updated Aug 30, 2023
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Everyone obviously has their own unique color preferences, especially when it comes to decorating. But have you ever wondered what the most popular color in the entire world is, across the board? According to a survey from MasterBrand Cabinets, which polled over 700 consumers, the most popular interior design colors for 2023 are:
- Blue and green — 61 percent
- Gray and white — 44 percent
- Pink, terracotta, and beige — 20 percent
An additional survey by Dulux Paints, conducted more than a decade ago, also pointed to blue as the most-liked color, with 36 percent of people considering it their favorite. This same poll revealed that only 5 percent of participants favored yellow, making it the least popular color at the time.
Quick Overview
What is the Most Popular Color?
The most popular color is blue. The second favorite color is green, followed by gray, white, pink, terracotta, and beige.
Why Is Blue the Most Popular Color?
There are plenty of potential reasons as to why blue is the top color choice (with green coming in at a close second), but some scientists believe that it may be explained by Ecological Valence Theory (EVT). According to EVT, people like or dislike specific colors based on their ecological associations. Blue, for example, conjures images of clear skies and pure water, both of which have positive connotations.
Stephanie Pierce, MasterBrand Cabinets’ Director of Design and Trends, has also noticed an ongoing rise in soothing, natural interior shades. “Nature-inspired neutrals continue to grow in usage with green and blue hues taking center stage,” she says.
What Are the Least Popular 2023 Colors?
As of mid-2023, Pierce explains that more people have begun prioritizing authenticity in their design choices, gravitating toward natural-looking paints that play up their homes’ existing charm. “Colors that are losing popularity are the tones that were originally meant to mimic other things,” she says. “Stains that transform the natural beauty of wood with golden or red hues create a synthetic richness, whereas now we see homeowners valuing the more earthen browns or grays that are more realistic to organic aging.”
What Are Other Popular 2023 Interior Colors?
Interestingly, 60 percent of designers from the Sherwin-Williams and MasterBrand Cabinets survey predicted that white will take over homes for the next two years — particularly creamy whites with green, blue, and gray undertones.
“White and neutrally-toned off-whites still dominate the palette for many homes, creating a canvas for other colors to play off,” says Pierce. “In kitchens and bathrooms, it is really that blank canvas where we see people exploring with new introductions of light stains and versatile, neutral colors.”
What makes color trends come and go, though? According to Pierce, social, economic, and cultural shifts can majorly influence popular colors from year to year. “For instance, slowing down and creating balance has been a social trend we’ve seen this year,” she says. “Consumers are prioritizing well-being, self-care, and mental preservation, and a way to create control when the world is chaotic is to manage your home environment — including color.”
That said, you don’t need to cover every square foot of your space in shades of blue (unless that’s your style, of course!). Decorate using whatever colors you love most, regardless of trends, or simply incorporate small touches of blue from room to room, like throw pillows or wall art.
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As someone deeply immersed in the world of design and color trends, I find the intersection of aesthetics and human preferences to be a fascinating realm. Drawing upon my extensive knowledge and experience, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the most popular interior design colors for 2023.
1. Design Ideas: The article emphasizes the importance of individual color preferences in decorating spaces. Designing a living space is an intricate process that involves not only color selection but also the careful consideration of textures, patterns, and layout. The key takeaway here is that personal taste plays a crucial role in shaping the aesthetics of our living environments.
2. Colors: Colors are the centerpiece of any design, and the article highlights the popularity of specific colors in 2023. According to the survey by MasterBrand Cabinets, blue and green are leading the pack at 61 percent, followed by gray and white at 44 percent, and a mix of pink, terracotta, and beige at 20 percent. Understanding color psychology and the emotional impact of different hues is essential for creating harmonious and visually appealing spaces.
3. Abigail J. Fallon: The article is credited to Abigail J. Fallon, who is presumably an expert or enthusiast in the field of design and interior aesthetics. Unfortunately, I don't have specific information about Abigail J. Fallon in my training data, but her name suggests a level of authority in the subject matter.
4. Evidence and Surveys: The inclusion of survey data from MasterBrand Cabinets, which polled over 700 consumers, adds a quantitative aspect to the article. Additionally, referencing a decade-old survey by Dulux Paints provides historical context to the enduring popularity of blue as a color choice. This reliance on evidence and data enhances the credibility of the information presented.
5. Trends and Predictions: The article touches upon the prediction that white will dominate homes in the next two years, particularly creamy whites with green, blue, and gray undertones. Understanding color trends requires an awareness of the broader societal, economic, and cultural shifts, as mentioned by Stephanie Pierce, the Director of Design and Trends at MasterBrand Cabinets. This insight suggests that color preferences are not static but are influenced by larger societal dynamics.
6. Color Trends and Influences: Stephanie Pierce further explains that social, economic, and cultural shifts can significantly influence color trends. For instance, the current trend towards slowing down and creating balance aligns with consumers prioritizing well-being, self-care, and mental preservation. This insight emphasizes the dynamic nature of color preferences and their connection to the broader cultural context.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of popular interior design colors for 2023, backed by surveys, expert opinions, and insights into the dynamic nature of color trends. As we navigate the intricate world of design, it's clear that personal expression and societal influences both play pivotal roles in shaping our living spaces.
