Predicted Paint Colors for 2017
I like to predict interior trends for the year ahead, especially paint colors. If there’s one design element I feel confident in- it’s color theory. I really enjoy working with colors, mixing, and finding palettes that play well together. Click through to see which colors I’m leaning toward in 2017… see what’s in, what’s out, and even take away a few of my painting tips.
The timing on this post couldn’t be better, as I’m finally at the stage of selecting paint colors for our new house (many of which I’m sharing are already on order). This year, with our renovation, my goal is to push things a little further, and really strive for creativity. The one thing I dislike most about design on social media is the over saturation or overuse of certain trends. It’s a bummer when a pattern, piece of furniture, or color are plastered everywhere and they lose their uniqueness. Take the eames chairs for example. They’re everywhere. There are SO many replicas and everyone seems to own at least one (myself included), they’re just not as special anymore. I feel the same way about color.
A color (we’re looking at you, gray!) will get too trendy, too fast, and suddenly everything looks the same. If I’m attracted to a popular color, my goal is to use it in a new way, or experiment with a different tone or hue that feels less ordinary. Let’s use green as the example. I’ve always loved green tones… two or three years ago, I shared my dining room and mentioned that I use green as a neutral because I’m so attracted to it. Now, deep greens are replacing navy and are gaining rapid popularity. Suddenly, I don’t feel as attracted to it because it’s everywhere. Rather than sticking with the same hunter green, try pushing it towards a muddy pastel, desaturating it, or mixing a little black to deepen the tone. These will be better options when it comes to longevity.
If you’re also tired of the same old navy, white, and gray… hop on board and add some color with me! I’m breaking it down below…
Whites for Trim // I prefer a neutral, bright white paint when it comes to trim… not too cool, not too warm. This will allow for better versatility when it comes to paint colors and textiles. In semi-gloss, please.
Creamy Whites // I wholeheartedly believe this is the year to warm things up. Gone are the days of cold, stark white. Don’t get me wrong… I love a good minimal, modern, and clean space, but I think the trend will be to gravitate towards warmer whites that feel more welcoming and less clinical.
Soft Tones of Beige // Just like creamy whites above, warmer beige and greige tones are going to replace gray. Steer clear of cool grays and select their warmer counterparts instead. Gray is so overused, this is a solid and sophisticated alternative that literally goes with everything.
Dusty Blues // I am really feeling muddy pastel blue tones lately. I’m planning to use a few pops of this color throughout the house. Maybe I’ll paint a set of french doors or a piece of furniture, either way- I’m definitely into it.
Sage Greens // You already know how I feel about sage. This color was the star of the January moodboard. If you follow along on Instagram stories and Snapchat, you probably watched this color in action. I painted a vintage chest of drawers with this exact shade.
Hunter Greens // Yes, they’re super popular. The trick is to find a shade that isn’t the same medium to dark green tone that everyone and their mother is using. I’m feeling the extra dark hues with a little black added, or shades that have hints of deep blue or brown undertones.
Deep Hues of Blue // Navy has always been popular, but within the past few years, it’s become a real staple in the world of design. There will always be a place for it, but it’s another one of those colors that is overdone. Try finding shades that are super dark (almost black), or colors that have a green undertone. This will add depth and create a moody look- rather than appearing nautical.
Balanced Blacks // I love black paint! It’s bold and you have to really make up your mind if you’re going to do it… but hey, it’s just paint. People are finally catching on to this easy neutral. To use it in a different way, try painting something unexpected- like your trim, a ceiling, or even a pattern on the floor.
Rusty Neutrals // This is the wild card of 2017, and I’m feeling it! Blush pink tones are on their way out, and this rusty, desert underdog is on the way in. What do you guys think?
As promised, I also wanted to share a few of my tried and true painting tips:
- Stop using painters tape. I HATE painters tape… it never works and leaves a squiggly, uneven line. I’m always much happier when I free-hand with a nice brush. If you’re not sure how to do this… watch this video.
- Stop painting first. People always ask how I compile a color palette for each room. It seems that everyone has trouble selecting paint colors because it feels sort of permanent and daunting. It’s actually pretty easy! Painting is always the last thing I do to a space (besides styling). I pull swatches from the textiles, furniture, or art. It’s always a great jumping off point when it comes to inspiration. Just because you’re moving in or a room is empty, doesn’t mean that painting has to happen immediately. Live in the space for awhile, see how the light interacts, find a couple objects that work well in the space and go from there.
- Buy quality paint and supplies. This seems obvious, but until I started using nice paint, it used to take forever. I value my time and the way a project turns out. You can get by with only 1-2 coats if you buy the appropriate paint. There’s literally a paint for everything. Technology has come a long way… from self-leveling paints to organic and green paints, they’re safer and easier to use. Ask a professional which one is best for your project.
- Know your finishes. It’s a given that different finishes should used in different areas of your home. Do a little research to see which finish is appropriate. Typically (most of the time) trim should be semi-gloss and walls should be flat, eggshell, or matte. The same goes for doors… semi or high-gloss is best and easiest to clean.
Alright, that’s pretty much a wrap on all things paint, 2017. Don’t freak out if you just repainted your house gray or that same shade of hunter green or navy (you know the ones)! They’re going to be around for awhile, but I’d rather take the path less traveled. What paint color trends are you guys into this year? It’s sort of exciting to paint a new house with a fresh coat… it feels like a very good, clean, and positive start to the year!