Deciding on paint colors for your home can be overwhelming, especially if you’re looking to appeal to potential homebuyers.
You may love a bright purple guest bathroom, but such a bold shade might not make the best first impression.
We’ve all heard the boilerplate advice that home sellers should stick to bright white when choosing a paint color. It presents a neutral canvas for buyers to imagine their life in your home. But here’s the thing: There are many sophisticated—and trending—paint colors that can easily elevate any room and make buyers swoon.
If you’re looking to give your walls a fresh coat of paint in the new year, take a look at these expert-approved paint trends for 2023 that may also help you sell your home. From warming neutrals to navy blues, you might just meet your color match.
1. Warm green tones
If you’re someone who likes to incorporate color into your home, warm greens can get the job done while also adding character.
“Warm greens are welcoming colors that feel rich yet vibrant,” says Gena Kirk, vice president of Corporate Design Studio, at KB Home.
Kirk suggests choosing a green shade, such as Evergreens by Sherwin-Williams, to help create cozy areas that can be enhanced with lighting.
“We have seen an increased interest in greens in kitchen spaces as people look to move away from solid white and gray spaces,” Kirk says.
2. Neutrals
Neutral shades, which appeal to many, will remain a popular option for home sellers and owners in 2023.
It’s true that neutrals never go out of style, and warm neutrals are especially big right now. Instead of stark whites, people are opting for more creamy, earthy neutral tones.
“They provide a foundation that you can layer on, change seasonally, and update periodically,” says Kirk. “That blank canvas provides a backdrop for homebuyers to envision their own version of the space and how special mementos, heirlooms, and art might make it their own.”
Neutral walls are also easy for homebuyers to change.
If you’re looking for a go-to white, Kirk suggests Natural Linen by Sherwin-Williams. The darker Foothills by Sherwin-Williams works well for those looking to ease into a more colorful space.
3. Inventive gray hues
Gray shades will remain an approachable and popular paint option in 2023, says Devin Shaffer, lead interior designer at Decorilla.
“Clients have been bored with the shortlist of grays that builders and paint specialists default to,” says Shaffer. “Fortunately, more inventive hues continue to pop up.”
One such color is Rustic Greige by Dutch Boy, the paint company’s 2023 Color of the Year. Shaffer points out that this color has both true warm neutral undertones and cooler tones.
“This color is perfect for living spaces, entryways, and bedrooms,” says Shaffer. When used in an entryway, it can help set a welcoming tone. If used in the bedroom, it can evoke feelings of rest and repose.
“A large portion of our clients mention the words ‘sanctuary’ or ‘retreat’ when describing how they want their homes to feel,” says Shaffer.
Nature-inspired gray shades can help achieve this.
4. Navy blues
Try out navy blue paint if you’re looking to make a statement but don’t want to go too outside the box.
“Navy blue has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few years and is expected to be a major color trend in 2023,” says Alex Capozzolo, co-founder of SD House Guys in San Diego.
Capozzolo explains that navy blue helps add depth, sophistication, and mystery to any room it’s used in. This can be appealing to potential homebuyers.
“Try using it as an accent wall, or pair it with lighter shades of blue for a more subtle effect,” says Capozzolo.
5. Understated reds
Carlin van Noppen, a professional interior designer and the owner of Fig Linens and Home in Westport, CT, shares that soft reds are making a massive comeback this year.
“Soft, understated reds add a splash of color while retaining the neutral feel of exposed brick,” van Noppen says. “This means that prospective buyers will be impressed with the put-together look of your space and be able to imagine themselves in it.”
If you’re looking for an inviting red tone for your space, give Boston Brick by Benjamin Moore a try. Known for its “versatile undertones and understated grandeur,” Boston Brick is one of Benjamin Moore’s bestselling colors.
6. Mustard yellows
Warm mustard-yellow tones add color to a room without feeling overpowering.
“Easy-to-work-with mustard tones can find their way into your home naturally,” says Robin DeCapua, owner and designer at Madison Modern Home, a home staging company based in Los Angeles.
DeCapua suggests Wild Wonder, a neutral Dijon yellow by Dulux, if you’re looking for a versatile yellow tone. Wild Wonder also happens to be the paint company’s 2023 Color of the Year.
“Keep in mind that darker walls dictate lighter furniture, so be sure to mix creamy whites with this color—not gray—as it truly has a warm base,” DeCapua notes.
Find more New Year trends on Realtor.com
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