The Hottest Paint Color Trends of 2024 Might Leave You with Déjà Vu

In 2024, interior design is taking a nostalgic turn, drawing inspiration from the chromatic hits of the ’90s and early 2000s. The color palette for the upcoming year is reminiscent of the warm, inviting tones found in nature, providing a sense of comfort and coziness. This trend is seen as a reaction to the work-from-home nesting phenomenon, with people seeking a retreat that feels both familiar and retro. The popularity of colors such as beige, terra cotta, putty, sage, earthy red, chocolate brown, latte brown, and spa blue reflects a desire for a psychological mood booster, bringing hope and positivity in a period of uncertainty. The color choices for 2024 seem to echo the aesthetic preferences of the late ’90s and early 2000s, marking a shift away from the cool grays that dominated previous years.

Chocolate Brown

primary bedroom with medium chocolate painted walls and a plaid rug in neutral tones and a slatted rocking chair next to the bed with complementary coverlet in brown on the bed

In 2024, dark brown emerges as the standout color, capturing the attention of designers and trend experts. Over 90 percent of respondents in the NYDC’s survey expressed that brown is set to be the dominant color, with anticipation for rich, chocolate browns to gain popularity. This sentiment is echoed by the 624 designers in 1stDibs’ Designer Trends Survey, highlighting the growing preference for dark brown. Designers see the popularity of this color as a reflection of a broader trend toward nature-inspired and nostalgic aesthetics, drawing connections to both the 19th century and the 1970s. York Wallcoverings’ 2024 Color of the Year, Bay Brown, aligns with this trend, emphasizing the shift toward warm, understated neutrals in both fashion and furnishings.

Sage

In 2024, sage green makes a subtle yet significant comeback as a favored color choice. This subdued green hue is gaining popularity, especially when compared to the vibrant emerald that was trendy in the previous year. ELLE DECOR’s September 2023 cover featuring Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe’s Manhattan dining room, designed by Mark Grattan, showcases the skillful pairing of sage wallcovering by Élitis with chocolate brown upholstery, creating an urban space rooted in nature. According to insights from 1stDibs, designers are increasingly drawn to the gentle warmth of sage green, reflecting a growing desire to cultivate spaces that harmonize with nature. Graham & Brown, an English paint company, supports this trend by naming Viridis, a sage tone, as its Color of the Year, emphasizing its ability to blur the boundaries between the outside and inside.

Icy Blue

in a dressing room with blue walls and white trim is an octagonal island with multiple drawers and an octagonal pendant above, a sink and side counter with cabinets, square and diamond patterned floor

In the upcoming year, icy blue emerges as a refreshing choice among a plethora of earth tones. Designers like Dan Mazzarini from BHDM Design and Archive foresee a rise in popularity for blues, particularly appreciating the calming and powerful qualities of the color. Mazzarini expresses excitement about working with Benjamin Moore’s color of the year, Blue Nova, emphasizing that blue is nurturing and draws inspiration from nature. The anticipation of a cold plunge into light blue is evident in trends reported by 1stDibs, with Sherwin-Williams and C2 selecting crisp light blue shades, Upward and Thermal, respectively, as their colors of the year.

Fiery Red

from the kitchen, a green marble countertop with built in shelves with dishware and glassware on either side of a door leading to a dining room with a large standing green cactus sculpture next to a table and chairs

As 2024 unfolds, warm and nostalgic reds take center stage in interior design trends, echoing the influences seen in fashion. Renowned interior designer Shea McGee expresses excitement about the emergence of rich and cozy terra-cotta, dusty pinks, deep red tones like burgundy and rust, soft mauve, and earthy shades of brown with red undertones within the red color family. McGee highlights the transformative power of saturated red, particularly in elevating basic earth tones when paired with jewel tones like ruby red, as noted by interior designer Susan Hayward. This infusion of red hues is anticipated to bring a vibrant and inviting atmosphere to home interiors throughout the year.

Peach

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In the design landscape of 2024, the soft and soothing terra-cotta tones, whether described as peach, apricot, or persimmon, are set to become enduring favorites. As recognized by trend forecasting agency WGSN, which designated a peachy hue as their Color of the Year (COTY), these warm tones are associated with the growing emphasis on wellness. The chosen hue, Apricot Crush, is seen as symbolizing the importance of nurturing both the mind and body. It is described as the perfect shade for a world seeking calm and optimism, providing a rejuvenating lift in the face of diverse emotions and uncertainties about the future. Other prominent selections, such as HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ Persimmon and Pantone’s 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, echo this juicy and comforting trend.

Berry

alton bechara maximalist nyc apartment

As we bid farewell to Millennial Pink and move beyond the era of Barbiecore in 2023, there is a noticeable shift in decor preferences. According to Etsy, searches for hot pink decor have declined by 58 percent. In its place, a more mature and versatile red-pink blend, referred to as berry, is emerging as a prominent choice. Unlike its neon predecessor, this shade incorporates rich reds and blues, resulting in a sophisticated jewel tone reminiscent of tourmaline. Interior designers suggest using jewel tones for accessories in a room to introduce dimension and the flexibility to refresh the space, ensuring it always feels new and vibrant. This recommendation holds true for incorporating any trending tone from the list.

Caramel

a living room is decorated in tones of brown and beige including two sofas, two modern armchairs, three travertine cocktail tables of different heights, a fireplace, floor lamp, and patterned rug

In the upcoming year, warm, light brown is poised to replace gray as the preferred neutral in interior design. Departing from the monotony of gray-toned rooms, there is a collective desire to infuse warmth and color into living spaces while maintaining an earthy palette. According to interior designer Susan Hayward, the shift towards warm, light brown tones reflects a broader aspiration for rooms that feel cozy and inviting. Farrow & Ball predicts that layering multiple sandy and caramel tones in a single room will be a prevailing trend. Joa Studholme, the color curator at Farrow & Ball, recommends using a lighter tone like Oxford Stone on the walls paired with a stronger shade like Tanner’s Brown on the trim. This creates a harmonious effect, making the walls feel brighter and the room appear more spacious.