Each fall, paint manufacturers unveil their predictions for the most popular colors in the coming year—the shades consumers will clamor to add to the walls of their homes, plus companion accent colors.

Typically, the palettes vary significantly by company. This year, however, one hue dominated color conversations across the paint spectrum—shades of green.  

What’s Driving the Trend?

Color researchers contend that green is frequently associated with healing, harmony, hope, and tranquility—emotions that have been in short supply during the pandemic. Likewise, calming shades that evoke nature can help our homes feel more like a comforting refuge. 

Beyond paint colors, the desire to connect with nature and invite it into our homes drives many people’s interest in growing houseplants.

This is not the first time green has charmed color designers. The shade also took off during environmental movements of the late-60s and early-70s—and during the ‘90s push to save the rainforests.

Top Picks Among Leading Paint Suppliers

To illustrate green’s dominance, here are the top colors chosen by eight leading paint companies and selected text from their sites describing each shade.

Behr picked a silvery green shade called Breezeway as its top 2022 hue, saying, “the color is inspired by naturally stunning sea glass found on the shore of salty beaches.” Along with 19 other colors, Behr’s palette “inspire us to enter the new year on a hopeful note, while still centering the home as an ultimate oasis."

Benjamin Moore selected October Mist as its color of the year, calling it a “gently shaded sage [that] quietly anchors a space while encouraging individual expression through color.” Benjamin Moore’s 2022 palette includes 14 compatible hues.

Dunn-Edwards also took a nod to nature but chose a brown shade called Art and Craft as its 2022 color of the year, calling it a “timeless, versatile hue” that “evokes an earthy, sophisticated quality.”

Dutch Boy opted for Cypress Garden, a deeper shade of green that can be applied in one coat. It also offers three companion palettes, making it easy for DIYers to select among nine complementary colors.

Glidden chose Guacamole, “a spirited yet soothing green [that] brings an organic energy to any space” as its 2022 color of the year. Glidden’s paints can be purchased online and are delivered through Home Depot.

PPG placed Olive Spring at the top of its 2022 color palette, calling it “a relaxed but enticing green that emulates the feeling of soothing aloe vera or a fragrant plant—brightening any space with organic liveliness.” 

Sherwin Williams selected Evergreen Fog, “a versatile and calming hue, a chameleon color of gorgeous green-meets-gray, with just a bit of blue.” The company also suggests pairing it with six of their nature-inspired colors to create “a modern, organic feel.”

Valspar selected 12 nature-inspired colors for 2022, leading with Blanched Thyme, “a cool, organic green that works beautifully with warmer wood tones for a natural and balanced look.” Valspar paints are sold at Lowes and independent retailers.

Which Green Will Prevail?

With so many shades to select from, it will be interesting to see which green grows in the hearts of homeowners over the coming year. The FIXR blog asked 49 leading interior designers to share their predictions. 

Here is a summary of FIXR’s top five results and recommendations:

1. October Mist - neutral, versatile, and timeless; an excellent backdrop for any space

2. Evergreen Fog - undeniably calming and sophisticated; best for bedrooms, living spaces, and kitchen cabinets

3. Breezeway - spa-like feel; a neutral starting point for a paint color refresh

4. Cypress Garden - fun and bold; best used for accent walls

5. Blanched Thyme - warm and traditional; an excellent choice for kitchens and sunrooms

If you’re ready to change up the colors in your home, consider taking your cues from designers and color experts or explore other creative ways to select your interior paint colors. If you plan to do the painting yourself, be sure to prep like a pro to enhance the final results.