These colors will reign in the year ahead.
By Loren Kessell
With an emphasis on homes as sanctuaries comes a greater desire for living healthy and wellness — and color is a big contributor to interior ambience. Cultivating nature-inspired spaces with biophilic design elements, natural light and calmness resulted in 2021’s color trends.
Forecasting experts and designers predicted that this year’s color palette will be all about restorative, earthy and deep hues (with a touch of brightness). Here are the colors that Behr, Benjamin Moore, Pantone and Sherwin Williams project will dominate design.
1. Feeling Blue and Going Green
Color affects moods, and both Behr and Benjamin Moore featured blue and green color families. Benjamin Moore named Aegean Teal 2136-40, a balanced and soothing hue, its Color of the Year for 2021. Behr’s Calm Zone color story includes Dayflower MQ3-54 and Jean Jacket Blue S510-4.
2. Neutralize It
Behr’s Casual Comfort color story includes earthy, inviting neutrals great for kitchens and living spaces. Shades such as the desert-brown Sierra N240-4 and light, airy Almond Wisp PPU5-12 stand out. Benjamin Moore’s Foggy Morning 2106-70, created to evoke the feeling of an early morning walk through the woods, and Muslin OC-12, a serene off-white, display the connection to the natural world.
3. Be Bold
Sometimes we need to flip our mood and raise energy levels. Adding pops of bright, invigorating color is another element of designing for wellness. Behr’s Euphoric Magenta M110-7, a rich and striking color, and Saffron Strands PPU6-02, a deep golden-yellow, deliver invigorating yet natural results. Benjamin Moore’s Rosy Peach 2089-20 is a reddish-pink blend that pairs well with neutral trim. Pantone also announced Illuminating 13-0647 as its Color of the Year for 2021. It’s a vibrant, sunny yellow evoking strength and positivity.
4. Dark and Moody
Bring it back to no-fuss with tried-and-true dark hues. Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette AF-655’s red undertones bring subtle warmth, while Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze features earthy sophistication. Behr’s Broadway PPU18-20 is described as “safe and resilient” and perfect for inviting comfort.
5. Going Gray
With the year still bringing uncertainty for many, reliability and dependability is something people crave. Pantone’s 17-5104 Ultimate Gray is a soothing color inspired by solid and everlasting natural elements. This color fosters steadiness and resilience, and it’s based on weathered pebbles on the beach.
