a press release. "Valspar's 2022 Colors of the Year provide consumers a wide range of naturally based warm colors that will not only help calm the nerves and boost the mood but also provide a confidence in what the future may hold."
Incorporate these trending colors into your home on walls, cabinetry, trim, and more, selecting shades that help foster the mood you want to create. For example, envelop a bedroom in luxurious comfort with walls painted in deep-blue Mountain River 4005-6C, and incorporate warm wood accents and warm lavender Lilac Lane 1002-4B for a lift. Or combine off-white Gilded Linen 6002-1A with the coppery tones of Rustic Oak 2007-7B for inviting warmth in living rooms and entryways. Blanched Thyme 6001-4A and Grey Suit 4004-2A are both great for encouraging balance and well-being in home offices, bathrooms, or kitchens. All of Valspar's colors of the year are available at Lowe's stores, Lowes.com, and independent retailers nationwide.
Aleutian by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Like a well-worn pair of faded blue jeans, Aleutian HGSW3355 from HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams embodies comfort and relaxation. Named the brand's color of the year 2022, this washed-out indigo serves as the foundation of a larger 2022 color collection called Softened Refuge. Combining soft neutrals with muted earth tones, the mix of 10 complementary hues is intended to create "a sense of comfort and calmness with color," said Ashley Banbury, senior color designer for HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, in a press release. "This palette is designed to simplify color selection for a perfectly coordinated home design."
Aleutian pairs well with any shade from the collection, including off-white, warm tan, or dusty slate. Because the blue-gray hue has a slightly warm undertone, it offers a balanced look and a restful tone that works equally well in common areas like kitchens or living rooms and private spaces including bedrooms and bathrooms. Layer in plenty of texture with natural wood tones and neutral textiles to enhance Aleutian's comforting vibe. All of the colors in the Softened Refuge collection are available exclusively in Lowe's stores and at Lowes.com.
Guacamole by Glidden
A zingy shade called Guacamole PPG1121-5 is Glidden's pick for the color of the year 2022. This ripe avocado-green delivers crowd-pleasing color that's both relaxing and refreshing. In a press release, the brand noted that online searches for green paint colors have more than doubled since 2020, indicating that homeowners are seeking colors that soothe.
"We've all saved beautiful green kitchens and earthy-inspired bedrooms on our Pinterest boards and TikToks over the past year and a half, driven by our need for calm, regrowth, and rejuvenation after living through these 'unprecedented times,'" said Kim Perry, Glidden paint color guru.
In kitchens and bathrooms, pair Guacamole with classic white subway tile and matte black accents for a timeless mix. For living areas, home offices, and bedrooms, try it with light wood tones and plenty of plants (either real or faux) to enhance the calming, organic vibe.
Breezeway by Behr
Behr's color of the year 2022 is a cool, refreshing shade of green called Breezeway MQ3-21. The soft, silvery blue-green is reminiscent of sea glass found along sandy beaches and the crystal-clear water of a tucked-away bay. Because of its ties to nature, Breezeway establishes a feeling of tranquility, but its crisp brightness can also inspire energy and liveliness. Erika Woelfel, Behr's vice president of color and creative services, calls Breezeway "a color that welcomes a hopeful sense of renewal, restoration, and healing."
Mixed with bright white and jet-black accents, Breezeway offers snappy contrast and a clean look that's perfect for an entryway or kitchen. Paired with soft cream, warm taupe, and natural wood tones, it takes on a soothing, peaceful vibe that works well in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas where relaxation is the goal. The breezy color has a distinctly coastal feel, but it also blends beautifully with contemporary and vintage-inspired designs. You can find the paint color exclusively at The Home Depot.
Olive Sprig by PPG
PPG selected a soft, organic shade of green called Olive Sprig PPG1125-4 as its color of the year 2022. Reminiscent of a soothing aloe vera plant or velvety sage leaves, the gray-green color was chosen to represent regrowth and the resiliency of nature as we adapt to new ways of living post-pandemic. The lush mid-tone feels familiar and grounding, and it's versatile enough to be used as a livelier alternative to traditional neutrals.
"DIYers, property managers, designers, and architects are shifting away from the stark, neutral palettes of yesterday and opting for color in all forms," said Amy Donato, senior color marketing manager at PPG paint, in a press release. "Call it rebellion, but we are certainly here for the resurgence of optimistic colors to guide us into a new era of home design."
Paint walls in Olive Sprig to encourage focus in an office, incorporate soothing color into a bathroom, or promote restfulness in a bedroom. The color also looks gorgeous on kitchen cabinetry brightened up with polished brass accents and balanced with plenty of white. Because of its organic quality, Olive Sprig blends beautifully with natural materials and textures such as rich leather upholstery, woven jute rugs, and wood furniture. You can find the paint color online and at PPG paint stores, The Home Depot, and other independent retailers nationwide.
FAQs
What is the correct color of the year 2022? âș
Pantone, the global authority on colour, has picked âVery Periâ as the colour of the year for 2022. The company describes Very Peri as âa dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone blends the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of redâ.
What is the most popular wall color for 2022? âșThe most popular neutral interior paint color of 2022 is Pure White by Sherwin-Williams. This popular neutral wall color is beloved by interior designers for any room.
What are the paint Colours for 2022 UK? âșBabouche, School House White, Breakfast Room Green, Stone Blue, and Incarnadine have been named as the shades that will define 2022. Rooted in a feeling of folk and craftsmanship â with a versatile mix of function, form and comfort â each colour is anchored in a sense of comfortability and simplicity.
What color is replacing gray? âșBeige is back baby. Fashion, design and magazines are opting for more natural colors like linen, off white, greens, warm tones and moving away from gray walls in entire homes. Gray can be useful in isolated spaces, but the days of entire open floor plans of gray are over for interior designers.
What is the most popular kitchen cabinet color for 2022? âșWhite is still the most popular kitchen cabinet color in 2022 and beyond. However, we are seeing a shift towards warmer and more natural tones. We cover the best colors for cabinets from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams like Simply White, Dove White, and Chantilly Lace.
What is the decorating trend for 2022? âș"Darker, more saturated colors are going to be everywhere in 2022," shares designer Hope Austin. "Think wallcoverings and fabrics in bold blues and bright citrines paired with rich espresso and slate finishes."
Are gray walls out for 2022? âșNavy and gray are on the way out
Yes, while gray has seen an uninterrupted reign over recent paint trends, its reign may conclude in 2022. However, this shift is perhaps only expected in the interiors world, as Anthony Barzilay Freund, the editorial director at 1stDibs, explains.
Sherwin-Williams selected the subtly soothing Evergreen Fog SW 9130 as its color of the year 2022.
What's the new GREY 2022? âș'Lick's third colour palette for 2022 includes grey blues, which the brand anticipates will be huge for 2022. Blue is the colour of the mind, and this relaxing hue represents 'trust and loyalty' something consumers are craving following a turbulent two years.
Is GREY paint going out of style? âșWhat shades of paint should you be using in 2022? Phew, so the consensus is that gray is still in style.
What is the most popular color for interior walls? âș
As the reigning champion of interior paint, white is a color that transcends both time and decorating styles. White can make a room feel bright, fresh and up-to-date in settings ranging from modern to traditional.
What is the most popular color for a living room? âș46% of experts agree that cream will be the most popular living room paint color in 2022. Cream, like cool off-white, is a neutral color that can work in dark spaces.
Are white walls out for 2022? âșWhite paint offers a blank canvas for which we can make our own, and I predict white paint colors will continue to be a top choice for many in 2022." Nicole Gibbons of Clare paint expects the same.
Are barn doors out of style 2022? âșAccording to Munson, these trends are out for 2022: shiplap on walls (go instead with tile, plaster, or rattan); all-gray or all-white kitchens; barn doors (replace them with pocket or French doors); accent walls (stick with monochromatic walls that blend seamlessly with decor); and matching furniture sets, which ...
Is brown furniture coming back 2022? âșHere's the good news: Unlike some interior design trends, brown will be in âforever,â Sikes says. Concludes Colding: âIt is one of those colors that will always be back.
Is beige coming back? âșAmerica's decades-long love affair with cool gray tones may officially be over. Beige is back to bring a warm, soothing vibe to our homes, according to PPG's 2021 Palette of the Year.
What is the most popular appliance color for 2022? âșFast forward to today and you'll find that white appliances are making a comeback as more homeowners are choosing to incorporate the classic style into all sorts of aesthetics, ranging from modern farmhouse to contemporary. But stainless steel is still a very popular option, particularly in more contemporary kitchens.
Are white cabinets going out of style 2022? âșFirst, let's talk about white kitchen cabinets ⊠these aren't going anywhere in 2022. A white kitchen is classic and never goes 'out of style'. It may not always be the current trend, but white kitchen cabinets are always beautiful. We'll also continue to see the two-tone cabinet color trend in 2022.
What is the best color for a kitchen? âșWhen it comes to kitchens, white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green really shine. Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space. Warmer colors such as red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens.
What trend is replacing farmhouse? âșThe new hot style that is on the rise is Cottagecore. According to an article published on realtor.com, âWhile slightly similar, this trend is replacing the popular modern farmhouse trend, which may be on its way out, according to designers.
How do I modernize my home in 2022? âș
- Upgrade Fixtures and Appliances. Many older homes still have brass or gold hardware. ...
- Refresh Walls, Flooring, and Countertops. Wallpaper is making a comeback. ...
- Design a consistent color scheme and flowy layout. ...
- Improve Interior Lighting.
Are accent walls going out of style? Accent walls have been in and out of style in the past but they are looking to be very popular in 2022. If this is not something you have tried before, it's a great option for your next home project.
What color house sells best? âș"Generally, going with neutral colors like shades of white, beige, taupe, and grays lead to a faster sale," she shares. "Neutral colors are also more appealing to potential buyers because many want the creative freedom of a blank canvas to add their personal touches to when looking for a new place to call home.
Should I paint all rooms the same color? âșAs a general rule of thumb, you should never paint your entire home one singular color. That isn't to say that you can't use the same color in some capacity throughout your entire home; however, it shouldn't be the primary wall color in every room.
What color bedroom helps you sleep? âșBest Bedroom Colors for Sleep. The best colors for sleep are blue, yellow, green, silver, orange, pink, and white. These colors reduce stress and soothe the nervous system. Try to stick with neutral or pastel shades for a soft, welcoming atmosphere.
Is gray going out of style 2023? âșGray colors, especially cool grays, are no longer on trend.
Is farmhouse going out of style 2022? âșIf you're wondering if farmhouse is out of style, the answer is no. Just because it's everywhere doesn't mean that if you like the style, you're totally dated, or that if your home is currently decorated in a farmhouse look or has shiplap walls that you have to go out an completely redecorate.
Can you have too much grey in a house? âșGray can be depressing
âToo much of a gray color creates sadness and a tendency for loneliness and isolation,â says Marlene De Cespedes with Douglas Elliman. Instead, incorporate different tones, textures, and finishes of white, ivory, and sand into the space to make it look âelegant, fresh, airy, and chic,â she says.
Bright White
White is an enduring favorite with homeowners, and it's not hard to see why. "Whites can do a tremendous amount to lighten up a room, make a small space feel larger, or provide a blank canvas for any design style," explains Erika Woelfel, VP of color at Behr Paints.
Pantone, the global color authority for the design community, has announced a new blue shade, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri, a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone as the Pantone Color of the Year selection for 2022.
What is the hot color for spring 2022? âș
Spring 2022 Color Trends
Yellow, pink, and green dominated many of the collections. Often used as a striking solid, these bold colors sometimes accented a neutral but often were used alone for a bright blast of fun color. Aqua, royal blue, and beautiful reds round out a full and vibrant spectrum.
Pantone picked its Colour of the Year 2022 earlier this month - 'Very Peri'. With a 10-second-long video, the global colour authority shared a few glimpses of the colour and what it represents. According to Pantone, the colour is a dynamic peri(winkle) blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone.
Does 2022 have a colour? âșPantone, a provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions for the design community, has introduced a new blue shade, PANTONEÂź 17-3938 Very Peri, a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone as the Pantone Color of the Year selection for 2022.
Is sage green color of the year 2022? âșYou're not just imagining things: Almost every paint company named a shade of sage green as its colors of the year for 2022. It should come as no surprise that the Apartment Therapy Slack channels were burning as six (!)
Is beige coming back in 2022? âșNature Tones
This will culminate in 2022 with tones like taupes, beiges, biscuits, and mushrooms taking center stage, along with nature-inspired hues, particularly greens," says Wadden.
- Ultra-Baggy Denim. Balenciaga cotton baggy jeans. ...
- Leather Jackets: The Epitome of Cool. ...
- Punk Prep. ...
- Saturated and Strokable Knits. ...
- Bigger, Better Bomber Jackets. ...
- The White-Tank-and-Blue-Jean Formula. ...
- Floor-Skimming Hemlines. ...
- Tailored Waistcoats.
2022 summer color trends
In summer 2022, eye-catching shades of red and pink take the scene to bring more passion, vigor, and playfulness to thematic designs. Tender blue and light beige inspired by the beach help strengthen relations with your audience.
All walls in a house shouldn't be the same color in general. A house that's painted with only one color may look plain and unattractive. However, that doesn't mean using the same color in some areas of the house is bad. When done right, single-color walls can add elegance to a home.
What is the color of the year for 2023? âșTerra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards
With the latest 2023 color of the year announcement, soft, earthy shades of pink and clay take the lead as the most popular paint colors. Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards blends brown and burgundy for a rosy pink that works as both a grounding neutral and a delicate accent.
This year's color is a periwinkle blue with violet-red undertones â designed, the company says, with the glowing screens of our digital world in mind. In a news release, Pantone representatives explain that the color of the year is meant to evoke the âtransition we are going through.â
What are the top 5 favorite colors? âș
The most popular color in the world is blue. The second favorite colors are red and green, followed by orange, brown and purple. Yellow is the least favorite color, preferred by only five percent of people.
What is the color of February 2022? âșFebruary 2022 Color of the Month: Aleutian - Sherwin-Williams - YouTube.
Is purple color of the year 2022? âșSo what is the color of the year for 2022? Well, the popular color institute Pantone synthesized its own color for 2022 and named it Very Peri. And recently, the trend-spotting firm WGSN has named Orchid Flower â a color with a purple hue as 2022's color.
What is the new neutral wall color 2022? âșSherwin-Williams selected the subtly soothing Evergreen Fog SW 9130 as its color of the year 2022.
What is the most popular color for interior walls? âșAs the reigning champion of interior paint, white is a color that transcends both time and decorating styles. White can make a room feel bright, fresh and up-to-date in settings ranging from modern to traditional.