After the wild ride that was 2020, some home design enthusiasts chose to hit the reset button with a fresh coat of paint in 2021. Nature-inspired pops of color — orange, blue, teal, natural greens, rich jewel tones and dramatic black — sparking warmth and wellness suddenly replaced muted walls and furniture.
According to Fixr’s 2021 Paint and Color Trends Report, 81% of people said staying home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their color preferences.
However, neutral palettes remained at the forefront of home design despite gravitation toward bolder color choices. Perhaps it was the versatility of pairing classic neutrals with a vibrant accent wall or how moodier shades lend themselves to highlighting shadows and unique furniture pieces.
A year later, neutral hues are more alluring than ever. Yet, some might wonder whether these soft, muted tones will ever truly disappear. Here are four reasons neutrals are so hot in 2022.
1. They Work Well With Different Decor
All of the most popular shades when selling a home are neutrals. Could it be that their versatility appeals to the masses or that these soothing colors work with multiple home decor styles?
Neutrals foster imagination and design potential, whether you’re a homeowner or a buyer trying to envision your own furniture in a space. Depending on how much natural light comes in, one neutral paint color can run throughout an entire house and take on deeper or lighter saturations.
In a way, neutral hues are a blank slate with just enough interest for design enthusiasts to easily swap out decorative pieces for a fresh look.
2. Warmer Neutrals Top Cooler Neutrals
Every neutral hue has a subdued undertone that determines whether it’s warmer or cooler. Cooler neutrals may have a slightly blue, green or purple undertone that induces a sense of serenity — a perfect reason blues look and feel good in a bedroom or why green tones suit living rooms.
Likewise, warm neutrals hint at red, yellow or orange, making a space more inviting and cheerful. They also reflect natural light better than cooler tones.
Interior designers have deemed warmer neutrals the color of the year. A recent survey found that 53% of designers picked sage green as the top color choice for living rooms in 2022. While sage does have subtle blue undertones, its muted yellow adds warmth and rejuvenation.
In the same survey, cooler off-whites and creamy colors were the next favorite shades at 48% and 46%, respectively.
3. They Serve an Emotional Purpose
Over the last two years, your home has become the backdrop to nearly all aspects of your life — eating, sleeping, socializing, work and exercise. Almost every inch and crevice serve some purpose as people have had to get creative and change the functionality of certain rooms.
Yet, many individuals seek ways to enhance their home’s emotional purpose. Home design experts have already noticed this trend occurring, as clients have opted for softer furnishings and nature-inspired accents to make their homes feel like a warm, comfy hug.
Color psychology matches certain hues to one’s mood. In fact, the color you paint a room can evoke different emotions and feelings. This could be part of why people are moving away from cooler neutrals.
For example, warmer white-based neutral hues are ideal for those interested in a fresh start or extra coziness. However, steer clear of stark white, which could make you anxious. A neutral green is also supposed to be stress-relieving and helps improve sleep.
4. Neutrals Are Timeless
Painting your walls aquamarine or terracotta may be exciting initially, but it probably won’t be long before you paint over it in linen white or a light sandy color. Maybe you also can’t wait to replace the bright red couch you purchased two years ago.
Unlike colorful decor, you’re less likely to tire of neutral colors. That’s because neutral hues are timeless. If you need some color in a space, dressing up a neutral backdrop with colorful throw pillows or a new rug is simple enough.
Although neutral and beige were interchangeable in the 90s, the color category has evolved to take on new meaning for modern design in 2022. Today’s neutral palette — while whites and beiges remain popular choices — includes shades many wouldn’t have thought to use before.
Essentially, neutral hues have endured decades because they can easily translate into classic, transitional and modern looks.
Neutral Shades Are Here To Stay
Many home designers would likely agree neutral shades are perfect for grounding a space. As such, you can rest assured that their popularity will continue in 2023 and beyond. Neutral hues might be a hot trend now, but they always have been — and might always be.