Color influences how we feel. For example, greens and yellows are typically energizing. Right now, the color trend is more toward natural, calming colors with a slightly energizing feel. For PPG and Glidden, Vining Ivy, the 2023 Color the Year, fits that vibe perfectly. Described as a “beautifully robust and refined blue-green teal,” Vining Ivy is a blueish-green, saturated technological-themed blue toned down to earth with green.

The selection of Vining Ivy is unique, as this year’s selection was chosen both by PPG and Glidden’s color experts.

Ruthanne Hanlon, PPG’s lead color expert, noted that selecting the Color of the Year starts practically as soon as the previous year’s choice – in this case, Olive Sprig – is announced.

“What has been really interesting is that every stylist had the same story, regardless of what region they are from,” Hanlon observed. “It truly is a global forecast. With what we are seeing with the economy, political climate, and major natural disasters, the trend ended up being an antidote.

“Color and design are crossing segments faster than it ever has before,” Hanlon noted. “Our team of global stylists compiles this forecast. We go to all major trade shows in the industry, and determine how consumers are feeling.”

Interestingly, Hanlon noted that color selections among leading paint companies in recent years have all trended toward natural. Hanlon said that she was walking past a competitor’s display last year and, looking at their color of the year, wondered why they selected PPG’s Olive Sprig.

Ashley McCollum, Glidden color expert, observed that consumers are seeking to simplify in this post-COVID era, as the past two years have shed a new light on the importance of serenity and little moments.

“Vining Ivy embodies this vibe perfectly,” McCollum added in announcing the selection. “It is energizing yet grounding, and it works in literally any space. Its versatility takes the guesswork out of design, leaving consumers with more time to indulge in the things that matter most to them.”

Glidden color stylists see Vining Ivy showing up across exterior and interior commercial and residential spaces, styles and textures, and its experts recommend using this blue-green shade as a wall color paired with deeper-toned woods and off-white trim. It can also add curb appeal when used as a front door color.

“Those who love this moody hue but are still feeling in-betweenish on how to bring it into their space can treat themselves to the understated elegance of a teal accent wall or serve up a statement by featuring Vining Ivy on their kitchen cabinetry,” McCollum said. “Even the most modest spaces can benefit from the teal treatment. For those short on square footage but big on style, we recommend using this rich hue as bold contrast to a neutral palette, making a petite room feel plush.”

Hanlon noted that people are tending to pare down, and are interested in the environment and the climate.

“Fear and anxiety are what we react to strongest and the antidote to that is nature. The interest in nature has never been higher, and we see a need to reconnect to nature,” added Hanlon.

Hanlon reported that PPGs’ three color stories center on Serenity, Origin and Duality. Serenity is more muted and peaceful; Origin features earth tones; while Duality is more colorful, and celebrates the juxtaposition of technology and how we react to it.

“Vining Ivy works well with all of them,” Hanlon said.

“Sometimes color discussions become heated, but this year everyone was very close,” Hanlon said. “We know that blue is calming and greens are restorative, Vining Ivy is a balanced combination of both and the perfect addition to update existing gray spaces. People are ready for something new. It’s human nature – you can’t be down year after year.”

Glidden Diamond is available exclusively at The Home Depot, and other Glidden brand products can be found at Home Depot locations the U.S., Walmart, independent retailer locations nationwide, Amazon.com, and Glidden.com.