Paint does a lot more than cover drywall. The right color can reflect your personality, set a mood and even make a room feel bigger than it is. Every year, paint and color companies unveil their "color of the year," and 2022 brought plenty of fresh options. Whether you're getting your home ready to sell or simply want to update a room you spend a lot of time in, here's a look at the shades leading the way this year.

Why Color Matters

Color psychology plays a real role in how we feel in a space. A can of paint is one of the simplest and most effective design tools available: it can lift your mood, make a room feel more comfortable or open it up visually. When you choose, think about whether you want the space to feel snug or airy, and pick something you genuinely love so your home reflects your own style.

2022's Top Paint Trends

Color experts and paint brands land on their annual picks by watching trends in fashion, pop culture, design and technology around the world. The brand you choose matters too, and names like Behr and Valspar remain popular choices.

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore's 2022 palette features 14 shades selected for both current appeal and staying power. Its headline color is October Mist, a soft silvery green that serves as a neutral foundation for other colors. The palette also includes Pale Moon, Hint of Violet, Morning Dew and Venetian Portico.

  • Choose glowing pale tones to energize a room.
  • Lean on botanical shades to add warmth.
  • Try updated primary colors to let your personality show.

BEHR

BEHR's 2022 collection includes 20 shades designed to spark new interests and elevate every room. Its top pick, Breezeway, is a blue drawn from the line where the sea meets the sky, and it brings a fresh feel wherever it goes. Try it on kitchen cabinets, a front door or the walls of a bedroom or home office, and pair it with whites, grays and natural wood.

BEHR also grouped its palette by the type of space:

  • Flexible spaces: Laurel Tree, Perfect Penny, Cracked Pepper and Lunar Surface
  • Serene sanctuaries: Ocean Abyss, Etched Glass, Dark Cobalt Blue and Nightingale Gray
  • Natural influences: Basswood, Wild Mustang, Corn Stalk and Studio Clay

Valspar

Valspar named 12 nature-inspired Colors of the Year for 2022, aiming for shades that feel both of-the-moment and timeless while creating a calm, comfortable home. Three standouts:

  • Blanched Thyme: A green that pairs beautifully with warm wood and encourages focus and calm. Use it with a wooden desk in a home office or with warm tones in a bedroom or living room.
  • Lilac Lane: A cheerful, optimistic pink that works on a single accent wall or an entire room. Layer in textured accessories and accent colors.
  • Rustic Oak: A warm, rich shade that adds sophistication and nods to 1970s and 1990s design. It looks great with dark wood floors.

Valspar's other trending shades for the year include Gilded Linen, Delightful Moon, Mountain River, Orchid Ash, Grey Suit, Subtle Peach, Sunset Curtains, Country Charm and Fired Earth.

More Places to Find Inspiration

  • Dulux: 2022 Paint Colour & Design Trends
  • Sherwin-Williams: Color of the Year 2022
  • Graham & Brown: Wallpaper & Color of the Year
  • PPG Paints: 2022 Color Trends

Ready for a Refresh?

Whether you're planning a fresh coat of paint or a bigger renovation, I'm happy to connect you with trusted local pros. Reach out anytime.