Joy expert and author Ingrid Fetell Lee asserts that color can significantly enhance happiness in our lives. Bright, bold colors can invigorate any space. I was intrigued by this idea and believe there’s no better way to embrace it than by incorporating the top summer paint trends for 2022.

Fetell Lee’s insights resonate with me. A wall painted in Moroccan blue or a sweater in sunset gold can truly make your heart skip a beat. I’m eager to apply these uplifting findings right away, so I consulted several leading interior designers for their favorite trendy selections. After all, our living spaces greatly influence our well-being. (I might even swap my black summer tanks for some coral hues.) Here’s to happy homes and sunny days ahead!

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

Image by Teal Thomsen.

Top Summer Paint Trends for 2022

The outlook is bright: buttery yellow, sky blue, moody mauve, and classic crisp white remain favorites. Let’s explore what the designers foresee.

Paint Trend #1: Butter-Yellow

Avery Cox, founder of Avery Cox Design, shares her admiration for this hue, which serves as a neutral yet cheerful backdrop. She notes that butter-yellow pairs beautifully with bold colors like magenta, cobalt, and deep greens, especially in textiles and accessories. This shade radiates warmth and joy, offering a delightful alternative to traditional white.

Cox’s Favorite Butter-Yellow Paints:

Farrow’s Cream by Farrow and Ball

Melted Butter by Benjamin Moore

blue-walled bedroom

Image by Belathée Photography

Summer Paint Trend #2: Nature-Inspired Blues and Greens

As we continue to feel the effects of lockdown, Antoinette Arrington, founder of Haume, believes there’s a growing desire to infuse our interiors with colors that reflect the beauty of nature. She suggests vibrant blues reminiscent of a clear summer sky and soft greens inspired by the ocean.

Arrington’s Nature-Inspired Paint Selections:

Summer Friday by Clare

Headspace by Clare

*Honorable blue mention: Aleutian by Sherwin Williams, a standout choice from designer Amy Youngblood. She describes it as a bright yet subtle blue, perfect for summer.

Summer Paint Trend #3: Muted Purple

Why doesn’t purple get the attention it deserves? Anastasia Casey, founder of IDCO Studio, argues that this color, reminiscent of violets and grapes, is finally stepping into the limelight. “Once dismissed in design, purple has had a revival thanks to bold designers willing to take chances,” she states. “We’re seeing muted purple pop up in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.”

Casey’s Favorite Muted Purple Paints:

Wink by Clare

Evening Skyline by Benjamin Moore

Jordan Higa Hawaii home_summer paint trends 2022
Image by Jenny Sathngam.

Summer Paint Trend #4: Bronze Ochre

Imagine the deep bronze color as the sun sets over a meadow in late July. Jennifer Walter, owner of Folding Chair Design Co., predicts this rich hue will be popular this season. She recently used it in a mudroom, giving it an “English country” feel. This cozy bronze, described by Walter as akin to deep sunflower, gracefully envelops a room, capturing sunlight in just the right way.

Walter’s Bronze Paint Pick:

Antique Bronze by Benjamin Moore

Summer Paint Trend #5: Bright White

Sometimes, a touch of white is all you need to appreciate color. Karen Wolf, creative principal of Karen B Wolf Interiors, emphasizes the timeless appeal of a bright white. “Chantilly Lace is our go-to,” she explains. “It's a warm, crisp white with no undertones.”

Wolf’s Preferred White Paint:

Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore