Graham & Brown’s 2023 Wallpaper and Color of the Year Are Nostalgically Cozy

If the chaos of the past few years has taught us anything, it’s the value of creating a cozy home where you’re content spending plenty of time. 

British wallpaper giant Graham & Brown recognizes the appeal of home design rooted in comforting and timeless yet creative trends. It shows in their recently announced 2023 design and color of the year: Florenzia Dusk and Alizarin, respectively.

Described by Graham & Brown as “moody yet refreshingly warm,” Alizarin is an auburn red hue named after the pigment derived from the Rubia plant (which has historically been used as dye throughout the world). Selected as “a creative alternative to the gray and beige shades that have grown wearisome,” the brand’s designers recommend using it for a pop of color in smaller spaces or to provide opulent, earth-toned warmth in larger rooms.

The paint shade retails for $90, and is available in resistance durable matte emulsion, matte emulsion, interior eggshell, and gloss finishes.

Meanwhile, Florenzia Dusk reimagines classic floral wallpaper from Graham & Brown’s archives, with fresh colors ranging from dark navy to faded crimson.

“When creating our Design of the Year 2023 we really wanted to highlight the great value in bringing back the past, recycling and reworking old designs to continue their relevance and ensure that they continue to live on,” Graham & Brown Design Manager Maryanne Cartwright said in a press release. 

Cartwright continued: “The Florenzia design symbolizes the restoration of historical beauty and celebrating bringing new life and color into an artwork that has been carefully selected from our archives. The vibrant shots of color have upcycled this traditional archive piece and breathed new life into an inclusive, friendly and welcoming color palette.”

The Florenzia wallpaper sells for $150 per roll. Apart from Dusk, it’s also available in three other colorways:

• Botanico: Brightly tinted with vivid blues, reds, and yellows
• Nightshade: Layered with lilac and plum elements for depth
• Terrazzo: Rich background with brighter pops of color

Both Alizarin and Florenzia Dusk are included in Graham & Brown’s “flawsome” trend. Inspired by the Japanese concept of “wabi sabi” — where flaws are embraced as part of a grander design — the brand’s designers were inspired by incorporating perceived imperfections into reclaimed, refined new takes on classic home designs.