Among the many captivating interior design elements, the latest paint colors have me the most thrilled. Paint carries a charm that even the coziest sofa can't match. I'm eager to discover the season's new shades and the colors designers are embracing. Shades of green, blue, and grey are stealing the show. As we transition from summer to the anticipated cooler days, the following warm, earthy tones beckon for our attention.
Paint never disappoints. Its transformative potential is undeniable. "What I adore is the swift mood change I experience when I'm surrounded by these colors," shares a noted design personality Arvin Olano regarding the fall color trends we've already seen. "Color can transport you to a place or season that feels so familiar yet refreshing."
Paint is both lavish and accessible, offering a unique blend of transformation and warmth. I consulted Olano and fellow designers Andi Morse, Jenn Feldman, and Stefani Stein about their favorite colors this autumn. Here are their top picks.
Image above: Alex Van Der Sluys home tour, by Nikole Ramsay
The 7 Must-Try Fall Paint Color Trends for 2022
#1: Lush Greens
Jenn Feldman, founder of Jenn Feldman Designs, anticipates deeper colors this fall. "Clients are favoring paints that are richer and more textured," she notes. "It's an excellent substitute for wallpaper and cultivates a sense of intimacy, much like being enveloped in a cashmere throw." She highlights bold, deep greens as particularly popular. Morse, from Morse Design, echoes this sentiment, urging a shift to darker, richer tones instead of lighter ones.
Ideal for: Family rooms, powder rooms, cozy reading nooks, and living spaces.
Benjamin Moore Lafayette Green
A color reminiscent of wandering through Oregon's enchanting forests. This hue provides both tranquility and inspiration.
#2: Cozy Beiges
Olano describes warm beige as a comforting embrace. "It's like wrapping your walls in a cozy hug," he explains. "This isn't the outdated yellow-beige of yesteryear, though. It serves as a perfect neutral backdrop for modern furniture and vibrant colors like aubergine and warm earthy pinks."
Ideal for: Offices or living areas.
A favorite of Olano's, this hue from Backdrop is moody, comforting, and beautifully neutral.
#3: Deep Taupes
Similar to the rich greens, deep taupe is also trending this season, according to Feldman. They offer a mix of neutrality and boldness, appearing both substantial and airy.
Ideal for: Bedrooms, kitchens, or living areas.
Portola Paints Rustica Roman Clay
This clay-inspired hue invites daydreaming in any space.
#4: Earthy Ochre
Imagine the glow of a late summer sunset or the golden warmth of a cup of Golden Milk. Stein advocates for ochre this season, stating, "Yellows can often feel overly cheerful or youthful. Ochre presents a more sophisticated and refined option." She points out that the trend of darker, earthy tones remains strong, and ochre strikes a perfect balance between color and neutrality.
Ideal for: Living and dining areas, or as crown molding against antique white walls.
This deep golden shade brings the essence of the California desert into your home.
#5: Timeless Whites
This classic hue will never fade from style, asserts Morse. With the rich colors emerging, white serves as the ultimate complementary shade. Its range from cool to warm makes it a versatile choice that enhances its surroundings.
Ideal for: Bedrooms, living rooms, or offices—also excellent for trim work.
Sydney Harbor Old Church White
This white, one of Stein's selections, is captivating for its earthy richness.
#6: Earthy Oranges
Morse suggests that earthy oranges shine best when used as accents. While this color can beautifully fill a room, it's perfect for an accent wall or vibrant trim. "We're seeing this shade in both home decor and fashion this fall," he adds.
Ideal for: Kitchens or accent walls.
This hue, described as "sunbaked and radiant," instantly adds warmth and depth to any space.
#7: Versatile Pinks
Pinks are the ultimate design chameleon—timeless and feminine, yet classic and gender-neutral. Morse and Olano anticipate pinks in various shades for fall 2022, with warm tones resonating particularly with Olano. This color can be likened to a timeless classic: its brilliance transcends description.
Ideal for: Bedrooms, home offices, or dining areas.
Morse favors this clean, classic pink for the season. It pairs beautifully with creams, beiges, or virtually any color of your choice.
