Global coatings company PPG and several of its paint brands have announced their 2023 Color of the Year picks, featuring blue-green hues.
The company’s color experts, alongside its Glidden paint brand, introduced Vining Ivy (PPG1148-6) as this year’s “it” color. Like its botanical namesake, Vining Ivy intertwines bold blues and refined greens to create a teal that the company describes as being symbolic of deep water.
“Consumers are seeking to simplify in this post-COVID era, as the past two years have shed a new light on the importance of serenity and little moments,” said Ashley McCollum, Glidden color expert. “Vining Ivy embodies this vibe perfectly.
“It is energizing yet grounding, and it works in literally any space. Its versatility takes the guesswork out of design, leaving consumers with more time to indulge in the things that matter most to them.”
In a press release, color stylists predict that the adaptable color will be seen across both exterior and interior commercial and residential spaces, as well as in different styles and on various textures. As for recommended uses, the same experts suggested pairing the blue-green shade with deeper-toned woods and off-white trim. The color can also be easily accessorized with golden accents and bright white trim for a more “luxurious” feel.
“Those who love this trendy hue but are still feeling in-betweenish on how to bring it into their space can treat themselves to the understated elegance of a teal accent wall or serve up a statement by featuring Vining Ivy on their kitchen cabinetry,” McCollum said.
“Even the most modest spaces can benefit from the teal treatment. For those short on square footage but big on style, we recommend using this rich hue as a bold contrast to a neutral palette, making a petite room feel plush.”
Canadian Brand Picks
A couple of weeks later, PPG’s Canadian Sico and Dulux brands, also made their 2023 color pick announcements. Dulux joined PPG and Glidden in selecting Vining Ivy, while Sico has taken on a comparable, calming blue-green hue that reportedly represents Canadian consumers’ desire for stability in an uncertain world.
PPG describes Melt Water (6156-63) as “a grounded, refreshing teal that combines the healing powers of water and nature with balance and tranquility.”
The bluish-greenish tone intertwines bold blue hues with green undertones to create a color symbolic of deep water. The result of the combined colors creates a rich, trendy color well-suited for contemporary designs or a pop of color in traditional decor.
“On the other side of the pandemic, people are looking for a mental reset and want to infuse their homes with invigorating colors that help give them a boost as well as refuge in today’s unpredictable world,” said Martin Fuchs, PPG Senior Marketing Manager, Sico.
“Melt Water accomplishes just that with its energizing yet grounding vibe. It’s symbolic of a newfound outlook and works exceptionally well in any space – both interior and exterior.”
To incorporate the teal color in residential settings, Sico offered these tips:
-Paint Melt Water on all four walls, paired with deeper-toned woods and off-white trim;
-For a more luxurious feel, Melt Water can go glam when accessorized with golden accents and bright white trim;
-Enjoy the understated elegance of a teal accent wall or serve up a statement by featuring Melt Water on kitchen cabinetry;
-Even the most modest spaces can benefit from the teal treatment. If short on square footage but big on style, use this rich hue as a bold contrast to a neutral palette, making a petite room feel plush; and
-As an exterior, use a blue-green hue to punctuate a home’s personality, adding immediate curb appeal when featured on a front door.
The company went on to note that Melt Water would pair well with the brand’s Ancient Lava (6208-73), Boreal Forest (6167-83), Brown Tobacco (6189-52) and Faux Leather (6068-83) hues.
2023 Color Trends
In line with its color picks, PPG also announced a collection of three coordinating color palettes called “Reflection.”
“Design trends have always been a reflection of cultural movement. So much of what comes next is a direct mirroring of what transpired in the recent years and even the past decade,” wrote the company. “The driver of our 2023 forecast is the idea of reflection - reflecting on what matters to us most, our relationship to the planet and even the way we engage with others: Serenity, Origin, Duality.”
The compilation, made up of 45 hues, is organized into three unique color stories:
-Serenity: A gentle palette of milky pastels, watery tones and warm neutrals;
-Origin: Inspires a sense of wonder with a bio-palette curated with organic hues; and
-Duality: Combines bold and bright shades, clean pastels and strong neutrals.
PPG anticipates that Vining Ivy will shape the styling direction of industrial and consumer products. It is the second consecutive year that PPG selected a shade of green and the third in the past five years.
“We are seeing green on a broader range of product applications than ever before,” said Vanessa Peterson, PPG global color styling leader, Industrial Coatings. “We felt compelled to recognize its ongoing influence with the 2023 selection because it has infiltrated the market in such a strong and powerful way.”
