Behr's 2023 Color of the Year, Blank Canvas, Is True to Its Name—It's the Ultimate Backdrop for a Fresh Start
Courtesy of Behr
When the clock strikes midnight on January 1, the feeling of renewal—and the anticipation of a fresh start—sets in. That's exactly the sentiment Behr, the award-winning paint company, decided to encapsulate when selecting their 2023 color of the year, Blank Canvas. The neutral, off-white shade is the ultimate backdrop: It provides us with a clean, fresh background that inspires us to make it our own.
"Blank Canvas effortlessly offers a clean and inviting blank slate that allows individuality and creativity to flow freely," said Erika Woelfel, the vice president of color and creative services at Behr, in a statement. "This white easily harmonizes with a wide range of hues, including neutrals, earth tones, and pastels for a charming and cozy appeal."
The neutral also pairs well with bolder, splashier shades that have "dramatic impact," noted Woelfel—and when it's juxtaposed against bright green or cobalt blue, you'll feel an instant mood boost. That being said, Blank Canvas, is—at its core—a harbinger of calm: "As we look to 2023, we understand that comfort will still be a driving force behind design decisions and style statements," Woelfel said.
Courtesy of Behr
During their color of the year selection process, the Behr team conducted research by asking homeowners what the seek most in their spaces and found that the majority wanted to construct a personal oasis: Nearly 92% of their study's participants wanted a place to unwind in, and 90% were seeking an escape from daily stresses. When asked which color would create that vibe, most participants named white: across the board, nearly 75% percent of participants noted that the shade made them feel relaxed, calmed, renewed, and focused.
So, what makes this off-white paint different from the rest of the pack? It comes down to its fail-proof versatility. "White paint colors are [also] our top-sellers at Behr. With so many options to choose from, we wanted to spotlight the one that we believe is most versatile, and truly the perfect shade of white for any project," said Jodi Allen, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Behr. "In addition to inspiring renewal, positivity, and a sense of calm, Blank Canvas always makes a design-forward statement, whether you're a homeowner working on a DIY living space or a professional painter seeking your go-to white to use on countless projects for years to come."
