Paint trends follow a regular ebb and flow, and techniques and colors you may have seen a lot of over the years may soon feel overdone, giving spaces a cookie-cutter look. After all, everyone wants their homes to look unique, individualistic, and eye-catching. This is why learning about what's trending in paints is important, especially if you're planning on updating your home's decor.
We asked top designers to give us a lowdown on what paint trends have fallen in favor and the ones they think will be big in 2024. Take notes and learn new ways to spruce up your home.
Paint trends to leave behind in 2023
1. Excessive stencilling
A paint technique for walls that's been around for a long time is stencilling. What started as a simple way of reproducing designs by passing ink or paint over cut-outs, has seen a modern, smart, and professional revival over many years. In fact, at times stenciled art is often mistaken for wallpaper. For some time, this was a great way to introduce patterns to a room.
But this technique, as designers aver, has been overdone in homes, and now seems quite OTT. 'Although stenciling can still be employed creatively, using overly abundant and repetitive stenciling patterns that were once in vogue can now create a sense of outdated and cluttered design,' says Guillaume Coutheillas, founder of frenchCALIFORNIA. Walls can feel overly done, and in current times when a more minimal or clean aesthetic is slowly becoming the norm, stenciled walls just don't cut it anymore.
2. Gray wall and floor stains
'I believe that any remnants of the grey trend for paint and flooring stains will officially say goodbye in 2024,' says Dallas-based Eddie Maestri, principal architect and owner of Maestri Studio. 'This color expression on stains has been around for a long time and it no longer looks trendy; but rather old and tired.'
While grey enjoyed its time in the sun, being one of the best wood floor color, other, more natural tones are taking over, creating an organic, warm, and livable interior. Think natural, dark wood floors, cream or taupe tones.
3. Stark cool tones
'The stark tones of whites and greys make a home feel clinical and unwelcoming,' says Shelagh Conwa, principal and founder of Triple Heart Design. 'These paint colors are going to see a decline in favor, and instead, creamy white will become the new 'it' white.'
Another way to use these colors is by mixing warm and cool colors and tones for a more livable interior. In fact, mixing warm and cool tones will also allow for more balance in the scheme, and overall give the home a considered look.
Paint trends that will be big in 2024
1. Eco-friendly paints
Sustainable architecture and design has been the buzzword since a long time. And when it comes to decor, designers predict that homeowners will make a conscious move toward buying more planet-friendly products.
'As sustainability continues to be a key consideration, the popularity of natural, non-toxic paints is increasing,' says Guillaume. 'These environmentally friendly options are favored not just for their contribution to healthier indoor air quality but also for their distinctive finishes that enhance the visual appeal of interiors.'
2. Deep brown tones
Earthy, grounded and cozy interiors are going to be a big ask for homeowners in 2024. And a great way to create such a vibe is with color.
'We'll be drowning in brown in all the best ways in 2024,' says Brad Ramsey, principal and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors. 'Think about coffee, cappuccino and lattes and how those warm colors hit the spot just like your afternoon Starbucks fix. I currently love Sherwin Williams Iced Mocha 9092.' Plus several colors go with brown, making it an easy, versatile hue to live with.
3. Limewash paints
In terms of paint finishes, one that has been around and still continues to charm people is limewash paints. This beautifully textured paint not only looks great, giving natural depth to spaces but is also antibacterial, mould-resistant and usually free of the type of solvents that can make some paints quite toxic.
'There's a growing appreciation for paint techniques that showcase the nuances of skilled artisanship, which can't be emulated by standard mass-production methods,' says Guillaume. 'An example is limewash, a technique that we employ frequently to achieve a textured, deeply nuanced effect that brings a bespoke quality to spaces.' Consider an earthy pink, red, or cream in a limewash finish.
