2022 Paint Color Ideas: Which Understated Neutrals Are Trending Now?

Even though we’re all about timeless paint colors for walls here at Hello Lovely, it’s smart to keep an eye on what is trending. After all, typically those hues homeowners choose at any even given time will parallel cultural patterns, values and consciousness. It does appear that soothing, earthy tones are still thriving. Let’s look at a few understated neutrals which are favorites of mine in Paint Color Ideas: Which Neutrals Are Trending in 2022?

Paint color ideas - Benjamin Moore color trends 2022 on Hello Lovely Studio. #paintcolors #2022paintcolors

Do PIN THIS POST to save for future reference and also to support this blog. 🙂

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Paint Color Ideas: Which Understated Neutrals Are Trending?

Benjamin Moore 2022 Color of the Year: October Mist 1495

Let’s start with the big announcement: COLOR OF THE YEAR IS: OCTOBER MIST!

October Mist 1495 - Benjamin Moore's 2022 color of the year - Hello Lovely. #octobermist #paintcolors #sagegreen #benjaminmoore
Benjamin Moore 2022 Color of the Year!

From Benjamin Moore: “Evocative of the stem of a flower, this gently shaded sage anchors and uplifts.”

October Mist 1495 - Benjamin Moore's 2022 color of the year - Hello Lovely. #octobermist #paintcolors #sagegreen #benjaminmoore

I’m dying to try it. I haven’t lived with sage green since 2004 when I painted our bedroom an earthy, slightly more gray than October Mist shade. I was ready to move on from it after a couple of years, but it was extremely calming.

October Mist 1495 - Benjamin Moore's 2022 color of the year - Hello Lovely. #octobermist #paintcolors #sagegreen #benjaminmoore

Another lovely color that made the 2022 list is…

Quiet Moments

Light blue bathroom vanity painted Quiet Moments (Benjamin Moore) - @evalarocqueinteriors. #quietmoments #paintcolors #vanity #bluebathroom
Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments on a bathroom vanity – Eva Larocque Interiors

We have looked closely at this hue RIGHT HERE.

Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments paint color swatch
Benjamin Moore QUIET MOMENTS

It reminds me of a Glidden color I used quite a bit in the early 2000s called Nurture. Is it too pastel for your space? The only way to know is to sample it and watch it through the day.

Need a pale blue paint color idea? Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments is a winner - come see on Hello Lovely. #paintcolors #lighblue #quietmoments
Pin me!

How many shades of khaki are there in the world of neutral paint colors? Too many to count, but I do like the name chosen for this one from the 2022 paint colors:

Natural Linen 966

Benjamin Moore Natural Linen 966 paint color (from the 2022 color collection) - Hello Lovely. #naturallinen #paintcolors

Sometimes a room needs a warm hug of a creamy stone/putty/linen, and it does look amazing with navy.

More Benjamin Moore Understated Neutral Colors to Try

The three paint colors above were my favs from the 2022 collection, and here’s a bunch from last year’s collection that are timelessly lovely:

Atrium White

Atrium White (Benjamin Moore) is a sophisticated off-white paint color for tranquil and timeless interiors. #Atriumwhite #benjaminmooreatriumwhite #paintcolors
In case you’re curious about 2022 Paint Colors: Which Understated Neutrals Are Trending Now?

Benjamin Moore’s Atrium White is a sophisticated off-white paint color for timeless and tranquil interiors.

Front door painted Atrium White (Benjamin Moore) for this gorgeous classic traditional home exterior. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #atriumwhite #paintcolors #frontdoor #benjaminmooreatriumwhite #paintcolors
BENJAMIN MOORE Atrium White on a front door – Studio-Mcgee

It’s funny, but I don’t see too many white doors in my neck of the woods…and you?

Benjamin Moore Atrium White paint color on walls of an elegant French country entry with staircase. #atriumwhite #benjaminmooreatriumwhite #paintcolors
Atrium White – BENJAMIN MOORE

Easiest way to see if a paint color will work? Order samples with Samplize and have them delivered straight to your door.

Warm creamy white bathroom painted Atrium White (Benjamin Moore). #paintcolors #whitepaintcolors #atriumwhite
In case you’re curious about 2021 Paint Colors: Which Understated Neutrals Are Trending Now via PropertyHomeDecor

Make sure you see THIS and THIS for more inspiring white paint color ideas!

Paint color ideas for 2021 from Benjamin Moore - try these colors in your own home! #paintcolors
In case you’re curious about 2022 Paint Colors: Which Understated Neutrals Are Trending Now?

Did you try any of these paint colors above that made the cut last year? I think it is better when the color doesn’t have a word like “gray” or “green” in the name because it can be so misleading. Gray cashmere looks green and atmospheric to me!

Gray Cashmere

Gray Cashmere (Benjamin Moore) paint color swatch. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #paintcolors #greypaints #benjaminmoorecashmeregray

I might call it “soothing cashmere” so as not to scare anyone away who thinks a grey color would be too cold or boring.

Soothing and tranquil Cashmere Gray (Benjamin Moore) paint color on walls of a designer kitchen - Heidi Piron
Heidi Piron – In case you’re curious about 2022 Paint Colors: Which Understated Neutrals Are Trending Now?

Foggy Morning

A touch of pink is so beautiful in white paint colors, and here you can see it as an undertone in Foggy Morning.

Foggy Morning (Benjamin Moore) neutral paint color swatch. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #paintcolors #warmwhite #benjaminmoorefoggymorning

Benjamin Moore describes Foggy Morning as: “Smoky, light, and delicate, foggy morning suggests an early morning walk through woods shrouded in a blanket of dew.”

Foggy Morning (Benjamin Moore) soothing neutral paint color in a coastal home with custom millwork - Brandon Architects. #benjaminmoorefoggymorning #foggymorning #paintcolors
BENJAMIN MOORE Foggy Morning – Brandon Architects
Foggy Morning (Benjamin Moore) soothing neutral paint color in a coastal home with custom millwork - Brandon Architects. #benjaminmoorefoggymorning #foggymorning #paintcolors
Paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE Foggy Morning – Brandon Architects

Score more grey paint color inspiration in THIS and also THIS.

Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year for 2021

Aegean Teal

Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal paint color - trending as color of the year for 2021. #paintcolors #tealpaint #benjaminmooreaegeanteal

Here’s a very atmospheric, European inspired blue-green with grey undertones. BM calls Aegean Teal 2136-40 an intriguing midtone that creates natural harmony.

Aegean Teal (Benjamin Moore) paint color of the year 2021. #ageanteal #benjaminmooreaegeanteal #paintcolors
BENJAMIN MOORE Aegean Teal – In case you’re curious about 2022 Paint Colors: Which Understated Neutrals Are Trending Now?
Aegean Teal (Benjamin Moore) paint color of the year 2021. #ageanteal #benjaminmooreaegeanteal #paintcolors
Paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE Aegean Teal…hello lovely teal paint indeed.
Aegean Teal (Benjamin Moore) paint color of the year 2021. #ageanteal #benjaminmooreaegeanteal #paintcolors
BENJAMIN MOORE Aegean Teal…in case you need an idea for a green paint color.
Aegean Teal (Benjamin Moore) paint color of the year 2021. #ageanteal #benjaminmooreaegeanteal #paintcolors
Paint color: BENJAMIN MOORE Aegean Teal…in case you love a blue-green.

2022 Sherwin Williams Color Collection

Sherwin-Williams picked ALEUTIAN as their color of the year. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Aleutian (Sherwin-Williams) 2022 paint color of the year - Hello Lovely Studio. #aleutian #swaleutian #bluegraypaintcolors

Curious about the rest of the picks for 2022? Keep reading!

Gorgeous Behr Colors to Try

Behr paint color trends for 2021 - try these gorgeous colors in your own home. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #paintcolors
Row 1: Smoky White|Almond Wisp|Seaside Villa|Row 2: Sierra|Cellini Gold|Canyon Dust|Row 3: Modern Mocha|Maple Glaze|Kalahari Sunset|Row 4: Saffron Strands|Barnwood Gray| Euphoric Magenta| Row 5: Wishful Green|Dayflower|Voyage| Row 6: Jojoba|Jacket Blue| Caribe| Row 7: Royal Orchard| Nocturne Blue| Broadway

Almond Wisp

Almond Wisp (Behr paint color) swatch. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #paintcolors #beigepaint #behralmondwisp
Buy a sample HERE…in case you’d like to try this beautiful beige.
Almond Wisp (Behr paint color) on the wall of a dining room with Scandi decor. #behralmondwisp #almondwisp #paintcolors
BEHR Almond Wisp…hello warm beige paint to try indeed.

Seaside Villa

Seaside Villa (Behr) pink paint color for a sophisticated, warm cozy pink. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #seasidevilla #behrseasidevilla #paintcolors #pinkpaint
Buy a sample HERE…hello lovely indeed.
Behr Seaside Villa warm blush pink paint color in an apartment bedroom - 5thfloorwalkup. #behrseasidevilla #seasidevilla #pinkpaints #paintcolors
5th Floor Walkup…in case you need inspiration for a neutral pink bedroom!
Behr Seaside Villa warm pink paint color in a bathroom with black vanity. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #behrseasidevilla #paintcolors
BEHR Seaside Villa…hello lovely subdued and calming pink indeed.

Broadway

Behr Broadway is a brown-black, urban sort of deep bronze paint color. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #behrbroadway #paintcolors
Buy a sample HERE…in case you’re ready to try this dramatic neutral.
Behr Broadway paint color in a dining room is a deep dark bronzy soft black-brown for a bit of drama for your walls. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #behrbroadway #paintcolors #blackpaints
BEHR Broadway in a dining room…in case you love a deep brown-black.
Behr Broadway paint color in a bedroom is a deep dark bronzy soft black-brown for a bit of drama for your walls. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #behrbroadway #paintcolors #blackpaints
Paint color in bedroom: BEHR Broadway
Behr Broadway paint color on kitchen cabinets is a deep dark bronzy soft black-brown for a bit of drama for your walls. #behrbroadway #paintcolors #blackpaints
BEHR Broadway

Sherwin-Williams Paint Color Ideas for 2022

Sherwin-Williams 2022 paint color collection - Hello Lovely. #paintcolors #2022paintcolors #trendingpaintcolors
Left to right: Row 1: Stone Isle, Emerging Taupe, Aleutian, Slate Tile, Alabaster; Row 2: Black Fox, Whole Wheat, Canvas Tan, Retreat, Perfect Greige

Alabaster

Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #sherwinwilliamsalabaster
SHERWIN WILLIAMS Alabaster
French country bedroom with Alabaster (Sherwin Williams) pain on walls. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home. #paintcolors #sherwinwilliamsalabaster #whitepaintcolors #bestwhitepaint
Brit Jones Design…hello charming indeed.
French country farmhouse bathroom with Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color on walls. Brit Jones Design. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home.
SW Alabaster in a bath by Brit Jones Design
Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue front door on a beautiful white (SW Alabaster) brick home - built by Michael Ladisic. #benjaminmoorewytheblue #paintcolors #frontdoor
White brick on exterior painted ALABASTER – Ladisic Fine Homes via Design Indulgence
French country farmhouse pale blue and white bedroom with Duck Egg blue barn door. Sherwin Williams Alabaster paint color on walls. Brit Jones Design. Discover inspiring understated neutrals to try in your own home.
SW Alabaster paint color in bedroom by Brit Jones Design

A Trending Green from 2021: SW Rosemary

Sherwin-Williams Rosemary green paint color swatch. #rosemary #swrosemary #paintcolors #greenpaint
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS Rosemary

Finding Lovely showed us just how chic and neutral Rosemary can live when it is mixed at 50% as she did for a son’s beautiful bedroom.

Rosemary (Sherwin-Williams paint color) on kitchen cabinets with brass hardware - Priscilla Braswell. #sherwinwilliamsrosemary #rosemary #paintcolors #greenpaintcolors
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS Rosemary – Priscilla Braswell
Rosemary (Sherwin-Williams paint color) on a front door. #rosemary #sherwinwilliamsrosemary #paintcolors #greenpaints

The French seem to know their way around understated, sophisticated neutrals best, and since we don’t often get tours of stylish suburban apartments outside of Paris, this one caught my attention. Let me know what you think!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
Follow:

10 Comments

  1. Carole
    January 3, 2021 / 12:55 pm

    Love this color post. I’m definitely a nature girl who likes variety. I want my home to be a place of harmony, and of excitement, as you go from room to room. Too many similar colors is too much for me, as is too much variety. I’m sure we each have a mix that is pleasing to our unique perspective and that’s what makes life interesting to me. I love going into a home with special touches, that shows me who the owner is. This post was a good example of that and the video was so much fun to watch. Thank you, Michele!

    • Michele
      Author
      January 3, 2021 / 7:23 pm

      Such great food for thought! I wonder if visitors to my home may think ‘where are the travel souvenirs and the personality?’ because there is such a lack of color and so much spareness and room to breathe. I also wonder if so much white space is a reflection of my love for mystery and my spirit of unknowing. Even when we think we have a plan in mind and even what we think of as ‘unfinished’ is bound to reveal so much about our inner lives. 🙂

      • Carole
        January 5, 2021 / 7:46 pm

        I don’t think they’d question the lack of souvenirs. LOL I think they would say, “Here’s a girl, who wants tranquility… and maybe has a love of mystery.” <3 Michele, I loved the Leia Sfez video. I watched it three times trying not to miss anything. Once with sound, once without sound and once without sound and with closed caption.

        • Michele
          Author
          January 5, 2021 / 8:50 pm

          Hahaha – you’re so kind to me. And you have excellent taste! 🙂

  2. Amy
    January 5, 2021 / 11:50 am

    Love the Rosemary green as green is my fave color! Also loved this video too…so many interesting ideas about fashion & decor! She & her daughter have inspired me to try & paint my own art! Haha! I love both their pieces displayed in their apt! Thx for finding & sharing such awesome videos! Also, I loved the one about the girl who loved ice and listened to the ice noises!! So cool!

    • Michele
      Author
      January 5, 2021 / 2:24 pm

      I was hoping this post would delight some lovers of green – I find that rosemary hue to be uplifting and energizing even though I don’t think I have any green ‘moments’ in my decor here. Fashion is so interesting right now that most of us are staying at home and at the very least are veiled behind masks. I think it’s an artful expression (as makeup is for me) where our moods can dictate what we throw on as much as the weather does. Creating your own art is so satisfying! Keep me posted on any masterpieces that may happen for you. 🙂

  3. holly Willson
    April 23, 2021 / 7:14 pm

    I loved the colors and pics and thought how can I use some of those colors. Unfortunately it is hard for me to visualize because I noticed all the pictures had white trim and my home has dark ornate old world trim, which I can’t bring myself to painting white. I also have original dark hardwood flooring throughout. I real liked the greens and wondered how that would look against the dark trim without making my home feel dark.

    • Michele
      Author
      April 23, 2021 / 8:54 pm

      I hear you! A couple of homes ago, I had oak trim throughout and wanted low contrast so I opted for a very warm white with yellow undertones. If you’re after contrast, a cool grey can be stunning with a warm wood tone – a very modern take for traditional woodwork. A green (like the rosemary color in the post) could be absolutely stunning with your wood trim! Such a natural combination, don’t you think? Just look outdoors and notice the trees! There are so many other factors that come into play as far as whether it will make the room too dark. Does the room receive lots of natural light? Is the room mostly used at night (i.e. for TV watching where a dim space is desirable)? The best way to get closer to the right color is by trying samples and noticing how the color changes throughout the day. Let me know if you have further questions – always happy to brainstorm with you.

  4. Gail
    January 4, 2022 / 2:18 pm

    We have B. Moore Atrium White on all our trim throughout the house. It looks good with every color wall and is just warm enough, so does not look sterile. Supposedly has some pink in it but I do not see that anywhere in our house. I am going to save this post…thanks so much for the great information!

    • Michele
      Author
      January 4, 2022 / 4:21 pm

      Thank YOU for letting us all know – you would be surprised how many folks read through comments to get ideas for paint colors! i will definitely be checking out Atrium White! 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing