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Latest home paint colors


The 16 key paint trends 2023: what is in and what is out

(Image credit: Future | Farrow & Ball | Georgie Wykeham Designs)

If you’re looking to refresh your home with paint this year, then look no further. We have gathered 2023's most favored paint trends from experts, set to revolutionize how we use color in the home. 

Using paint can be truly transformative; paint ideas can enrich a space with beautiful color, energy and character, as well as make rooms feel both bigger and brighter or more cocooning and warm. When it comes to refreshing our homes with paint, it takes careful consideration and expertise to choose a palette that is timeless, enduring and reflective of our style. Consulting the latest paint trends and color trends is a great place to start when color scheming your home.

We've teamed up with a host of color experts to bring you not only the most exciting paint trends in the year ahead – but those that need to be avoided, too (goodbye gray). Get your brushes at the ready…

The paint trends we are loving in 2023

From pretty pinks to uplifting yellows and grounding greens, explore the key paint trends to know about in 2023.

1. Create calm with blue

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Fresh and inviting, blue is certainly worthy of its place in the spotlight. With blue room ideas one of the most popular decorating schemes to choose for the home, there are endless shades available for all of your room color needs.

Many blues have their own beneficial qualities, a bright, sky blue can be a great mood-lifting hue, ideal for quiet spaces, reading rooms and even outdoor spaces. A deep, dark blue, such as Farrow & Ball's Wine Dark shown above, can have a cozy, enveloping effect, ideal for bedroom paint ideas. Whereas a more turquoise, ocean hue can be instantly energizing. 

Tricia Guild, founder and creative director, Designers Guild says, 'reminiscent of endless tropical skies and oceans, blue is full of vitality, even on a gray day. Some consider blue rooms to be cold (and it can be sometimes) but a powerful, punchy shade is anything but; rather it is enlivening in its strength. Use it with a white for crisp simplicity, make it dramatic with darker hues or take it to the Caribbean with pastel tones. It responds beautifully to sunlit rooms but looks equally stunning with low lighting and candlelight.’

2. Beautify with soft lilac 

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Lilac, especially at the lighter end of the scale, can be used as a softer, more romantic version of gray, so if you want a look that feels clean and unfussy but with a little character, this is your ‘go to’ shade when thinking about room color schemes.

'Lilac is a calming, comforting color, it makes you want to relax and stay in an interior longer.' says Saffron Hare, creative director, James Hare .

A hue that encourages quiet moments of contemplation, trend forecasters WGSN + Coloro announced 'Digital Lavender' as their Color of 2023. Encouraging wellness and digital escapism, it is described by the forecasters as a color that will, 'connect to a focus on wellbeing, offering a sense of stability and balance.' They also go on to say, 'research suggests that colors with a shorter wavelength, such as Digital Lavender, evoke calmness and serenity.'

3. Pretty pinks

(Image credit: Georgie Wykeham Designs)

Pink room ideas are the new decorating neutral. Pink has a natural ability to deliver warmth and interest without overwhelming a space. But choosing the right shade can be a thorny task when you’re faced with everything from soft rose pinks to peachy tones.

Earthy, natural pinks, somewhere between red, pink and brown, conjure up warmth in any room and are reminiscent of late summer evening sunsets.

‘Rhubarb is my go-to color; added to a neutral scheme, it creates warmth, depth and a touch of the unexpected,' says Georgie Wykeham, founder, Georgie Wykeham Designs . 'Used on its own, it is a very easy color to live with and yet it also works beautifully with blues, greens, pinks and reds. ’

4. Rich reds

(Image credit: Graham & Brown)

Decorating with red can often be quite divisive, and of course, is not for everyone. It is often used in more period properties, and can work wonderfully with dark wood tones. 

One of the key 2023 interior design trends, that will cover everything from lighting to furniture, color and accessories, is establishing an elegant and eclectic mix of the old and the new, and for paint, this will see a resurgence of more heritage, classic color palettes, such as beautiful, rich reds, used in homes both traditional and modern.

Charu Gandhi, founder of global design studio, Elicyon explains this trend further, 'over the last decade, there has been a pattern of trends being influenced by historical references and I think this will grow ever stronger. I believe we are going to see an integration of vintage and contemporary design aesthetics to create one cohesive scheme throughout a room or home’.

With Benjamin Moore announcing their color of the year as 'Raspberry Blush, Graham & Brown announcing theirs as 'Alizarin', as shown above, and Pantone 's 'Viva Magenta' listed as their color of 2023, all work in harmony to celebrate an empowering palette of rich, impactful red shades making a brave return to the world of interiors.

5. Make a room feel grounded 

(Image credit: Laura Stephens Interior Design)

In order to make a space feel more grounded and inviting, many of us are moving away from colder neutrals such as gray, and exploring those with more depth, color and influence from the natural world. 

Interior designer Natalia Miyar says, 'delicate pinks, soft neutrals and warm browns are great to use if you want to achieve a natural, modern and uncluttered aesthetic, and they make any room feel cozy and comforting.'

Above, this rich caramel hue definitely belongs to the neutral color family, we think it packs a strong punch that blends well with natural materials, as well as patterned fabrics, to create a calm and relaxing space. 

‘This sandy shade has such depth to it,' says Laura Stephens, founder, Laura Stephens Interior Design . 'It makes a room feel warm so is good for north-facing rooms and those that don’t get a lot of natural light. It works really well with both crisp whites and also colors closer in tone, such as burgundy and olive green. It also makes stronger colors like a royal blue pop against it. It’s so versatile.’ 

6. Energize with yellow paint trends

(Image credit: Paint & Paper Library)

An earthy tobacco shade, this golden hue creates rooms that are rich, warm and inviting throughout the year – and it also allows artwork to pop out from the walls.

'Yellow is a color that evokes happiness and provides a sense of positivity,' says Andy Greenall, head of design, Paint & Paper Library . 'It is perfect for areas of the home where there is much activity and socializing, such as the kitchen and dining room, where it adds energy and vitality.'

It’s easier to incorporate this color into a scheme if you’re slightly put off by bright yellow room ideas in your home – and is particularly effective in darker, moodier spaces as it creates a feeling of warmth.

7. Make it cozy with brown

(Image credit: Francesca’s Paint)

Considered a dark neutral, earthy brown room ideas are grounding but also have an elegance that is truly sophisticated. Versatile, it can be striking on its own or allow other hues to stand proud. 

‘Don’t be scared to use dark colors in a small, gloomy room,' says Natalie Forbes and Louisa Rix, co-founders, Forbes Rix Design . 'It’s never going to look light, so choose a rich color and the effect can be truly transformative.’ 

Rooted in the natural world, brown can be a wonderfully calming color, as Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene explains, 'deep, intense browns are perfect for creating calming spaces, enveloping an interior that will deliver an enticing, sumptuous layer of comfort and coziness. With their earthy tones, chocolate browns are a subtle nod to nature and work wonderfully with natural materials such as stone, wood, wicker and rattan finishes.'

8. Exude confidence with color

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

If it there is one key thing to take away from 2023 color trends, it is confidence. After spending so much time in our homes during the pandemic, the last few years have seen many of take bigger risks with color in our interiors. We are moving away from standard white walls and embracing more adventurous paint ideas to establish a more joyful and unique space that truly reflects our style. 

Ruth Mottershead, from Little Greene supports this and says, 'the past few years have dramatically changed people’s approach to their interiors and we are seeing consumers really finding their own sense of color confidence in their homes.'

9. Be inspired by the natural world

(Image credit: Neptune)

The natural world will always be one of the most favored and enduring influences for interior trends and the world of design. 

Synonymous with nature, green is an incredibly soothing and versatile color. Working beautifully with other earthy colors and natural materials, it can also be paired with uplifting brights such as pink and purple, with green room ideas one of the most popular choices for the home. 

‘This is a wonderful color that works well all through the year and is ideal if you are trying to bring an element of nature or a heritage feel into a more contemporary city home,' says Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder and creative director, Sims Hilditch . 'It’s a restful and calming shade which not only works well on cabinetry but also looks great on walls.’ 

What's more, green is generally considered the best color for a bedroom by paint experts for a calming, sleepy scheme. 

10. Unique color combinations

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Andy Greenall from Paint & Paper Library says, 'both consumers and designers are turning to color combinations that add drama and intrigue to a space, from neutrals in graduating shades which flow between rooms, to more dramatic color pairings.'

A great option to explore for colorful room ideas, embracing more unique color pairings and color combinations can make for a more eclectic and individual look, rich with colorful visual interest – make sure to look to the color wheel to find further guidance on choosing the right colors for your home.

Who says blue and green must never be seen? This modern kitchen has been painted in Farrow & Ball's Beverly green and Kittiwake blue. The two shades establish a playful, stylish contrast, and lift this functional and practical area of the home with a fun and lively feel.

11. A painted ceiling

(Image credit: David Parmiter)

For so long, this fifth wall has been left behind and neglected when decorating and painting the home. A canvas crying out for color and decoration, there is much fun to be had with ceiling paint ideas, as Ruth Mottershead from Little Greene explains. 

'Including the ceiling in your design scheme has become increasingly important and has a big impact on how the room will feel. It is often the largest expanse of color you will have in a space, so it will have a big impact on how the room will feel. Opt to continue a coordinating color up to the ceiling, for a cohesive ‘color drenched’ look, or alternatively, add a contrasting color for a dramatic focal point, painting your ceilings is a great way to finish off the look of a room and create instant impact.’

12.

Use paint to emphasize architectural features  

(Image credit: Little Greene)

From painted window frames, to paneling paint ideas and colorful ceiling trim ideas, enhancing architectural features in your home with paint can create a truly unique design feature and focal point in a space, and transform the practical into something truly beautiful.

Andy Greenall says, 'color can be used to emphasize architectural features, or emulate them where they lack, using thoughtful paint combinations and paint tricks.'

As shown in this dining room, Little Greene's' Chocolate Colour brown and bright Mambo blue have been used to make a beautiful feature of the wall paneling, with the overall scheme creating a unique mix of both classic and modern styles.

13. Tonal color schemes

(Image credit: Future)

Andy Greenall explains that a tonal scheme is, 'provided in varying strengths of the same pigment. Combining subtle nuances of one shade will create a tranquil, harmonious atmosphere, whilst pairing the deepest hue with the palest will deliver an impactful, tonal scheme. '

A tonal color scheme can be both bold and impactful and subtle and calm – it all depends on the palette you choose.

Embracing a collection of colors from the same family across your ceiling and walls, and on other features such as paneling and trims, can create a luxurious, and well-thought out look that truly celebrates the power of paint and color.

As shown in this beautiful blue bedroom, the use of the two different shades of blue on the walls and skirting feels incredibly stylish, soothing and cohesive, with the pattered, red upholstered headboard creating a wonderful contrast and accent.

And the paint trends we're leaving behind in 2022...

Of course, as is the nature of trends, there are always going to be certain colors and painting techniques that are no longer all the rage. 

However, it doesn't mean you have to stop using them, as after all, it would be boring if we all styled our spaces the space, and ultimately, we should all decorate our homes exactly how we like! But exploring the latest trends is always a great place to look for inspiration, and it is always worth considering if any part of your home could do with the touch of something new.

14. All-white everything

(Image credit: Jody Stewart)

Of course, white room ideas will still remain popular, with white paint often the go-to color for decorating for many, as it is incredibly versatile and undeniably easy to work with. 

However, for so long we have been led to believe that white is the best shade to use throughout the home for making spaces feel bigger, brighter and fresh, when in-fact, there are so many other warming neutrals and calming colors to use that can be just as effective.

Lisa Modica, Interior Designer at Cherry Tree Interior Design says, 'gray and white are definitely falling out of fashion. I've had a lot of people asking me how to redo their gray and white homes and how to incorporate color and warmth again.'

Many designers are stepping away from working with white and turning to a selection of warming, 'new neutrals' instead; from delicate pinks to soft yellows.

15. It's time to say goodbye to gray

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

Gray room ideas were once the most popular of them all, but this color seems to have drastically lost its charm, with designers and dwellers alike embracing more colorful and uplifting schemes.

Leigh Ann Raines, CEO and principal designer at Chic By Design says, 'gray had everyone's attention for nearly a decade. It became the 'it' color because it's a neutral that tends to go well with a large variety of colors. But unfortunately, every single industry began embracing gray and it all went a little overboard.'

When used in combination with contrasting colors, or opting for shades with more depth and colorful undertones, such as blue-gray and violet-gray, gray can work well in the home, but drenching a space in the color will create an environment that feels lifeless, flat and boring – as the saying goes, you can definitely have too much of a good thing.

Martin Waller, Founder of Andrew Martin supports this and says, 'green is the new grey. The austerity of the grey, taupe age is over.'

16. Barely-there beige

(Image credit: Damian Russell)

Beige, or 'sad beige' as it is currently being described as on TikTok, is another, once enduring neutral, that is falling flat.

The overall feeling of 2023 paint trends is an empowering celebration of color, warmth and vitality, with many of us re-thinking how we perceive color, and especially, how we work with neutrals.

Decorating with neutrals, such as beige, can create a calming, natural and Scandi-inspired space, but beautiful, bright accent colors and plenty of contrasting textures and materials will always be needed to ensure your beige painted scheme is not boring.

What colors will trend in 2023?

As we have explored in this piece, the collections of new colors revealed by paint brands, and favored colors celebrated by industry experts and designers mark an exciting shift towards colorful and impactful painted schemes.

From rich reds and calming blues, to painting the ceiling, 2023 is the year to be big and brave, and enrich your space with colors and paint ideas that truly reflect your style. 

As, Jo Littlefair, co-founder and director of Goddard Littlefair says, 'people want their interiors to make them feel good. Whether it’s a cocooning and relaxing experience, or a vibrant and uplifting space, emotion and facility through the use of pattern, color and accessories is going to continue to be a key part of the next decade of design.'

Of course, it is not all about bold brights. As we have explored with white, gray and beige falling from favor, 2023 will also see a resurgence of re-imagined neutral shades, with a focus on more grounding and warming color palettes inspired by nature.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

With contributions from

Paint trends 2023 – We reveal the key colours and effects to update your home this year

(Image credit: YesColours)

With the arrival of a new year, what better way to kick things off then updating your home with colour and we've got all the latest paint ideas you'll need.

Whether you just want to refresh woodwork and skirtings, fancy changing up your ceiling shade or are after an entirely new look for your interior, knowing what the key paint trends for the year ahead are, will guide you to making the most up-to-date choice.

A simple paint shade can have an immense affect on our emotions, happiness and well-being. Getting the colour scheme right has never been more key for creating a contented happy home. Our homes are our own personal sanctuary, a space where we want to feel safe, comforted and – above all else – happy.

These are the trending colours to embrace for any DIY and decorating projects for the year ahead. As well as the latest colours, our colour and paint experts explore the latest trends in how to use paint within our living spaces too. 

Decorating and paint trends for 2023 are looking like they are split into two camps - going bold and bright, or keeping things neutral.

When it comes to bold colour, it’s all about luxe greens, inky blues, berry reds and burnt oranges, giving rooms a touch of drama alongside warmth and cosiness. The art of using two or more contrasting tones, ‘Colour-blocking’, remains a popular choice to create eye-catching interiors.

And of course nature continues to be an inspiration when it comes to a more neutral palette. Colours found in the great outdoors, like mushroom, dried grass, cloud and seafoam - these hues will definitely be taking us through the next year of decorating.

Follow our guide below to get clued up on all the key paint trends for 2023. 

1. Dramatic inky blues

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

The popularity for Navy doesn't seem to be going anywhere, but this year we see dark blues tipping over into richer, more regal shades. Think deep oceanic tones and try using them in a tonally immersive way, by matching the colour on furniture and fabrics too. 

Alternatively, blue hues sit particularly well together and can offer great scope for pattern mixing, so in a living room try combining plain Inky blue walls with indigo striped curtains and cobalt patterned cushions. 

Blue is one of the most popular colors for living rooms – and really successful at creating a calm, elegant finish in an often busy space. Helen Shaw, UK Director for Benjamin Moore paint , points out that, ‘Starry Night Blue is our radiant blue that is akin to the deep indigo of dusk. The touch of violet in its undertone makes it feel sophisticated but there is also a playful side to this colour, particularly in a higher sheen such as this Satin finish. This has a similar effect when used on cabinetry as a fresh alternative to navy’. 

2. Primary pairings

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Take inspiration from colour-blocking, still found to be popular in the fashion world, and think about dressing your kitchen like you would pull an outfit together! One colour for the top and another for the bottom, with a little injection of colour for accessories - like this pop of yellow.  

Joa Studholme, Colour Curator at Farrow & Ball explains how to achieve this, ‘The biggest overall paint trend in 2023 will be about how we use colour as much as the colour itself. The use of stronger, simpler colours is extremely popular. Eclectic mixes evoke the warmth and harmony of a more innocent age’. 

She goes on to say, ‘this can be achieved by using two colours on one wall – easy if you have panelling or a dado rail, but if not then arm yourself with masking tape and just paint the bottom third of the wall in one colour and the top in another. The blue tones of Selvedge are made to feel all the more upbeat when combined with deeply saturated green Beverly and this look sums up this growing trend of using a friendly combination of block colours’. 

3. Rich neutrals

(Image credit: Paint & Paper Library)

There's nothing more inviting and cocooning than wrapping your hands around a mug of hot chocolate, or a caramel latte. So it’s no surprise that these colours are being seen more and more within the popular neutral palette. You certainly can’t scroll through Instagram without seeing hundreds of living rooms in these rich neutrals and now these tones are moving into kitchens and bathrooms too. 

Andy Greenall, Creative Director at Paint & Paper Library says, 'Moving away from impersonal and stark bright whites, kitchen design schemes are becoming more considered, with schemes reflecting the wider interior aesthetic of a home. Richer, mood-setting colours are being used to great effect in combination across woodwork, cabinetry and walls.' 

‘Mink’ is a wonderfully versatile, warm, pink-based neutral that adds depth and warmth to kitchen walls. Pair with the enigmatic, deep red-brown ‘Scarlet ‘n’ Rust’ for a sophisticated, timeless scheme.’ 

4. Hand painted murals

(Image credit: Fenwick & Tilbrook)

Individuality and creativity are key to making our homes feel personal to us and alongside our need for sustainability we will be seeing more upcycling and more make-do-and-mend than ever. And what better way to create an inexpensive focal point, than to paint your very own mural, that is sure to be a talking point for visitors. 

Using pastel hues can help fill the room with uplifting energy and help boost and invigorate a space. To stop the scheme looking too saccharin, choose soft pinks, mustard yellows and dusky teals, in place of purer more white based shades. The beauty of pastels is that they are a great middle-ground between dark paint colors and subtle neutrals. 

‘Creating simple free flowing shapes across a wall is a quick and effective way to really lift a space on a budget’, advises Anna Hill, Brand Director at Fenwick & Tilbrook , ‘Making a statement that can tie colours together in the room or add colour where the rest of the space is more neutral’. 

5. Mixing matt and gloss

(Image credit: Paint & Paper Library)

A wonderful way to create depth and interest on a flat wall is to mix matt and gloss paints in the same colour. Try a checkerboard pattern, alternate stripes or like in this image, zoning an area. The change in paint finish means that light will bounce off them in varying amounts, creating interest to an otherwise plain wall. 

Take this hallway idea as an example, Andy Greenall, Creative Director at Paint & Paper Library says, 'Paint finishes, from high gloss to chalky matt, have a profound effect on colour. Our new versatile and self-priming formulations give designers permission to play with finish, to be creative in their choices and confident that the finishes are durable enough to withstand any situation.' 

'I love to see finishes used in surprising ways; the same colour set side by side in contrasting finishes will create a contemporary moment in a traditional space. Consider juxtaposing the chalky matt Architects’ Matt with our high sheen Architects’ Gloss.’ 

6. Stylish heights

(Image credit: Crown Paints)

The trend for painted ceilings has been made popular by interior designers such as Abigail Aherne and the trend seems to be continuing into 2023, this time with some serious pops of colour. So if your ceilings feel too low and cramped, or too high and lofty, then painting them can adjust the vibe.

To bring the ceiling height down, try continuing the paint from the ceiling down onto the walls (to where a picture rail would be), this will help blur the lines between the wall and the ceiling surfaces. It can also provide interest to a space without any architectural details. 

There isn’t a colour more optimistic or feel-good than yellow. It brings in an instant dose of sunshine and works particularly well on a ceiling as it replicates bright, sunny light in rooms that may lack it. 

Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown , advocates using yellow on ceilings, she says -‘Try something a little different by using a really bright colour such as Crown’s Mustard Jar on the ceiling so the colour visually spills onto plain white walls below. Alternatively, play with tones to suit your palette - a dark turquoise, for example, on the ceiling would partner suitably with mid and paler tones for the walls’.  

7. Create a piece of art

(Image credit: Yes Colours)

Accentuating areas within a room with a strong colour can help create a painted masterpiece, and give a room a one-of-a kind look. For example, choosing to paint an alcove to create a bold statement, or to highlight a fireplace surround in a striking complementary colour, will give a room a truly personal touch. 

‘Look out for areas which lend themselves to be ‘pulled out’ to give an instant punch of colour’, Emma Bestley, Co-founder & Creative Director of YesColours , explains.  'Colours can be used to manipulate the way your architecture looks and feels. And for homes without these details; colour can also create the appearance of architectural features, even if all you have is a few blank walls and a flat ceiling.'

'Painting using earthy colours like our warming Loving Orange, can completely transform a structural detail into an eye-catching feature. It grounds the scheme which then becomes a more inclusive and inviting space. The same goes for the use of olive green in the skylight reveal, it turns the emptiness of that space, drawing your eye towards the subtle but cheerful detail.'

8. Tri-colour room

(Image credit: Little Greene)

There are three parts to consider when painting a room: the wall, the woodwork and the ceiling and this year we’re sure to be ditching the safe white skirtings and choosing to highlight them in bright contrasting colours instead. In 2021 Interior designer, Kelly Hoppen, described that painting your skirting boards white, is like wearing white socks below coloured trousers that are too short! So we are definitely going to see braver choices in using colour to highlight woodwork in 2023. 

Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene agrees, ‘Highlighting stripes or colour blocking are wonderful ways to add personality, colour and design details to a space. For a bold and playful scheme opt for contrasting colours in broad stripes, take across doors, skirting and architectural features for a dynamic contemporary feel. ' 

'For a more subtle finish, simply add a colour highlight to architectural detailing such as skirting or above a picture rail. The more contrasting the colour combination, the more it will draw the eye and deliver impact. Deep and timeless ‘Bronze Red’ will work fantastically combined with vibrant ‘ Deep Space Blue’ and a highlight of earthy ‘Yellow-Pink’. 

9. Reds with pink undertones

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

In 2023 we will be seeing the usual deep reds staying a popular paint choice, but this time with strong pink undertones. ‘Raspberry Blush’ announced as Colour of the Year for Benjamin Moore Paint is a vivacious shade of coral tinged with pinks, and The Pantone Colour of the year named as ‘Viva Magenta’ is a transformative crimson red with hints of raspberry. 

We are leaning into these warm colours and using them all over for statement-making rooms, or alternatively in smaller amounts - on a front door, a kitchen island, or even stairways, to create a bold look that conveys excitement and energy.  

“Whilst deep Berry reds may feel like a nostalgic trip to the dining rooms of the 1980’s, used judiciously they can feel modern & vibrant and add a splash of exuberant warmth’, says Patrick O'Donnell, International Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball . He then adds, 'This shade is even becoming a consideration for the smallest of spaces, such as a powder room.’

10. Dusky pink

(Image credit: Francesca's Paints)

We have been drawn to earthy tones of pink to help bring comfort and warmth to our interiors during the past couple of years and it’s something that looks to continue into 2023. 

This earthy tone of pink is moving away from baby pinks and soft white pinks and is more a blend of blush and beige mixed to create a grounding shade of pink. 

‘A pale, soft pink, like Thrift, is a calming, gentle colour with a warming, nostalgic feel. It’s an important colour for 2023 as it’s incredibly versatile, working in bedrooms, drawing rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. It pairs beautifully with a number of shades, including ochre, blue, grey and green. Most importantly, it’s a colour which makes a house feel like a home’, says Francesca Wezel, Founder of Francesca’s Paints 

11. Neutrals to create tranquility

(Image credit: Crown Paints)

This minimal approach builds on the cocooning concepts of 2021, creating places to retreat, relax and be cosy. These soft neutrals bring warmth and comfort to a room, with a hint of organic green and a contrasting unsaturated black-brown to complete the look. 

Neville Knott, Crown Paints Colour Consultant, explains why neutrals remain popular for 2023, ‘This Colour Insight wants to wrap you up in a blanket of restorative comfort. Combining muted tones of green, stone and creams, they create an inviting balanced beauty within any space that acts as a sanctuary from the outside world. Curved walls, tactile furniture and three-dimensional forms blend effortlessly to create a balanced, high-end interior where tensions melt away. '

12. Go all out for gloss

(Image credit: Myalnds)

We’re very used to seeing gloss finishes used in rooms with higher moisture levels, in bathrooms for example, but now we are seeing it being used to add a dramatic and eye-catching flair to different rooms around the house. It’s high sheen and reflective tone can make dark or smaller spaces feel much larger too. Here this bang on trend dark olive green is perfect for creating a reflective surface in a small office. 

Dominic Myland, CEO at Mylands , explains why this trend is going to be big news in 2023, 'A gloss finish can be used to create a high-impact scheme, and its reflective quality will brighten up the room and make a smaller space feel bigger as the light bounces round. The lustre also intensifies richer colours; this classic Sorrel Green becomes more dramatic with the gloss finish. Combining gloss and matt finishes, such as using matt for the walls and gloss for the skirting and window frames, will create subtle contrast and bring dimension and interest to the space. ' 

Nicky Phillips has been the Style Editor of Ideal Home since 2010. Nicky is an interiors journalist and stylist who has worked for some of the UK’s leading interior magazines for over 25 years. A stint as Associate Editor on Ideal Home in 2000 led to her becoming Deputy Editor of Livingetc in 2002, eventually leaving to have her three children and to start her interior design business @Stylingatnumber42, before returning to Ideal Home as Style Editor in 2010. Nicky has styled and art directed over 300 shoots for Ideal Home magazine to date.

Water-based paints for wooden facades

Acrylic paint for wooden surfaces has many advantages. In a number of parameters, it surpasses oil paint, therefore it is used much more often. This composition protects wooden structures, providing them with an attractive appearance.

Benefits of acrylic paints

Acrylic paint is also called water-based wood paint because it is water soluble. This means that before complete drying, the composition is easily removed with water. After drying, a durable layer of paint is no longer washed off. nine0003

The advantages of acrylic paints are:

1. Giving the surface a bright color that does not change over time;

2. Resistant to fading and cracking;

3. The elasticity of the coating, thanks to which the paint is not afraid of humidity and temperature changes;

4. Fast drying;

5. Vapor permeability;

6. High hiding power without runs or streaks;

7. Easy to dilute and tint; nine0003

8. Reliable protection against penetration of insects and reproduction of harmful microorganisms (mold, fungus, blue stain).

Exterior Acrylic Wood Paints differ from other formulations in their ability to improve the appearance of already darkened material. With their help, you can refresh the look of the walls, give them the desired color and not worry about possible peeling and peeling.

Composition of the paint

In acrylic paints, the pigments that give color are present in the most crushed form. Due to this, the paint is applied to the surface in a thin layer and covers it evenly. Increased

The strength, durability and elasticity of the coating are determined by the optimal composition of the paint. It includes:

1. Hardeners to speed up the curing process;

2. Plasticizers to improve elasticity;

3. Substances that create a matt structure and eliminate gloss;

4. Auxiliary components that simplify the processes of paint storage, transportation and application, film formation, stability.

Acrylic paint for wood is also worth buying for its environmental friendliness. The composition does not include toxic components, so it is absolutely safe for humans and has hypoallergenicity. Dyes provide fire safety and ease of maintenance of painted surfaces. nine0003

Selecting water-based paint for wood

Acrylic-based paint should be selected according to the characteristics of the object to be coated. There are special compositions for interior and exterior work. The latter have high resistance to ultraviolet and moisture, have increased rates of abrasion.

Light colors reflect light and heat and are best used in warmer climates. Such surfaces will not overheat excessively, respectively, the coating will last longer. In the northern regions, saturated and bright colors of facades are more relevant. For painting large areas, many manufacturers offer economical packaging options, for example, 20 l buckets. nine0003

Facade paints: types of facade paints and which paint to choose for outdoor use

Modern compositions and marketing names cause panic in many. We tell you how not to get confused

Facade paint, unlike interior paint, is a dual-purpose coating. It is primarily protective, and only then decorative. The facade should "work" under the scorching sun, and under the pouring rain, and in frosts.

The main requirements for outdoor paints are safety and durability. Paints should not fade in the sun and should form a plastic coating. Otherwise, they will “crumble” under the influence of temperature changes and the expansion-compression cycles of the base associated with them. nine0003

What parameters to look for when choosing a wear-resistant (weather-resistant) facade paint?

Narkhozstroy

#1 Fade resistance
Sooner or later all colors fade and lose their rich color. However, some do it faster, others slower. Mineral pigments are more UV resistant than organic ones. That is why the choice of colors for facade decoration is limited (for example, the Tikkurila Facade color range for wooden and stone walls contains 192 colors - mostly muted natural shades; Dulux has 120, Dufa has 30).

Conclusion: pay attention to the presence of UV filters in the paint.

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#2 Expected result

Penton Architects Ltd

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Tikkurila Russia

#3 . To evaluate it, the amount of steam that passes through 1 sq.m of coating per day is taken into account. The vapor permeability of a good paint is at least 130 g.

The "golden rule" for multi-layer exterior walls, indicated in SNiPs: from the inside - materials with a minimum vapor permeability, from the outside - with a maximum. An exception can only be made for a waterproofed plinth, painting ventilated facades and paints for outdoor metal work.

Low vapor permeability materials will trap moisture inside wood and stone walls and prevent them from drying out in the sun and wind, resulting in blisters, chipped plaster, blue stains and rot. nine0065

IN-DECO

Important: Interior varnishes and paints for wet rooms are strictly not suitable for exterior painting of buildings. They are not vapor permeable - dampness will appear.

Suntan WOOD

#4 Moisture resistance
Rain and snow are common causes of facade damage. Getting on the walls, moisture causes the appearance of cracks, contributes to the peeling of the cladding. That is why it is so important to use moisture resistant paint, especially in regions with a humid climate. nine0003

Braginskaya & Architects

What kind of facade paints are there
It is rather difficult to list all modern types of facade paints (for outdoor use). Therefore, we will focus on the most popular.

Oil paints with mineral pigments based on linen or synthetic linseed oil are a smart and budget solution when you need to paint on wood. For example, refresh old wooden walls or massive wooden exterior details (frames or trims). Of course, the surfaces to be treated must be thoroughly cleaned of layers of old paint, sanded and treated with water-soluble antiseptics, and, if necessary, puttied. nine0003

For solid facade planes, especially with today's range of exterior paints, this is, frankly, not the best option.

Neil K Johnson Architect

Traditional alkyd enamels based on PF-115 , produced in accordance with GOST standards of the 1970s, are still widely used in exterior and interior work together with the good old primers GF-021. In fact, these are the same oil paints, but based on synthetic components. They have a pungent odor, dry quickly, and different types of solvents, thinners and pigments allow you to work with the texture of the material: to achieve a glossy sheen or, conversely, to make it dull. nine0003

The service life of the coating is relatively short: it will have to be renewed after 3-5 years. Scope - facade structures and exterior parts that do not need to "breathe": fences, concrete, metal structures, unplaned wood. At the same time, the soil tightly bites into porous and rough surfaces, and the paint itself masks irregularities well.

SOD Home Group

Acrylic and acrylate paints - resistant to solar ultraviolet, but the coating polymerizes and gains strength within a month. Such paints can be water-soluble or based on organic solvents. In fact, acrylic is the good old plexiglass. But it tightly "seals" the surface. At the same time, acrylates (its derivatives), as well as silicone and latex additives, allow chemists to control the properties of the material, for example, to obtain breathable or plastic paints. nine0003

Latex and silicone based paints are considered to have increased elasticity. However, latex compositions are used mainly in interior work, since they have almost zero toxicity, low frost resistance and resistance to biodamage. But silicone is applicable on the street: such paints form a film stretching like rubber, fill potholes and small cracks on concrete facades, but have low adhesion.

Alexey Ilyin

Water-based or water-dispersed - paints where particles (emulsion) of a mineral or synthetic substance act as a binder. It is believed that water-based and water-dispersed paints are intended for interior work. But this is not a dogma: see technical specifications and instructions.

Studio Lula Ferrari

What paint is best for outdoor use
When it comes to exterior paints, it is important to remember that marketing names do not always reflect the actual composition, and sometimes make it difficult to choose. And manufacturers, calling facade paints similar in composition and properties latex, silicone, acrylate-latex, rubber, water-dispersed or water-based, etc., confuse the consumer. nine0003

Therefore, it is pointless to look for answers to questions like “which paint is better - acrylic or water-based” or “is it possible to apply acrylic paints over alkyd ones”: it is often the same thing. Follow the scheme described at the beginning of the article and select the paint for the material.

Martins Camisuli Architects

What type of material do you need the paint for

1. K Brick Paint
Unrepresentable brick wall can be painted with alkyd or acrylic exterior paint. Before painting, it is necessary to get rid of efflorescence and mold. nine0003

Klopper and Davis Architects

Choose primers according to the circumstances: for smooth, well-fired masonry, prefer adhesion-improving compounds (you can prime the surface with the same paint, diluted with a thinner recommended by the manufacturer), for damaged and crumbling, deep-strengthening primers penetration with antiseptic additives.

AlphaStudio Design Group

2. Concrete Paint
Textured facade paints for concrete hide increased porosity, unevenness and small cracks. But, unlike plasters (which can also be colored), they cannot cope with masonry joints. Such paints are applied with a figured roller on a pre-primed surface. In order to achieve a uniform texture, the entire wall to the visible borders must be painted over as a whole - with the material of both one batch and consistency.

Important: Foam concrete and AAC blocks are similar in appearance, but have different properties. Aerated concrete has increased hygroscopicity and not only absorbs paint, but almost completely absorbs it. Foam concrete, on the contrary, has almost zero adhesion and practically “does not hold” facade paints and plasters. In both cases, careful selection of soil compositions is necessary. But we will devote a separate publication to the features of finishing exterior walls made of concrete and cellular blocks. nine0003

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3. Facade paint for vinyl
Discolored vinyl and metal siding, as well as pvc panels can also be painted. A line of flexible tinted paints for siding has appeared in the product line of Russian suppliers of paints and varnishes. True, this method of cosmetic repairs is more suitable for outbuildings and commercial facilities than for a private house. nine0003

Vinyl paint manufacturers claim that their products contain anti-static additives, which prevent the siding from attracting street dust.

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4. OSB paint
And the main requirement for paint for OSB is increased hiding power, which makes it possible to make the specific texture of the plates invisible (more precisely, almost invisible). Alas, miracles do not happen: it is unlikely that it will be possible to block and even putty the joints of the plates.

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