WHAt’s the Color of 2023?

From Boundless Blue in 2019 to Aurora in 2022, our Color Studio has had a tradition of announcing our WHA color choice for the new year. The Color of the Year selection entails extensive research and detailed storyboards aimed to reflect current design, material, and color trends. This annual tradition is also practiced by paint companies and Pantone. Our WHA annual color selection sets the tone for our on-trend yet timeless designs. Although our 2023 Color of the Year won’t be announced just yet, here’s a sneak peek into the research conducted this year and the color contenders.

Derived from nature, a warm mauve color seamlessly transitions through all seasons. Blush and plum undertones offer a vintage, sophisticated feel that can elegantly incorporate such an earth tone into any space inside a home. Earth tones have been a major influence in the industry, and this color is an elevated way to continue this trend into the new year.

A warm, autumn-forward shade has plenty going for it year-round as it blends the energies of playful hues while still maintaining a steady earthy color. Purple and red paired with orange tones can create a versatile creative space while still supporting a comforting energy. Splash this color on a wall to make a statement or sprinkle this hue in with accessories and art for a more subdued impact. Regardless of the route, this color pairs particularly well with wood tones and natural textures, which have taken the design world by storm in recent years.

As noted in the previous predictions, we will see a resurgence of warmer color palettes next year. A confidence-boosting color, such as red or pink, increases energy levels, stimulates the mind, and boosts one’s creativity. With layers and texture at the forefront of trends in both the home and fashion industries, it’s important to utilize these hues to create spaces that support the tranquil, yet playful energies expressed.

Orange is bold but warm and is a more colorful approach to bringing nature into the home. Exuding a powerful energy, the color still makes us feel grounded and offers a hopeful outlook into the future as we adjust to the changes around us. This hue is versatile as it is incorporated in earthy tones in homes through woven textures, wood tones, and bold red undertones in statement pieces. It supports a calm and comforting environment while simultaneously providing energy to take on the world with confidence.

Pulling inspiration from industry events looking onward to 2023, the consensus still lies with lively yet warm earth tones. Presented at Neocon 2022, warm and earthy tones are bringing the sunset indoors as biophilia is a relevant trend, especially for work and creative spaces. BASF’s 2022-23 automotive color trends collection, New Array, features a diverse palette featuring a broad spectrum of colors from white, silver, and black to eye-catching green, yellow, and orange. Heimtextil, an international trade fair for home and contract textiles, showcases bright and joyful colors paired with earthen and botanic shades and materials. Looking towards the fashion industry, New York Fashion Week Spring 2023 expressed a “Life Goes On” theming with refreshing colors such as seafoam green, light purple, and easy pink. Wherever you look, there’s no escaping that warm earth tones are here to stay.

WHA aims to push boundaries by creating projects rich in diversity, inventiveness, and forward-thinking solutions. 2023 will be no different. The Color of the Year will reflect this transformative energy and pair it with a sense of optimism. Keep an eye out for our official WHA 2023 Color of the Year finalist announcement!