Paint trends in interior design are undoubtedly the most unpredictable. Similar to colour trends, each season brings new fashionable hues, finishes, and procedures. They do, however, provide an economical way to update your home without making a huge financial investment or long-term furniture or cabinets purchases. Painting one or more walls in a contemporary hue may quickly update a space for a fraction of the cost of purchasing new kitchen cabinets or sofas.
Though simple to experiment with, paint trends can reflect greater design developments. They give insight into the interior design community’s current attitude and aesthetic, and the early 2024 trends are no exception.
Warm, cocoon-like neutrals with earthy tones are trending this year. Reds and glossy finishes are popular, while browns are returning in vogue. Let’s look at some of the top paint trends for the next year.
Embracing Warm Neutrals
Greys are out of style, whereas warm tones are regaining popularity. Warmer neutrals have been making a cautious but steady comeback in the design world, and this year’s top colour selections from major paint makers highlight these comfortable tones. Expect a lot of warm greens, deep browns, and delicate pastels in pink and yellow tones.
These colours are appealing because they may be utilised to create warm, inviting settings. “Greige” is a warm neutral that provides a gentle transition for those who are hesitant to go all brown. It adds depth to any room. Layering textures to create a rich, compelling scene is typically the key to success when working with these tones. If you’re looking for expert advice on applying warm neutrals, a skilled painter in Sydney can help guide you through the latest trends.
Reds and Terracotta Hues
Trends like the “Unexpected Red Theory” advocate utilising red as an accent colour in otherwise neutral settings, and red is making a comeback. While larger amounts of terracotta and burnt reds provide a warmer, more grounded atmosphere, lesser amounts of red may energise a space. Desert environs impact these robust and surprisingly versatile tones. Terracotta hues, whether utilised in living rooms or foyers, may create a unique and warm atmosphere that is excellent for the winter.
Darker Wood Stains
While light wood floors will never go out of style, darker wood stains are becoming increasingly popular in bathrooms and kitchens. These darker tones differ from the all-white or two-tone themes that were prevalent in past years, creating a sense of refinement and depth, and would be applied perfectly with the help of professional painters in Sydney. Dark wood may give warmth that complements the other popular paint hues of 2024 and can provide a striking contrast with lighter materials.
Caramel and Yellow Undertones
As people choose hues that bring depth and warmth over frigid neutrals like grey, caramel tones are becoming increasingly popular. These hues are becoming increasingly popular among interior designers because they combine well with patterned fabrics and natural materials to create warm, welcoming spaces. Because of its versatility, caramel compliments rich tones such as burgundy and olive green, as well as bright whites. This earthy shade is perfect for rooms with limited natural light since it can provide warmth and cosiness to even the darkest spaces.
Light Blues as Neutrals
Light blues are gaining popularity this year as a kinder, more neutral alternative to the darker blues of prior years. Light blues, like Benjamin Moore’s Blue Nova and Sherwin-Williams’ Upward, offer an airy, calm character that complements warmer colours and may enhance small spaces. Light blues offer a contemporary, versatile look that works well in both bathrooms and bedrooms.
Playful Peachy Pinks
Pantone’s colour of the year, Peach Fuzz, is a bright orangey-pink that adds a cheerful, energetic vibe to any decor. Peachy tones have shown to be useful in both bright and subdued contexts. They may be used with richer, darker colours such as chocolate brown or navy to get a more sophisticated image. Peaches may be used with creams, whites, and soft greys for a more whimsical appeal, resulting in a delicate, mature, yet fresh tone palette.
Durable Matte Finishes
Matte paints, which were formerly avoided due to their tendency to scratch readily, are becoming more beneficial as paint technology advances. Modern matte finishes are designed to be wear-resistant and excellent for high-traffic areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. This implies that more creative expression is available while maintaining durability since these coatings can now survive regular use.
Soft Browns
Warm browns are replacing frigid greys in design, indicating a desire for cosier, more organic spaces. Natural wood treatments, rattan, and other earthy materials look well with light brown tones. These hues are now admired for their richness and ability to create quiet, attractive situations, having lost their association with outdated style.
Reinterpreted Colour Drenching
Colour drenching is the process of painting woodwork, walls, and ceilings all the same colour to provide a cohesive impression. But this year, the pattern is shifting. While bold, monochromatic décor remains popular, wallpaper is increasingly being mixed with complimentary paint for trim and woodwork. This strategy produces a cohesive, immersive environment by combining the boldness of colour with the texture and mystery of patterned wallpaper.
Clay Tones for Calming Spaces
Plaster pinks, mild beiges, and subtle gray-browns—colors influenced by clay—give a calm, earthy appearance. These earthy tones create pleasant, relaxing spaces that complement contemporary living rooms. The key to using clay tones effectively is to pair them with complementary colours to create a room’s impression of openness and lightness.
Statement Ceilings
Using vivid paint on ceilings instead of the typical white gives a space a dramatic feel and may create the impression that it is bigger. A wall colour that matches the ceiling may provide an enveloping effect, but a dark ceiling might draw attention to architectural aspects. This approach adds an unexpected touch to modern homes while also providing a unique take on accent walls.
Soothing Green Tones
Green is a popular interior hue because it implies a connection to the natural world. When light greens are paired with bright hues such as pink and purple, they create a vibrant, contemporary mood. These colours are ideal for bringing nature into urban spaces, and green is also recognised as one of the best colours for bedrooms due to its calming properties.
Mixing Unusual Colour Combinations
Finally, 2024 paint trends emphasise originality via unexpected colour combinations. By experimenting with different pairings, homeowners may give their homes a distinct look. The style encourages experimenting with different colours to create a colourful, eclectic design, whether by blending close tones on the colour wheel or contrasting complementary colours.
Everyone may discover something they enjoy among the 2024 paint trends, which vary from vibrant hue palettes to earthy neutrals. Because it is simple to experiment with paint, take advantage of these trends to modernise your home without making a permanent investment.