What Is the Most Popular Color in the World, and Why?

Everyone obviously has their own unique color preferences, especially when it comes to decorating. But have you ever wondered what the most popular color in the entire world is, across the board? According to a survey from MasterBrand Cabinets, which polled over 700 consumers, the most popular interior design colors for 2023 are:

• Blue and green — 61 percent 
• Gray and white — 44 percent
• Pink, terracotta, and beige — 20 percent

An additional survey by Dulux Paints, conducted more than a decade ago, also pointed to blue as the most-liked color, with 36 percent of people considering it their favorite. This same poll revealed that only 5 percent of participants favored yellow, making it the least popular color at the time.

There are plenty of potential reasons as to why blue is the top color choice (with green coming in at a close second), but some scientists believe that it may be explained by Ecological Valence Theory (EVT). According to EVT, people like or dislike specific colors based on their ecological associations. Blue, for example, conjures images of clear skies and pure water, both of which have positive connotations. 

Stephanie Pierce, MasterBrand Cabinets’ Director of Design and Trends, has also noticed an ongoing rise in soothing, natural interior shades. “Nature-inspired neutrals continue to grow in usage with green and blue hues taking center stage,” she says.

As of mid-2023, Pierce explains that more people have begun prioritizing authenticity in their design choices, gravitating toward natural-looking paints that play up their homes’ existing charm. “Colors that are losing popularity are the tones that were originally meant to mimic other things,” she says. “Stains that transform the natural beauty of wood with golden or red hues create a synthetic richness, whereas now we see homeowners valuing the more earthen browns or grays that are more realistic to organic aging.”

Interestingly, 60 percent of designers from the Sherwin-Williams and MasterBrand Cabinets survey predicted that white will take over homes for the next two years — particularly creamy whites with green, blue, and gray undertones.

“White and neutrally-toned off-whites still dominate the palette for many homes, creating a canvas for other colors to play off,” says Pierce. “In kitchens and bathrooms, it is really that blank canvas where we see people exploring with new introductions of light stains and versatile, neutral colors.”

What makes color trends come and go, though? According to Pierce, social, economic, and cultural shifts can majorly influence popular colors from year to year. “For instance, slowing down and creating balance has been a social trend we’ve seen this year,” she says. “Consumers are prioritizing well-being, self-care, and mental preservation, and a way to create control when the world is chaotic is to manage your home environment — including color.” 

That said, you don’t need to cover every square foot of your space in shades of blue (unless that’s your style, of course!). Decorate using whatever colors you love most, regardless of trends, or simply incorporate small touches of blue from room to room, like throw pillows or wall art.