There’s been a noticeable chill in the air in Sydney this week. Autumn is like that. One minute we're luxuriating on the beach, soaking up the sun’s rays, and the next we're frantically hunting down the heaters. Though the daytime temperature rarely drops to freezing, winters can feel brutal in our poorly-insulated homes and many of us count down the days to spring.

Have you thought about design choices that help you feel warmer? 

Fortunately, there are practical solutions for dealing with the cold, such as good heating and insulation. But have you thought about design choices to help you feel warmer?

Warm paint colours are a crucial element of 2023's top interior design trends

The colour palette you pick for your home has more influence over your moods than you think. Although some people view aesthetics as a relatively insignificant aspect to consider when designing their home - in comparison to the functionality that our busy lifestyles dictate - some of those smaller design decisions impact us more than we realise. Paint colours are a great example. Not only can this relatively small investment transform the dynamics of a space, but it helps create an ambience that suits the owner's personality and boosts their mood, without breaking the bank.

Warmer tones help keep you more snug through winter, and fortunately, this year, those earthy and moody paint colours are a crucial element of the top interior design trends.

Colour affects mood and human behaviour more than we think

There’s been some interesting research into colour psychology and the many ways colour affects human behaviour.

According to Very Well Mind, "Colours in the red area of the colour spectrum are known as warm colours and include red, orange, and yellow. These warm colours evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. Colours on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colours and include blue, purple, and green. These colours are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference."

The more peace I seek in my life, the pinker my home becomes

Colour has a profound effect on our mood, which is why the paint colours you pick for your home are so important. Mood-enhancing colours on our walls encourage positivity and productivity, and this year’s colour trends - which veer towards a brown, earthier palette - do just that. The colours don’t have to be deep or dark in shade – neutrals with warm tones are still the best option for selling and styling a property for the market – but, they should exude comfort and warmth. Interestingly, I've noticed that the more peace I seek in my life, the pinker my home becomes. 

So what are the best mood-boosting paint colours for your home and which interior design styles do they complement?

1. Greens – Despite its ghostly connotations, the soothing powers of the colour green make it a popular choice for interior design. The versatility of the colour means it works with a wide range of contrasting colours such as pinks, blues and neutrals, and our desire to feel closer to the natural world makes it on-trend. Mint, olive, and emerald greens are all popular choices, but we love French Gray by Farrow and Ball, the perfect tone to set off a Maximalist, vintage, or sustainable style.
2. Yellows and warm browns – No, we don't mean those sweet buttercup tones that were so popular in the eighties, but rather the sophisticated tobacco shades that work so well with globally inspired interior decoration, such as Japanese and Moroccan styles. We like Spiced Honey by Dulux.
3. Terracotta – Farrow and Ball’s Faded Terracotta, which they describe as an “easy-going shade”, is a soothing tone that is a great compromise for those people who are still a little scared of pink. “Earthy, natural pinks, somewhere between red, pink and brown, conjure up the warmth in any room and are reminiscent of late summer evening sunsets,” confirms Homes & Garden.
4. Reds and pinks – At the other end of the pink spectrum are the vibrant and hot pinks, such as Barbie pink, fuchsia and magenta, Pantone’s colour of the year. Florals are having a moment in interior design, and these shades make the perfect accent colours for woodwork, doors or built-ins, instantly adding depth to the size of any room. Grenadine by Haymes Paint is one of our favourites and the perfect accent for vintage, coastal and country-style interiors.
5. Lilac – This colour is as contentious as rising interest rates – you either love it or hate it. It has always been popular in my homeland of the UK because of its power to cultivate comfort, warmth, and a sense of calm. So much so, many designers think of lilac as a feminine alternative to grey and the colour’s popularity is finally catching on in Australia - beyond the scope of kids’ bedrooms. Calluna by Farrow and Ball is a soothing tone that works well with traditional, Boho, modern, and vintage styles.
6. Soft neutrals are another recommendation from Homes & Garden. Rich caramel tones can still be defined as neutral, but the magazine thinks they “Pack a strong punch that blends well with natural materials, as well as patterned fabrics, to create a calm and relaxing space.” They work well with minimalist, coastal, and classic styles.
7. Charcoal – When it comes to moodier shades, designers love using charcoal for kitchens, built-ins, woodwork, and even painted furniture. Charcoal contrasts beautifully with white which is why it makes such a statement, and it reflects the clean lines and practicality of Japanese and industrial styling. We predict we will see more of this colour in our homes in the future. We think Top Shot by British Paints is the perfect compliment to hot colours such as magenta.

“2023 will also see a resurgence of re-imagined neutral shades”

We’re not walking away completely from light greys and whites this year. Soft neutrals still have their place in terms of maximising light and space - which makes them a wise choice for properties going to market - but we are walking away from all-white schemes. Whites have evolved and Homes & Garden predict that “2023 will also see a resurgence of re-imagined neutral shades, with a focus on more grounding and warming colour palettes inspired by nature.”

For your best shot at selling quickly in this current, unpredictable market, there is no room for error. When you sell off-market with us, our Seller Assist service hooks you up with a fantastic team of experts. They know all the tricks of the trade - from the benefits of minor structural alterations to simple makeovers. A fresh coat of paint is a relatively inexpensive way to zhuzh up the presentation of your property, but it may just may elevate your buyers' first impressions to that crucial, emotional connection.