January is the perfect time to refresh your home with new colors. As the new year begins, many people look for ways to revitalize their living spaces, and choosing the right colors can make a significant impact. Whether you prefer muted neutrals or bold, warm tones, there are plenty of options to consider. Interior designers have shared their favorite color choices for January, emphasizing the psychological and aesthetic benefits of each hue during the colder months.
Embracing Calming Blues
Blue is a color that feels very fitting for the winter months due to its calming quality. Cooler, muted shades of blue can evoke a sense of tranquility and reflection, making them ideal for a fresh start in the new year. Vyanca Soto from Market Studio Interiors recommends Hazy by Farrow & Ball, a blue with soft gray undertones that brings a calming and reflective mood to any space. This understated blue connects with nature, bringing freshness and tranquility indoors. The gray undertones enable it to pair well with winter whites, soft blues, and warm wood accents.
Interior designer Kathy Kuo agrees, noting that darker blues like cobalt, turquoise, or indigo can bring vibrancy to a room even during a long and chilly month, ensuring the space doesn’t feel cold or drab. By blending different shades of blue, homeowners can achieve a layered and dynamic look that remains soothing. Furthermore, Kuo mentions the versatility of blue when it comes to pairing with various textures and materials, such as velvet or linen, enabling an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere that can be both calming and stylish.
Adding Warmth with Red
Red may initially seem reminiscent of the holiday season, but it can be highly effective in adding warmth to a home in January. Designer Nadia Watts explains that red brings warmth and sophistication, making even the coldest gray days feel brighter. Red complements blues, purples, and greens well and can be used as an accent or a dominant color to transform a space. Watts highlights several red shades by Benjamin Moore, such as Cherry Wine, which has hints of brown and pink, making it versatile and compatible with various colors and finishes.
For those looking for a truer red shade, Patriot Red is recommended, while Dinner Party offers a red with brown and burgundy undertones, creating a rich and special ambiance. Alexis Warren, a Charlotte-based designer, also advocates for using red in January to add cheer, mentioning her fondness for Farrow & Ball’s Radicchio. Whether used on an accent wall, in upholstery, or within decorative accessories, red can infuse a room with energy and warmth, combating the often dreary winter days. The deep hues of red can create a cozy and inviting environment, perfect for gathering with family and friends during the colder months.
Cozying Up with Warm Neutrals
For those who prefer a more neutral palette, warm neutrals are an excellent choice for January. Designer Jaclyn Isaac from Doni Douglas Design speaks about taupe being her go-to shade for the winter season. A muted palette aligns with the icy landscape often seen in the northeast during January, and these colors can be used in small decor pieces to remind oneself of the coming warmth of spring. Adding accents in warm neutral shades, such as cushions, throws, or rugs, can enhance the comfort and coziness of a room.
Hannah Goldberg, founder and principal at Hannah Charlotte Interiors, emphasizes the benefits of warm white paints during colder months. Creamy, warm white paints, complemented with deep warm woods and textural materials like leather or velvet, can create a rich and cozy atmosphere. These colors provide an inviting feel and are perfect for wrapping rooms in warmth and light during the darker months of winter. By combining various tones of warm neutrals within a space, homeowners can achieve a sophisticated and harmonious look that works well with other colors and materials.
Freshening Up with Cool Neutrals
Cool neutrals also have their place in January decorating. Elizabeth Bolognino recommends Benjamin Moore’s Sterling, a silvery gray-blue, noting that it works well with winter light, making it a great choice for well-lit, south-facing rooms. Such colors contribute to a light and airy ambiance, perfect for kicking off the new year. Cool neutrals can create a serene and uncluttered space, ideal for fostering relaxation and peace during the winter months.
Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN prefers darker gray paints for January, which, despite their cold appearance, encapsulate the mood of the season perfectly. These colors can create a sophisticated and cohesive atmosphere within a room, providing a modern and sleek look that aligns with the crispness of January weather. Combining cool neutrals with warmer elements, such as wood tones or soft textiles, can add depth and warmth to a space, preventing it from feeling too stark or chilly.
Embracing Rich Plum Tones
January is an ideal time to rejuvenate your home with a fresh palette of colors. As the calendar flips to a new year, many people naturally feel inclined to update their living environments. The winter season provides a wonderful opportunity to consider how new colors can transform a space, creating both a visually appealing atmosphere and a cozy retreat from the cold. Whether you’re drawn to muted neutrals that offer a calm and soothing backdrop or you prefer bold, warm tones that add energy and vibrancy, there is a wide array of options available to suit your taste.
Interior designers have been sharing their top color picks for January, noting the psychological and aesthetic advantages of each shade. For instance, soft blues and greens can evoke tranquility and peace, perfect for a serene bedroom or bathroom. On the other hand, rich reds and oranges can bring warmth and excitement to communal spaces like the living room or kitchen. Regardless of your preference, injecting new colors into your home can provide a much-needed boost in both comfort and style during the chilly, darker months of winter.
