By Mariel Middleton – Founder, m. ariana interiors / Stacey Middleton BHHS Fox & Roach – Newtown Square

Both nature and fashion work in cycles – though no two years are ever the same. Cycles evolve and update even as they return, familiar and yet new. Benjamin Moore’s 2023 Color of the Year Raspberry Blush harkens back to the Tuscan terracotta earth tones of the 90s, the playful warm corals of the mid-00s, and a timeless nautical salmon, now turning up the volume on this classic for a joyous modern feel.

This truly dynamic near-red shade has a healthy dose of coral-pink and orange undertones for an instant dose of warmth in any room. But don’t let the professional photography lighting fool you: Raspberry Blush interacts with natural light throughout the day to a perhaps surprisingly neutral effect most often, with mid-morning rays, afternoon direct sunlight and evening ambient lighting each bringing out different shades of terracotta, dusty rose and warm beige beneath the initially vibrant hue.

Still, if you’re not ready to paint your whole home in a monochromatic bright coral red right away, there are lots of lower-commitment and renter-friendly ways to embrace the 2023 Benjamin Moore Color of the Year Raspberry Blush: 

Painted accents go a long way. See how much a painted ceiling warms up an otherwise neutral space and how the color works with mid-century modern medium brown wood tones and gold accents for a very rich environment. Using Raspberry Blush in a matte finish is also a great way to tone down the saturation on this bright hue for use as more of a neutral tone in your color palette.

Small room makeovers are a great way to feel a big difference with the least effort. Update your bath towels, shower curtain and bathmat for a completely new bathroom vibe.

Smaller accents in the same color family, like a ceramic vase, woven coasters and placemats, or an ornate pink glassware set, can be among the easiest ways to bring new color to any space.

Larger accents that bring in tastes of the Raspberry Blush color family, like a patterned rug, can help tie in many smaller accents within a space. Alternatively, go for a bolder look with a monochromatic terracotta rug and balance it with color-saturated textiles that explore the variation within the hue, like a color-blocked throw blanket or assorted throw pillows in varying shades of orange, red and coral. Or, lean into the more muted jewel-toned range of the Raspberry Blush color scale for a sophisticated aesthetic focused on textured neutrals. Try an earthy bedroom update this year by matching monochromatic sheets and a duvet cover for a trendy bedroom refresh. Make sure to include different textures, materials and patterns within a space when celebrating a single color to really nail a top-to-bottom look.

Stacey Middleton is an advertiser with Springfield Neighbors as Realtor, with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Fox & Roach in Newtown Square. Phone: 610-353-6200, Email: [email protected],
Website: www.staceymiddleton.foxroach.com