These were the 7 most popular colors in 2022
Every year we look to the Colors of the Year announcements to give us some decorating inspiration. And while we had many of our favorite shades on the 2022 Tour, we wanted to know which ones they were In reality most popular. Now that the year is over, we talked to the leading paint and color experts to find out which paint colors to buy in 2022.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, versatility, familiarity, and comfort influenced buyers’ color choices last year. Cool neutrals, muted greens, and moody grays made a clean sweep of the charts, which sum up the post-pandemic context. Consumers prioritized comforting and timeless shades that connect them with nature and create a sense of security and serenity.
But do these shades have staying power until 2023? Experts explain which colors topped the paint charts last year, and whether we’ll see more of them this year.
Cool grays and beiges are the best from Behr
Courtesy of Behr
“Neutral colors, such as Tranquil Gray and Even Better Beige, are still at the forefront of popularity in paint sales,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color services and creatives at Behr. “They bring versatility and a relaxed sense of comfort to our homes and pair effortlessly with mood-enhancing colors like Half Sea Fog, sophisticated Teal, or Conifer Green.”
“Nature-based colors continue to be a trend in home decor because they are calming, uplifting, and inviting a sense of calm,” adds Woelfel. She predicts that we’ll continue to see more of these neutral shades in 2023. “People are looking for variety and comfort, and these colors offer limitless possibilities when designing a space.”
paint color: Quiet Gray Behr
Alabaster from HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams
Courtesy of HGTV
“Alabaster is one of the most popular whites because of its warm undertones, which add a subtle, cozy touch to a room,” says Ashley Banbury, director of color marketing for HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams. “It’s a no-fail white that works well with most supporting accent colors and can be used throughout the home to create a cohesive look.”
Cool neutral shades, such as alabaster, look beautiful on a ceiling or on walls, Banbury explains, “especially when you want the accent color to be the hero of a space.” “In current design trends, colorful accents are brought into the home on the built-in cabinetry, doors, and trim. The alabaster is a beautiful white that complements the shade while adding sophisticated warmth.”
paint color: Alabaster from HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams
Down the Tubes by Farrow & Ball
Courtesy of Farrow & Ball
“Down Pipe is one of our perennially popular colors that just keeps giving,” says Patrick O’Donnell, color consultant and international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball. “While gray has certainly diminished from the decorating arsenal, there is something about this gray that has endless appeal,” he says. According to O’Donnell, the shade of lead gray lends endless versatility as a wall color for cabinetry, exterior finishes and facades. The color’s soft green undertones “keep it from feeling too cool, giving it a wide range of aesthetic purposes from contemporary to positive old school,” he says.
Because the color has stood the test of time over the past 30 years, O’Donnell feels confident Down Pipe can survive for 2023.
paint color: Down the Tubes by Farrow & Ball
Cozy White from Valspar
Courtesy of Valspar
Cozy White is a cozy and relaxing shade that creates that warm, familiar feeling that we desire from our home. “This versatile color sets a backdrop for your evolving style choices,” says Sue Kim, director of color marketing for Valspar. “Pair a warm and familiar shade with a similar color palette, or try adding dark wood textures or highly textured trims to set a chic space with a harmonious pattern,” she suggests.
The timeless quality of this neutral shade means we’ll likely see more of it this year and beyond. “Comfort, acceptance, and joy are the main themes of 2023. People are not just looking for a temporary solution, but for permanent change,” says Kim. “Shades like Cozy White, which are versatile and create a relaxed, natural-feeling environment within the home, will continue to be popular.”
paint color: Cozy White from Valspar
02 Green by Lick
Courtesy of Lick
says Tash Bradley, director of interior design and color specialist at Lake. “Its popularity was largely coming from the post-pandemic context of wanting a sense of stability and care and comfort and all those things that you need from your home.”
And while it may have become popular as a result of societal influences over the past few years, Bradley says the shade isn’t going anywhere. “Green will always be popular because it’s so timeless. I call it a natural neutral because it can go anywhere and pair with everything,” she says. “Your eye doesn’t have to adjust to the color green, so it’s incredibly relaxing and a really good color at home.”
paint color: 02 Green by Lick
Pure White by Sherwin Williams
Courtesy of Sherwin Williams
“Year after year, season after season, white remains one of our five most popular paint colors,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “In 2022, homeowners love the versatility and crisp, bright aesthetic of Pure White, which is why it’s surpassed gray as our #1 color,” she says. “I think Pure White is important for its timeless appeal and simplicity; our lives are hectic and complicated, and whites can be an uncomplicated, calming alternative to other neutrals.”
White increases natural light and magnifies a room, making it feel bright and spacious. “White will continue to be an important color of 2023, but I expect we’ll see a wide range of neutrals, such as mushroom, bone, cream linen, and antique hues,” predicts Wadden.
paint color: Pure White by Sherwin Williams
Onyx – Benjamin Moore
Courtesy of Benjamin Moore
says Hannah Yu, director of color marketing and development for Benjamin Moore. “Similar to white, black paint has lasting versatility,” she explains. “From small powder rooms to outdoor siding, colors like Onyx instantly update a space.”
“Black pairs well with natural wood tones, stone and metal surfaces, and brings a sense of luxury. It’s a great color choice if you’re looking to use classic neutrals with a dramatic edge,” she says. “Black is an essential part of design, whether it’s in small doses or taking up the entire space, black paint colors will always be a part of our home.”
paint color: Onyx 2133-10 by Benjamin Moore
