The leading paint and colour experts have all revealed their predictions for Colour of the Year 2022. The selection signals a sense of optimism and hope for the future, as well as a move towards incorporating elements of wellbeing into the home. From calming neutrals countering the turbulence of the pandemic to cheerful and optimistic shades
As colours resonate in distinct ways for different people, some have gravitated towards calming neutrals to counter the turbulence of the pandemic, whilst others have chosen to immerse themselves in positive, vivid colours, reaching for optimism.
1. Babouche – the sunny yellow
In 2022, we’ll relish brighter colours that herald a return to normality. The sunny and uncomplicated Babouche is perfect for embracing this – whilst bold, it never feels garish or overpowering.
“Named after the distinctive colour of the leather slippers worn by men in Morocco, this shade of yellow can be described as ‘subdued sunshine.’ Despite its bold hue, it’s not overly bright or overpowering, making it perfect for a larger room, where its cheerfulness will intensify,” says Kayleigh. “In terms of décor, opt for more minimalist companions, such as simplistic line drawings, or unobtrusive bright shades.”
This buttery yellow can help to brighten a space with limited natural light, and when you consider the colour wheel, this particular shade would sit well with a pale blue or a soft pink/red.
2. School House White – the updated neutral
“A soft, off-white shade, ’School House White’ is designed to look like white in a shaded area. Muted, timeless, and comfortingly familiar, this shade evokes the nostalgia of old schoolhouses,” says Kayleigh. “Due to its grounded, unassuming hue, this shade would pair easily with virtually any other colour. Ideal for a background on which to feature dramatic, largescale artworks, or even vibrant, statement rugs, it’s hard to go wrong with this particular shade of white.”
This shade will also amplify the power of Babouche if you fancy combining multiple 2022 colour trends.
3. Bright Skies – the hopeful blue
“This airy and fresh shade breathes new life into any space,” says Kayleigh. “It will be a game-changer when people use this tone on their ceilings, with Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, saying it makes the ceiling just ‘melt away.’ This hue is both uplifting and light, while simultaneously being soothing, familiar, and apt for a joyous safe haven. This selection by Dulux was influenced by the aftermath of the pandemic, with many of us craving freedom, expansion, and a return to nature.”
This shade has the potential to be the new grey, in a turn towards colour with less emphasis on neutrals.
4. Breakfast Room Green – the cheerful shade
The most cheerful of Farrow & Ball’s greens – named after the east-facing rooms designed for languid mornings spent eating breakfast in dawn light. This soft shade reflects the natural world we’ve often retreated to during the pandemic.
“In lockdown, many of us spent much of our time reconnecting with our gardens and falling back in love with nature. This shade complements plants, whether art-depicted, or real, and would work well to promote a sense of wellbeing within the home,” says Kayleigh. “Pair this shade with Stone Blue for a visual effect that is captivatingly familiar. Due to its calming nature, opt for artwork that speaks to wellbeing.”
5. Incarnadine – the comforting red
“Rich, warm, and oh-so-comforting, is Incarnadine. This shade combines traditional red while beckoning the spirit of the leisurely Mediterranean,” says Kayleigh. “This shade would pair perfectly with warm woodwork and rustic gold touches. Alternatively, angle it towards an edgy twist by pairing it with a bright white shade.”
Heighten the contemporary feel in this glossy shade by combining it with a monochromatic palette, or go for opulence with plenty of velvets, deep forest greens or inky blues, and classic antique furniture.
6. October Mist – the palest green
A soft grey-green, October Mist makes a great foundation colour from which to build an earthy palette. Much like Breakfast Room Green, this shade encourages a reconnection with the great outdoors, and is easy to introduce into your home.
October Mist does well in a farmhouse setting, combined with soft, nature-inspired tones – pale sky blues, a scorched earth red, or chalky whites. A particularly calming colour combination puts October Mist with deeper fern greens.
7. Stone Blue – the vintage tone
An appreciation of vintage style shows no sign of faltering in 2022, with the timeless Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball sitting alongside Dulux’s Bright Skies as the most on-trend blue shades.
“Named after the indigo pigment imported in lumps during the 18th century, this warm and timeless blue can be used alongside other warm hues to create an inviting, vintage look,” says Kayleigh. Alternatively, decorate with a cooler tone for a cleaner, more contemporary feel. Bonus points if you pair this shade with other simple and familiar colours that communicate that sense of folk and craftsmanship that is present throughout this palette.”