9 New Paint Colors and Trends in 2022
Is it time to repaint your house? Here are the top up-and-coming trends recommended by industry pros.
1 / 10
SDI PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES
A Fresh Paint Job Can Revamp Your Home
A new coat of paint is a fast and relatively easy way to revamp your home. Adding a pop of color, new undertones or a bold and trendy pattern will make a room look totally new. Here are some of the freshest paint color trends to tackle in 2022.
2 / 10
KATARZYNABIALASIEWICZ/GETTY IMAGES
Dark Walls
Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, says that “in general, darker, moodier colors are becoming popular for both the interior and exterior of the home.
Specifically, we are seeing lots of deep greens and navy hues gain popularity.” Her favorite? The timeless, versatile Naval SW 6244. Use it in the bedroom for the ultimate sleep space or in the kitchen for a farmhouse-chic cooking space.
But doesn’t dark paint make a room look small? To avoid a stuffy home, Teris Pantazes, CEO and co-founder of Settle Rite Home Repairs, recommends “keeping the darker colors to rooms that have higher ceilings and natural light and keeping the ceiling white.”
3 / 10
ALEKSANDRA ZLATKOVIC/GETTY IMAGES
Contrasting Trim
When everything is one color, a room can start to look bland and heavy. Playing with contrast is an easy way to keep things balanced and interesting.
If you have light interior and exterior walls, try painting your trim a dark, contrasting color. If your walls are dark, go light on the trim.
4 / 10
WIVOCA/GETTY IMAGES
Wow-Worthy Accent Walls
Accent walls have been trending for years, but 2022 brings something new to this paint trend. Instead of a solid color, homeowners are opting for wild wallpaper, touchable textures, unique patterns, murals and more.
Paige NeJame, owner of South Shore CertaPro Painters, calls them “feature walls.” Because they provide more personality than a blank wall, they lessen the need for traditional artwork. NeJame says that the wall “becomes the art in the room. This gives the room interest while being minimal and simple.”
5 / 10
BRETT TAYLOR/GETTY IMAGES
Painted Front Doors
If you love a pop of color, you’re in luck: Brightly painted doors are hot right now. Go bold with yellow or salmon, or stick to classics like burgundy and navy blue.
Considering your exterior color will help you choose the right hue for your door. Like with window trim, contrast is key. The fresh coat of paint will instantly boost your home’s curb appeal.
THOMAS BARWICK/GETTY IMAGES
White on White
Bright, airy and clean are big trends this year. Monochromatic white will make your home look clean and calm. Plus, it can make low-light spaces seem larger and more welcoming.
There are plenty of shades to choose from, so whether you prefer warm or cool undertones, you’re sure to find the right white. “Simply White from Benjamin Moore is a popular color as it is a bit softer than a bright white,” says NeJame. Be careful not to choose a color that looks dingy.
7 / 10
Antimicrobial Paint
Sherri Monte, co-owner of Elegant Simplicity, an interior design and professional home organizing firm in Seattle, Wash., explains that “antimicrobial paint, like Sherwin-Williams’ Paint Shield, has an additive that makes whatever surface you paint resistant to bacteria and viruses.”
Defending against microbes is top of mind this year. However, the trend has some serious staying power because it also prevents mold and mildew. According to Monte, that “makes a big win in rooms that typically have high-moisture in the air like bathrooms or kitchens.”
Colored Kitchen Cabinets
Navy and gray cabinetry exploded in popularity alongside the farmhouse style trend. Now we’re seeing homeowners expand to more daring cabinet colors. Golden yellow, forest green, wine red, deep purple and robin egg blue are all up and coming cabinet paint trends.
Many of the new kitchen color palettes reference the 1950s, and those vintage appliance colors are back in style too.
9 / 10
Statement Ceiling
Painting your ceiling is a little more work than painting your walls, but the finished look is worth the effort. Like an accent wall, you can use a solid color, original pattern or texture to achieve an effect that is unique to you.
There are plenty of ways to make your ugly ceiling shine. A tongue and groove ceiling is one popular option.
10 / 10
MIRAGEC/GETTY IMAGES
Custom Tints
The trouble with trends is finding ways to stay original. Instead of buying the same shade of millennial pink as your favorite influencer, try custom tints like Fine Paints of Europe.
According to Kellie Sirna, co-founder of Studio 11 Design, custom paint colors allow you to “capture that beautiful vacation sunset you watched and live with it.” Sirna uses new trends tastefully in her 1970s home renovation, Tophill, to create a truly one of a kind space.
Custom tints are ideal for rooms with strong color palettes. You can use a sample of fabric or wallpaper to get the perfect match for your curtains and walls.