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15 Top Paint Color Trends to Keep on Your Radar for 2022

We spoke with designers to help you pick the perfect interior hue.

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painting trends 2022
Courtesy of Rebecca Hay Designs

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The new year is the perfect time to consider a home refresh. But if a gut renovation isn't part of your plans, giving your space a new look with a fresh coat of paint is the next best thing. Cover all four walls with calming blues or neutrals, or go for an arresting accent color — think everything from dreamy pinks to moody black tones. If you're looking to have even more fun with your abode, give one of the 2022 Colors of the Year a try. Benjamin Moore chose October Mist, a soft sage; Sherwin-Williams also selected a subdued green, Evergreen Fog; on the other hand, Pantone decided to go bold with Very Peri, a lively periwinkle color.

In an effort to offer some guidance on choosing the best hues, we've tapped a selection of design pros to reveal the best painting trends for 2022. Use these expert-approved picks to land on the right interior paint color for your home.

1

Pantone's Very Peri

painting trends 2022, pantone very peri
Courtesy of Microsoft, Pantone

"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. 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." — Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

2

Periwinkle Blue

painting trends 2022, pantone color of the year very peri
Courtesy of Pantone

"Expect to see shades of periwinkle blue as a big focus for a paint refresh this spring. This color will complement existing color trends that have been popular this past year like rust color tones and shades of green." — Angela Belt, Angela Belt Interiors

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3

Benjamin Moore's October Mist

painting trends 2022, benjamin moore color of the year october mist
Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore picked a soft sage called October Mist as its 2022 Color of the Year. The versatile shade is part of the paint brand's 2022 Color Trends palette that includes primary hues, pale tones and botanical shades. “As the spaces in our homes continue to evolve, we uncover more opportunities to express our individuality and leverage the power of color to design environments that serve different functions and styles. October Mist 1495 and the corresponding Color Trends 2022 palette reflects an effortless harmony of colors, while inspiring unique combinations for any paint project.” — Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing & Development, Benjamin Moore

4

Sherwin Williams' Evergreen Fog

painting trends 2022, sherwin williams evergreen fog
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

"Evergreen Fog is a sophisticated wash of color for spaces that crave a subtle yet stunning statement shade. Evergreen Fog inspires us to begin again and is a great choice for modern interiors and exteriors." — Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing, Sherwin-Williams

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5

Moody Hues

painting trends 2022
tk

"You can't go wrong with making small spaces delicious with dark and smooth shades of black/moody hues. We especially love Jasper by Sherwin-Williams." — Hillary Stamm of HMS Interiors

6

Benjamin Moore's Raccoon Fur

painting trends 2022
Courtesy of Rebecca Hay Designs

"Benjamin Moore's Raccoon Fur has lovely blue undertones and takes the light differently throughout the day. It's dramatic without being too jarring. It can also help add character to cabinets and set the tone for a space." — Rebecca Hay of Rebecca Hay Designs

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7

Vibrant and Earthy Hues

painting trends 2022
Courtesy of Annie Sloan

"Paint trends will fall into two distinct camps this year: those who are seeking reassurance from nature and are choosing earthy, organic shades. Think olive greens, sandy neutrals and clay-toned terracotta shades. This kind of desert palette shade that always looks luxurious and comforting, whether on walls or textiles. On the other hand, lots of people are leaning towards the kind of vibrant, energizing and exciting hues, which were popular in the '50s." — Annie Sloan

8

Warm Neutrals

painting trends 2022
Courtesy of Sharp + Grey Interiors

"Bright neutrals with a touch of warmth are on the verge. These shades add such great timeless depth and character. Paired with warm woods, rich rust velvet and dusty blush, these colors feel neutral and nuanced. The best option is Benjamin Moore's White Dove!" — Libby Rawes of Sharp + Grey Interiors

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9

Pratt & Lambert's Feather Gray

painting trends 2022
Courtesy of Jill Croka

"A very popular and favorite neutral paint color is any match of Pratt & Lambert's Feather Gray. This is such a sophisticated upgrade from a traditional neutral that can add a lot of depth to a room." — Jill Croka, Jill Croka Designs

10

Farrow & Ball's Drop Cloth

painting trends 2022
Farrow & Ball

"Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth is my favorite on-trend color for 2022. I used it on kitchen cabinets in a Spanish home, and it's the perfect neutral color to add warmth without looking too stark. It complements both bronze and brass plumbing fixtures nicely." — Jessica Nicastro of Jessica Nicastro Design

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11

Terracotta

painting trends 2022
Farrow & Ball

"While it seems people are still craving calm neutrals in their interiors, there is now a desire to spice things up. Faded Terracotta by Farrow & Ball is a warm, earthy tone that pairs beautifully with lighter creams, deep browns and sage green.” — Shannon Niehenke, Narrative Design Studio

12

Muted Palettes

painting trends 2022
Courtesy of Marina Hanisch Interiors

"This year is all about muted palettes in plaster and limewash finishes. Limewash is a paint technique that creates a warm and textural effect on your walls. It blends European sophistication with an organic natural effect." — Marina Hanisch, Marina Hanisch Interiors

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13

Shades of Aqua

painting trends 2022
Courtesy of Tanya Hembree

"Greens, aquas and peacock tones may seem like a flash from your grandmother's wardrobe, but those colors are sneaking into the top projects and designs for 2022 here at Onyx + Alabaster. One of our current remodel projects, a Nashville historic home, is set to show off these gorgeous samples and finishes, making brave and bold colors a thing of the future. With sensuous botanicals, bold papers and velvety rich textures, we're blending a unique style of historic, glam and modern simplicity. " — Tanya Hembree, Onyx & Alabaster

14

Dusky Blues & Greens

painting trends 2022
Our Endless Adventure; Design by Reidy Creative

"With the latest COVID variant, people are still looking for a feeling of relaxation in their homes, so I'm predicting a return to blues and greens in light dusky hues as well as lime washes." — Tiffanni Reidy, Reidy Creative

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15

Light Gray

painting trends 2022
Matthew Millman

"For people who have 'white wall syndrome,' light gray is the perfect 2022 upgrade. Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl is my go-to. It’s crisp and beautiful without being too stark, and it plays off deep saturated colors well. I also love using it on double-height ceilings to make the room feel even larger. Another favorite shade is Benjamin Moore’s Distant Gray, which I used as the exterior color on my new hotel, The Madrona." — Jay Jeffers, JayJeffers Inc.

Headshot of Monique Valeris
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

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