January Decorating Colors: Fresh Paint Ideas for Winter

January decorating colors are the perfect way to revitalize your home for the new year. Whether you lean toward rich, warm hues reminiscent of the holidays or prefer a pared-back palette that mirrors the fresh start of January, a splash of fresh paint can transform your space and set the tone for a stylish year ahead.

Whichever direction you lean, January is the ideal time to experiment with paint color trends. Updating your room’s hues can reinvigorate your space for the year ahead—whether you’re drawn to calming neutrals, rich jewel tones, or anything in between. To guide your journey, we’ve tapped into the expertise of interior designers who reveal the best colors to decorate with this January.

Blue: Crisp, Calm, and Versatile

Nothing captures the serene chill of January quite like shades of blue. This color evokes a sense of tranquility, perfect for setting the tone at the start of a new year.

Designer Vyanca Soto of Market Studio Interiors recommends muted blue tones, such as Hazy by Farrow & Ball. “This beautiful, soft blue with gray undertones mirrors the reflective mood of winter, symbolizing renewal and growth,” she shares. “It pairs effortlessly with winter whites, warm woods, and even subtle metallics.”

For those who crave more vibrancy, interior designer Kathy Kuo suggests saturated blues like cobalt or turquoise. “The coolness of blue reflects the weather, but brighter tones can inject much-needed energy into your home during these long, chilly months,” she says.

Red: A Bold Winter Statement

Red might evoke festive memories, but its warmth and drama make it a powerful choice for January. Perfect for enlivening dreary winter days, red can transform any space with its sophisticated charm.

“Red is timeless—it brings energy and warmth to a room,” says designer Nadia Watts. Her favorite shades include Benjamin Moore’s Cherry Wine and Dinner Party, both rich with earthy undertones that pair beautifully with neutral palettes.

Designer Alexis Warren also leans into red tones during January. “Reds with hints of brown or burgundy feel cozy yet cheerful,” she notes. Her top pick? Farrow & Ball’s Radicchio, a versatile hue that adds character without overwhelming a space.

Warm Neutrals: Inviting and Timeless

For a softer approach, warm neutrals provide a sense of calm and sophistication during winter. Think taupes, creamy whites, and beige tones that evoke warmth while maintaining elegance.

Jaclyn Isaac of Doni Douglas Design shares her love for taupe in January: “After the vibrancy of the holidays, muted neutrals help us transition into the quieter beauty of winter.” She suggests layering these tones with soft textures like plush throws and florals to hint at the promise of spring.

Designer Hannah Goldberg agrees, recommending creamy whites complemented by deep woods and luxurious fabrics. “Warm whites create a cocoon-like effect, especially when paired with velvet or leather accents,” she adds.

Cool Neutrals: Crisp and Modern

While warm tones exude coziness, cool neutrals like silvery grays or icy blues echo the crispness of January’s frosty mornings.

Elizabeth Bolognino recommends Benjamin Moore’s Sterling, a silvery gray-blue that works beautifully in well-lit spaces. “It’s fresh, airy, and perfect for south-facing rooms that bask in winter’s soft light,” she explains.

For a bolder statement, interior designer Sara Malek Barney suggests darker grays. “Deep grays capture the mood of the season while maintaining a modern edge,” she says.

Plum Tones: Rich and Comforting

Plum shades bridge the gap between festive warmth and winter coziness, making them a fantastic choice for January.

“In January, I love deep plums with earthy undertones,” says Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors. “They’re rich and grounding, a perfect antidote to post-holiday blues.”

Try Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal or Little Greene’s Adventurer for a timeless take on this hue. These colors transition seamlessly through the seasons while adding depth to your decor.

Winter Color Inspiration for a Lasting Impact

When choosing a new paint color for January, aim for hues that can evolve with your space throughout the year. Whether you opt for calming blues, bold reds, or cozy neutrals, select timeless shades that won’t feel out of sync as the seasons change.

Embrace the transformative power of color this winter and let your home reflect your style, personality, and the promise of a fresh start.