The Most Popular Paint Colors for 2022, According to Farrow & Ball

U.K. paint company Farrow & Ball has released their prediction for 2022’s most popular colors. According to color curator Joa Studholme, for the next year, we’ll see hues that evoke the simple and familiar, a contrast to the overwhelming COVID situation outside our homes.

“There is something inherently human in the colors that we are attracted to for 2022 — as well as in the way we use them,” said Studholme. “Decor is moving forward while drawing inspiration from the modest character of the world of folk and craft, using five significant shades that extol the virtues of a simple life and can be used in any combination and in any room.”

She added: “They are an eclectic mix of the pure and the humble that evokes the warmth and harmony of a more innocent age while celebrating life today.”

Here are the five colors that Farrow & Ball predicts will be huge in 2022:

“In 2022 we will relish brighter colors that herald a return to normality,” said Studholme. “The cheerful and uncomplicated Babouche is the perfect tone for this task. While bold, it never feels garish or overpowering.”

The color also has a folksy feel to it, making it look great alongside houseplants. Just look at that yellow with all those greens! And if you want the perfect complement to Babouche, look no further than the next color on the list: School House White.

Neutrals will always make an appearance on any list, no matter the year. For 2022, however, Farrow & Ball went with a tone that’s warmer and cozier, providing visual relief to busy rooms such as nurseries, kitchens, and living rooms.

“Pared back, timeless and familiar without the cool undertones of the more contemporary neutral groups, this soft off-white is reminiscent of the color used in old school houses,” the company describes it.

Similar to Babouche earlier in the list, Breakfast Room Green is a cheerful color but not overpowering. In addition, it looks elegant, making it an exceptional background for art.

“Breakfast Room Green is the most cheerful of all our greens, remaining lively in both bright sunlight or softer candlelight,” the company said. “Named after the usually east facing rooms designed for eating the first meal of the day, it is particularly beautiful in the dawn light.”

A versatile shade, Stone Blue can be paired with warmer, earth tones to add personality to a rustic aesthetic, or used alongside other cool colors to add boldness to a contemporary space.

Studholme suggests: “School House White is pared back, timeless and familiar but has a subtle sophistication that makes it the perfect foil for stronger hues like the lively tones of Stone Blue, used here on the door in Full Gloss.”

Now, if you really want some excitement, try Farrow & Ball’s richest crimson. The trick here is not to go overboard, as Incarnadine might swamp the room with warmth, and instead, combine it with whites and greens — like in the photo above — for a regal yet soothing vibe.

“It is so heartening to see an eclectic mix of styles and colors, chosen not only for pure pleasure but as part of a great decorative hack — in this room, the overall effect is happy and bold,” said Studholme.