INTERIOR DESIGN

The New Neutral in 2022

High Park Gloucester Sage

Fernwood Green October Mist

As a designer, I gravitate to neutrals for their broad appeal and longevity on the style stage, giving my clients great bang for their buck. That’s why I’m excited that the 2022 Colour of the Year happens to fall into the neutral colour category. In an industry first, green was actually selected as the “it” hue by a number of the world’s leading paint and colour brands, chosen for its calming, rejuvenating characteristics, connection to nature and its sheer versatility. If you also love neutrals, the 2022 Colour of the Year is definitely one to work into your plan.

Neutral tones offer the best backdrop for changing out your seasonal accessories.

THE NEW NEUTRAL

On the grayish, sage-y side of the spectrum you’ll find Benjamin Moore’s Colour of the Year for 2022, October Mist (1495). This soft, silvery shade is soothing and a refreshing alternative for someone seeking a moremodern neutral. This green is well-paired with other neutral colours, standing out against an off-white or cream colour, or as a muted backdrop for a more saturated selection, such as navy blue or a bold pink. This particular shade evokes feelings of peace and tranquility, making it a great choice for living rooms and bedrooms.

Sherwin-Williams’ top pick for 2022 is Evergreen Fog (SW 9130), a slightly darker, warmer variation of the above. Inspired by nature, this friendly, hospitable hue makes residents and guests feel right at home.

I love it for exterior details such as window frames, front door and trim, but it’s also welcomed indoors, particularly in areas that have a direct line to the outdoors, such as an entranceway, mudroom or sunroom.

For those who prefer pastels and the softer side of the colour spectrum, Behr’s Breezeway (MQ3-21) is the green for you. This barely-there shade is crisp and bright, making it the perfect choice for small rooms or busy ones (visually or physically) such as a kitchen or a home office. This is also a trendy alternative to white, coupled with a high-contrast accent colour, like black accents to add dramatic flair and highlight the details in the room.

Skewing a little more vibrant in tone are Glidden’s Guacamole (PPG1121- 5) and Dulux’s Olive Sprig. These pistachio-flavoured hues offer a moresaturated experience of our trending colour of the year, calling attention with their strong presence in relation to their more-muted, quieter counterparts. This understated green is just one in a full spectrum of tinted neutrals, ranging from soft sage, to creamy-whites with pink undertones and barely-there blues. Their subtlety gives them versatility while infusing the space with a whisper of colour – not enough to overwhelm or even influence overtly, but just enough to wash with an aura. And like a traditional neutral colour palette (think cream and off-white), these new neutrals pair beautifully with pops of vibrant colour and a range of different materials and finishes.

One thing every neutral colour palette calls for is texture. I often layer a variety of organic materials, such as wood, stone, concrete and organic textiles, adding visual interest and touchability, with a nod to nature.

Lighting is another factor to consider in your neutral spaces, adding depth and highlighting its best features. Pay careful attention to the “temperature” of your bulbs. A warm bulb that emits yellow light could affect the temperature of your colour scheme. Ensure all bulbs are on the same side of the spectrum.

Contrary to popular belief, neutral colour palettes can be exciting and enticing, cool and casual, and totally on-trend. All this, and they appeal to the masses and are immune to the high turn-over trends du jour. Give a neutral colour palette a try this year. Otherwise, you just might find yourself green with envy!