Lilac sits on the cool side of the color spectrum so can feel chilly in north-facing rooms, but in south-facing living rooms with plenty of natural light, it will feel cozy, warm, and welcoming. Unlike Pantone's Color of the Year of 2022, this new shade of purple is softer and more restful. Soft and sophisticated and a less-girly option than pink, lilac is a big trend in fashion right now and it seems that interiors are following suit. Lilac is another underrated color that is back in vogue for 2023. The thinking is that a dreamy shade of sky blue can help to enrich the soul and make our surroundings feel more hopeful by bringing positive energy into our homes. 'So whether we are working or relaxing, creating or exercising, it is essential to have a space that reflects the optimism and desire for a fresh, new start.' 'What better inspiration can we take than the endless skies around us? It is widely known that nature makes us feel better and taking steps to bring the outside in enhances our sense of wellbeing,' she continues. Speaking about the shade of pale blue Marianne tells that 'people want to feel revitalized and enjoy the freedom of outside, to look out and bring in new ideas. The Dulux 'Color of the Year 2022' Bright Skies was thoughtfully chosen by the paint experts to fulfill a desire for an airy and fresh tone that breathes new life into any space, especially busy living spaces. It appears our homes still crave that sense of freshness as the color continues to soar in popularity. Fresh and uplifting to offer calming qualities, these hues create a sense of calm in the room where you want to relax and unwind. The latest trend of cooling shades indicates that blue tones remain to be big news for living room paint colors this year.

There is however more to white than meets the eye.' You could also say that white is the ultimate neutral because it works with everything. 'Of all the colors, white reflects the most light and so we use it to make small dark rooms look bigger and brighter, ceilings look taller, colors look more impactful, and woodwork gleam. 'It has magical powers in decorating and since we began to create it in paint, it has been the ultimate blank canvas onto which we tell the story of our lives on the walls of our homes. 'Believe it or not, white is the combination of all colors of light mixed together,' says Marianne. In south-facing living rooms that get plenty of natural daylight, opt for cooler-toned whites which will counter the warmth of natural light and create a more balanced glow. Avoid blue or grey-toned whites which can feel dark and dismal. Opt for white with yellow or red undertones in a north-facing living room - these will help lift the space and make it feel more warm and cozy. The key is in finding the best white paint color for your space. White can have warm or cool undertones and there’s a shade for every room - and used well, white can look striking. But this is only true if you opt for the wrong shade of white. White is often avoided when it comes to living rooms as it can make a space feel harsh and clinical. 'Punchy petal pink shades are perfect for a contemporary look with a bit of energy but if you prefer a gentler vibe that will make you smile rather than giggle, calm it down with blush pink, warm nudes, or soft powder pink.' It captures a sense of gentle fun and is perfect for warming up north-facing rooms where soft pale shades with just a hint of apricot look amazing teamed with lots of houseplants and verdant green accessories.' 'Pink can be a bit cheeky, but it's ultimately warm and super relaxed. 'Pink is perfect for a living room where you want a look that is joyful and uplifting,' says Marianne Shilingford, Creative Director at Dulux. Pink as the main color pairs perfectly with accents of grays, browns, smart navy, or lush green, making it a good all-around choice as a living room background color. While not quite neutral the best pink paints can be warm and grounding and work well with plenty of color combinations. Pink loses its sugary sweetness this season and takes on more muted, earthy tones, making it a versatile color option for any living room.

Bedroom paint colors and moods