Color of the year 2023: AkzoNobel rewards nature and life

Wild Wonder, a shade inspired by the warm tones of harvests, is AkzoNobel's 2023 color of the year. Its lively glow puts us in touch with nature, creating a sense of energy and positivity.

Today, people seek support, connection, inspiration and balance in the world, and to find it they immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. In-depth research, conducted by a team of paint and interior trim color experts and international design professionals, has found that hope is at the heart of social, design and consumer trends globally.

“Wild Wonder speaks to us in a language we instinctively understand,” says Heleen van Gent, Creative Director of AkzoNobel's Global Aesthetic Center. "Nature is what inspires us and makes us feel better in our lives and in our homes. That's why, for the first time in 20 years, our entire color palette is inspired by the rhythms of nature."

Four decorative color palettes have been designed around Wild Wonder: Lush Colors (forest tones), Buzz Colors (bright meadow colors), Raw Colors (harvest tones) and Flow Colors (sea tones). For all those who personalize their homes and urban environments, the palettes simplify the choice of colors to give a timeless and trendy look.

“Our research is also valuable to industrial customers looking for the perfect finish,” says Michael Friede, Chief Commercial Officer of Performance Coatings. "We develop market-specific offerings based on color and material research and market analysis. I'm especially excited to share this story of bold, natural colors with our customers. It's what we're about: People. Planet. Paint."

Color of the Year is the spark of inspiration that ignites a long-term design partnership with industrial coatings customers. The trending colors, textures and special effects are designed for the aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, metal furniture, lighting, cabinetry, flooring, building products and architectural markets, as well as decorative paints.

Using innovative digital tools like the AkzoNobel Design app, coating experts and customers collaborate to create the best finish for their products.

The year 2023 represents two important milestones for the Global Aesthetic Center. Its ColourFutures trend forecasts will celebrate its 20th anniversary as the team reaches three decades of trend analysis, color research, color design and art direction at AkzoNobel.