2023’s Top Paint Trends Are Anything But Conventional

I’m a firm believer that the easiest way to freshen up your home—without buying all new furniture—is with paint. A bold, new color can completely change the vibe of any space, making it feel moody, cheerful, calming, or homey, all for the cost of a gallon of paint from your local hardware store. (It’s powerful stuff.)

If you’ve been itching for a change in your home, there are several exciting paint trends to consider this year. Whether you want to go dark and sophisticated or bright and playful, these are some of the best ways to transform your living space with paint.

1. Limewashing

If I had to pick one paint trend that’s taken over in 2023, it would have to be limewashing. Limewash paint creates a subtly mottled surface with a chalky texture and matte finish that will give any room a romantic, old-world vibe. While there are ways to mix up limewash paint yourself, the easiest option to get this look in your home is to simply use a premixed option, like this one. Available in a wide range of colors, you’ll want to apply them with a special limewash paint brush.

2. Dark Trim

I’ll be honest with you: I had never really considered that trim could be anything but white. It’s all I’ve ever known, but I absolutely love the new trend of painting trim in darker hues like navy or black. The contrast is striking, especially in rooms with light-colored walls; I’ve also seen a lot of people painting window frames black, as well.

3. Colorful Kitchens

All-white kitchens have reigned supreme for several years now, but it seems as though people are ready to bring color back into their cooking spaces in 2023. Colorful cabinets have been popping up everywhere in the last few months—and I’m not just talking about shades of tan or gray. Blues, greens, and even vibrant yellows are being used to paint kitchen cabinets, and the pop of color adds amazing energy to the space.

4. Moody Rooms

If you saw the 2023 Colors of the Year, picked by major paint brands like Valspar and Sherwin-Williams, you know that moody paint colors are all the rage right now. Dark, saturated colors are being used to paint entire rooms—ceilings included—and the final result is truly striking. The somber color schemes definitely aren’t for everyone (I’m a light-and-bright girly myself), but they make for a bold and sophisticated office, bedroom, or living room.

5. Painted Floors

Traditionalists may scoff, but there’s no denying that painted floors are having a major moment. Instead of refinished or replacing hardwood floors—which is so expensive—people are bringing new life to their homes with a coat of paint below their feet. (I’ve also seen people painting over tile and linoleum, as well.) White is a classic option that will give your space an airy farmhouse feel, but shades of blue or green can look stunning, as well. Oh, and don’t forget the ever-popular checkered pattern.

6. Rainbow Rooms

While some are going the dark and somber route with their pain, others are leaning into an explosion of colors. I’ve seen so many people on social media transforming their homes with beautiful rainbow hues. Case in point: everything that Tiktok faves Julie and Camilla have done to their new home.

7. Matte Paint

Move over, eggshell! Matte paint is becoming increasingly popular, as it gives a soft look to any space (and helps to hide imperfections on your walls). It’s actually quite similar to limewash paint, but with less texture. If you do decide to decorate with matte paint, just keep in mind that it’s not as durable as other finishes and doesn’t wipe clean as easily, so it may not be the best choice for homes with kids or pets.

8. Hand-Painted Murals

Speaking from personal experience, hanging wallpaper can be quite the hassle, and if you’re confident in your artistic abilities, why not just hand-paint a mural instead? You can easily create a geometric design or color blocks with the help of some painters tape, or if you want to get really fancy, trust your gut and freehand some organic shapes. Some people even use sponges or potatoes—yes, really—to create repeating patterns on their walls. The best part: If you absolutely hate how it comes out, you can simply paint over it.

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Which paint trend is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!