As a new year is already underway, you may be itching to change something in your home design plans. New decor, landscaping, and furniture orientation can temporarily change a space, but if you’re really looking to spice things up, you need to update your paint colors. Whether you’re a homebuilder looking to stage a model home or a homeowner looking for a new year’s refresh, this guide can help you find the right hues for a refresh.
Now, before you panic about how much time and energy goes into painting, let us remind you that it doesn’t need to be a big project. Changing a paint color can be as simple as a small design or even adding an accent wall to a neutral color palette, and these small changes can make a big difference.
Before we pick up a brush, let’s talk about the paint colors that are hot right now.
Every year, the who’s who of the painting industry releases a list of the top colors for the year. In 2021, we saw an uptick of colors centered around self-care and creating a positive, safe space at home. The same trends lasted through most of 2022, but then 2023 saw some darker and bolder colors coming into play.
However, when it comes to staging a model home or putting an existing home on the market, neutrals are a perfect fit. These are the must-have paint colors you need to try on your walls.
Jojoba by Behr
If you ever needed a sign to relax and recenter, Behr’s Jojoba is the paint color for you. Getting its namesake from a carrier oil, this paint color will surely carry you into a peaceful and relaxing mindset. Shades of green have also been known to increase energy levels and promote creativity, which is why we think it’s the perfect refresh for a home office (see below).
Best paired with:
When paired with the bold and protective tones of Behr’s Broadway, Jojoba pops and comes alive with all of its calming properties.
Where we love it:
Sunroom, bedroom, home office.
Maple Leaf by Valspar
Cozy, versatile, and just in time for fall, Valspar’s Maple Leaf paint is the color you’ve been waiting for. If you don’t see this paint color and instantly crave a pumpkin spice latte, we’ve got some questions for you. This color is all about cozy comfort and it makes us want to grab our oversized sweaters, hot lattes, a good book, and sink into a plush porch swing as the chilly air drifts around us…and we know what you’re thinking. Yes, this color is so versatile it can go in and outside your home. How’s that for a double function?
Best paired with:
Awkwardly enough, we’d also suggest pairing this with Behr’s Broadway paint. If you’re looking for a more subtle look, we’d also recommend a light grey, much like Valspar’s Granite Dust.
Where we love it:
In the living room, den, or study.
Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore
Blues have been known to promote relaxation, healing, and feelings of calmness and that was the mastermind behind Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Teal. Described as “creating natural harmony” on the Benjamin Moore website, this color delivers when it comes to sea undertones and it may make you feel like you just discovered an old remnant of a message in a bottle.
Best paired with:
A soft partner to the whimsical tones of Aegean Teal is none other than Benjamin Moore’s Winterwood. Classic and timeless, these two paint colors are sure to transport you back to simpler times while still leaving room for new memories.
Where we love it:
In the kitchen, nursery, or on accent walls
Kalahari Sunset by Behr
Sometimes you just need a change and what better way to go than bold. Many people are afraid to put a bold paint color on a wall, but sometimes it’s just the change you need. When making the decision to go bold, we recommend going with an earth tone, much like Behr’s Kalahari Sunset. This rich color not only provides warmth, but complements many decor choices, boho chic in particular. This color also goes well as an accent wall, so if you’re not committed to painting an entire room, it might be better to go bold and paint less to start.
Best paired with:
Almond Wisp, also from Behr, is a nice, soft complimentary color to Kalahari Sunset. We recommend painting an accent wall and using Almond Wisp as the complementary color on the remaining walls of your space to promote balance and draw attention to the focal point of the room.
Where we love it:
Any statement wall ever, library or study, and living room.
Epoch by Graham and Brown
Do you love a gold accent? Do you want to feel like your walls are giving you a hug? (Not in a creepy claustrophobic way of course) If you answered yes to one of those questions then Graham and Brown’s Epoch paint may just be the paint color for you. Lovers of purple rejoiced when this color came out in the 2021 release and we don’t blame them. This deep plum warms us from the inside out and has major luxury vibes. If you’re looking to upgrade the look and feel of a space, this color is a must try.
Best paired with:
Honestly, Graham and Brown recommend pairing this paint color with wallpaper and we’re not mad about it. Choosing a floral wallpaper to compliment this luxury color gives us mad vintage vibes and it has us requesting a scotch neat.
Where we love it:
In the bedroom, dining room, study/parlor
Paint Colors for Every Room of the House
We hope that these colors inspire you to change up your space. Whether you’re working from home, looking for a refresh, or just plain looking for a weekend project, painting can provide a wonderful outlet for change. After all, sometimes all you need to gain perspective is a fresh coat of paint.
Also, if you’re looking for design inspo for a new construction home, you can find your dream home with our new construction builder partners!
*All statements in this piece were based off of the opinion of our staff. To promote sanity and healthy relationships, we ALWAYS encourage people to order paint samples before painting an entire space.