Spring 2018's Trending Colors + How to Use Them

Whether you're drawn to bold and bright or soft and subtle, there's a color for everyone in this forecast.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Photo By: Flynnside Out Prodcutions

2018's Hottest Hues

Color impacts your mood, how you perceive space and believe it or not, whether your house sells quickly. Of course, your go-to colors will always be a bit subjective, but experts do a ton of research every year to determine which hues we'll be seeing the most. Here are their top picks.

Exotic Reds

It's a fresh take on red. This shade is cheerful and energizing. Opt for a few well-placed accessories or a statement piece, like a corner chair or cabinet, to energize a space with neutral walls and furniture.

Toned-Down Orange

Versatility is what orange is all about. A toned-down shade works with just about anything. Pair it with ivory, taupe and brown for an earthy bohemian vibe, or go with bright whites and grays for a more modern feel.

Happy Yellow

It's a color that can be tough to get just right, but this year anything goes. You'll see many shades of yellow, from soft and buttery to dark and dramatic in home decor. But we can't get enough of this happy shade; it's light, bright and perfect for rugs, bedding and accessories.

Perky Peach

Peach was a popular color back in the '80s and it's about to be big once again. This hue is likely to be considered a "new neutral" because it's soft, subtle and pairs well with other colors. It also casts a warm, flattering light on skin tones, so it's gorgeous on walls.

Sandstone Taupe

Flip the script when it comes to using this go-to neutral. Skip painting walls a warm taupe and instead opt for high-quality throw blankets, pillows and textural accessories in this earthy shade. Taupe accessories and linens work especially well in rooms with all-white or, conversely, super-dark walls.

Jade Green

Jewel tones add a vibrant energy to any space. Jade green is youthful and totally grown-up all at the same time. If your budget is limited, there are plenty of gorgeous new and vintage accessories in this well-traveled color. Or, you can go all in and use it on walls or furniture to make a real statement.

Eucalyptus

This green is soothing and sophisticated with just enough black undertones to feel a little dramatic, especially when paired with crisp, white moldings or furniture.

Pale Aqua

Soothing, watery blue walls or accessories have a way of making a room feel clean, fresh and calm. This cool shade is ideal for more personal spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms.

Energized Blues

Blue is having a moment and we get why — it's a color everyone seems to like. A perky blue, like the one pictured here, works well in spaces where everyone is feeling lively or focused, like a living room, dining room, kitchen or office. Layer a variety of blue into a space with a patterned rug, curtains and tabletop accessories for an extra cozy look.

Dusty Lavender

It's purple's time to shine, but if you prefer a more neutral color palette, a grayed-down lavender will probably be more your speed. A little earthy, this warm tone doesn't feel overly feminine.

(Ultra) Violet

Pantone's 2018 Color of the Year is Ultra Violet and it definitely packs a punch. It's confident and provocative, but it may not be for everyone. If you aren't ready to go all-in on this rich shade of purple, opt for a few pretty accessories like pillows, bookends or a soft throw blanket in this adventurous hue.