To find out the latest paint and color trends for 2022, Fixr.com surveyed 64 design experts about their recommendations on popular interior color palettes, the most popular wallpaper patterns, top colors for each room, and what is recommended for selling.
The trends report found an overwhelming embracement of warmer and earthier tones for any room in the house. And although neutrals remain strong, greens and nature-inspired hues and patterns are taking over the interior design outlook this year.
See below for seven takeaways from the report.
1. Warm neutrals and earthy tones are the top color palettes.
When experts were asked to choose which three interior palettes homeowners are choosing the most in 2022, they selected warm neutrals (66%), earthy tones (59%), and neutrals with pops of bold colors (52%) as the top three.
“These palettes are all indicative of the recent change in interiors over the last few years,” states Cristina Miguelez, author of the report’s summary. “Gray was the most popular shade for several years, but people have begun to slowly shift away, using warmer tones while still keeping things neutral.”
2. Natural green tones have also begun to grow in popularity.
As evidenced by many of the color of the year selections, shades of green are becoming very popular in many areas right now.
“Green is considered the color of growth, health, wealth, and well-being,” says Miguelez. “The color is also closely linked to the environment and a focus on being 'green' and eco-friendly in your home and lifestyle. Coupled with the obvious connection to nature, many homeowners may look to green as the fresh new shade to focus on this year.”
3. Sage green is the top choice for both living rooms and bedrooms.
Fifty-three percent of experts answered that they felt sage green would be the most popular color for living rooms, followed by cool off-white (48%) and cream (46%). Plus, sage green is also the popular choice for bedrooms, receiving 48% of the vote. Cream and taupe take second and third place, respectively, in this area with 38% and 30%.
4. Green and nature-inspired themes will be the most popular choices for wallpaper, too.
Wallpaper has begun trending upward in popularity over the last few years. Of the most popular patterns, 56% of design specialists chose nature-inspired and green papers as the most popular this year, which ties in well with the trend of natural, earthy tones and the various colors of the year.
5. The powder room is the most popular place to include wallpaper.
Experts say the most popular place to introduce wallpaper into your home will be the powder room. This space received an overwhelming 88% of the vote, with ceilings and dining rooms both receiving a distant second place with 28%.
“The powder room is the ideal place for wallpaper for several reasons,” says Miguelez. “This small bathroom is often considered a more formal space than other bathrooms. In some homes, it may be reserved for guests, and it often features décor that might be considered too formal or impractical for daily life.”
6. Black is the top color for front doors.
When it comes to the color of the front door, 56% of experts answered that they believe black would be a popular color, followed by 36% answering wood tones, and 22% answering royal blue.
“Black as a color works well with nearly every shade of home exteriors,” continues Miguelez. “It can add a pop of contrast to white homes and can add depth to homes of a wide range of other shades, including green, tan, blue, and red.”
7. White and off-white are the best colors for interiors and exteriors when selling a home.
Eighty-one percent of design experts believe that whites and creams are the best interior colors for selling a house in 2022. Warm neutrals like tan and beige received 36% of the vote this year, up slightly from 32% last year.
White is also the most frequently recommended color for painting the exterior of a home to sell. This year, white received 58% of the vote, while off-white increased from 25% last year to 41% this year.
