New season, new palette. Here are some colorful blooms in spring 2023 paint trends.

As we’ve said goodbye to the winter blues, homeowners and decorators are embracing the fresh new looks that spring brings. For some, embracing the seasonal shift is as easy as assembling a bouquet of flowers or adding some new accessories to the mix. 

But for those who are really looking for a change, a fresh coat of paint is the color equivalent to spring cleaning. Though applying it may require some extra time and elbow grease, the right shade can seemingly transform your space overnight. (Or however long it takes for your paint to dry.)

Oftentimes, spring and pastel colors go together like primer and a brush roller—but there’s more to this season than blushes and sky blues. “Consumers have grown more confident in their taste after spending much time at home in lockdown,” explains Gemma Riberti, WGSN’s head of interiors. “Color becomes the paramount way to update a space without major investments or renovations.”

With the rainbow renaissance in full swing, versatile neutrals and bold, can’t-look-away colors are fair game this season. The catch, Riberti says, is that many people are giving their preferred palette a tonal spin. “It’s about layering the same color in two different intensities or saturation,” she adds.

So many options, so little space—so where to begin? After all, choosing one color from all of the swatches is by no means easy. Though beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, Riberti is sharing the top hues to keep an eye on. From lights to brights, there’s bound to be a shade you’ll love—this spring and beyond.

Earthy Greens

We have to respectfully disagree with you, Kermit: It’s never been easier to be green than this spring.

When the shelter-in-place order went into effect in 2020, biophilic tones like browns and greens mimicked the connection with the great outdoors that so many people desperately craved. Fast-forward three years and verdant tones have become a mainstay in many homes. But this season, we’re not just talking about any old green. Specifically, “Mossy, verdigris, and lichen greens, in particular, are coming to the fore,” Riberti explains.

“What is interesting is seeing them being treated as neutrals,” she continues. “Layering the green walls and furnishings with plants, for instance; [the color is] also ideal for cabinetry.”

Terra-Cotta Reds

Speaking of the color wheel’s outdoorsy offerings, the muted reds that naturally occur in the wild shouldn’t be discounted.

“Russet reds, rust, terra-cotta, amber, burnt sienna, and the like are important,” Riberti explains. “They have an artisanal and sunbaked quality that warms up interiors year-round and works across materials both hard and soft.”

When it comes to interior design, red might elicit visions of Big’s accent wall in Sex and the City. Fortunately, this season’s volcanic tones are considerably less saturated, making it possible for them to fit in a variety of rooms.

“An amber glow is key to this color group, infusing interiors with sunlight,” Riberti adds. “Walls in hospitality and residential projects alike are clad in this tactile terra-cotta pigment, daring this color [to be used] as a kitchen backsplash or in the entryway as well as warming up north-facing rooms.”

Though softer reds might seem like a design dark horse, they’ve been on the industry’s radar for quite some time. In fact, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams named Raspberry Blush and Redend Point as their 2023 Colors of the Year, respectively.

Light Blue

Equal parts calming and cool, blue has been a consistent power player on the color wheel. But as spring emerges, expect to see a surge of sky, powder, and whisper-soft blues.

Though the deep, notoriously dramatic navy has historically been an obvious choice, Riberti argues that “tranquil blues are also very important to the conversation.” She explains, “We are seeing this quality of blue across a broad spectrum of applications, from displays and beautiful walls and floors to decorative items and furniture.”

Fittingly enough, Chairish predicted that a cornflower color called French Blue would be trending in 2023. As the brand says, “It’s a sophisticated but often subtle way to make a color statement without shouting.”

With the ability to transcend time and trend, lighter blues can be treated as neutrals. While sprinkling in various shades of lapis and cobalt can put blue front and center, this trendy tone will look particularly good with warm woods, pinks, and hints of burgundy, Riberti says.

Lilac

Spring might be perpetually synonymous with light, airy pastels, but Riberti says this tried-and-true palette will look different this year. “Overall, pastels are moving away from candy sugary hues and taking on a more nuanced, more refined direction,” she explains. This season, trade in traditional blushes and soft yellows for a head-turning lilac.

Of course, you’re not the only one who feels the lavender haze creeping up on you: WGSN dubbed Digital Lavender as its 2023 Color of the Year—and for good reason.

“It’s a sensorial shade that connects to holistic well-being and digital optimism,” the trend forecasting company previously told ELLE DECOR. “This shade poses that much-needed cautious optimism and escapism that people are craving post-pandemic, and even in times of budget crunch, it is imaginative and creative but also speaks of hope and balance.”

Purple is a downright regal choice for wall paint—but Riberti says it’s also an in-demand option for window treatments and ombré tiles.

Textural Black

Though spring and deeper tones may seem at odds with each other, this season is swinging the pendulum toward the dark side. While deep reds and aubergines are trending, Riberti says black is “widely present.” But since black is a drastic shade, it’s important to think strategically about how it fits in your home.

“It is quite dramatic as an effect, so it needs to be used considerately,” she adds. “Nonetheless, dark and textural materials are an important direction at recent shows, especially on wood.”

Instead of coating your floors or walls with an inky black, a touch of noir will feel a tad fresher on wainscoting or window trims.

Fiery Oranges

Calling all maximalists: Spring is encouraging you to fully embrace your bold streak.

“There is definitely a lot more demand for bolder hues, even in paint,” Riberti shares, citing lime green, fuchsia, and fiery oranges as the ones to watch.

Though there will always be space for neutrals, uplifting brights offer something different: a moment for celebration. “There’s that need for joyfulness and unapologetic exuberance that is driving the rise of energetic brights,” Riberti adds. “The growing confidence in self-expression via color translates into a seemingly eclectic yet considerate mixing and matching of different levels in fresh plays on highs and lows.”

If you’re new to statement shades, Riberti says painting your cabinets or doors is a suitable starting step.

Warm Neutrals

Contrary to popular belief, spring’s trendiest colors don’t have to be fleeting. “Color choices should be based on the comfort level of the people within a given space,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

If your personal palette skews more toward the subtler end of the color spectrum, you can’t go wrong with light-as-air neutrals. Not only did Behr name a warm white called Blank Canvas its 2023 Color of the Year, Pantone pegged neutral as a top pigment pick. According to Pantone’s View Home + Interiors 2023 trend report, welcoming creams and ivories “suggest an enduring interest in notes of classic luxury.”

Riberti agrees, noting that spring’s overall palette represents “care and well-being, and the many facets this embodies—from restorative neutrals to nourishing naturals.” And should you want to experiment with spring’s other popular pigments, a warm neutral provides a wonderful backdrop for them.

The color lineup for spring is mostly matching up with color trends discussed in January, when winter was still well upon us. Ms. Riberti was discussing color trends on the horizon for 2023. A couple of unexpected additions like “textural black” have added some interesting possibilities. I’m always available to help you find your best color palette for your personal spaces.

If spring has you itching for a color upgrade, just give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399. I’m easy to reach – you can choose a contact method right below this blog post, and we can set up a consultation to explore some beautiful color territory together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.