Photo courtesy of Benjamin-Moore
Behr is the latest to reveal its prediction for the 2021 color of the year. See which shades you can expect to see in the coming year from some of the biggest names in paint.
After all the turbulence of 2020, we're looking forward to a fresh start and ways to add color to our lives in the new year. Paint companies and color pros understand that. Each year, they single out a shade that perfectly captures the current moment in design, gathering insights from pop culture, fashion, architecture, and technology trends.
Their color predictions for 2021 are already rolling in. See the top shades we know so far, and check back to find out all the 2021 colors of the year as they're announced.
Canyon Dusk by Behr
Behr's pick for 2021 color of the year borrows inspiration from nature to deliver a warm, grounding feeling indoors. Canyon Dusk is a rich terra-cotta hue that reminds us of clay soil or the sky as the sun dips below the horizon. "There is something so reassuring about dusk, the moment just after sunset, which brings the promise of a new day," said Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr, in a press release. "The illuminating, free-spirited Canyon Dusk is a color that can be found in a variety of places, from an awe-inspiring desert landscape to the color of sunbaked clay. Wherever it is found, we share a collective need for these moments of comfort and inspiration in the days ahead."
The earthy neutral pairs well with creamy whites and other nature-inspired colors and textures. Create a relaxing bedroom or living room with Canyon Dusk walls, then accessorize with woven baskets, caned furniture, and houseplants to play up the organic feel. Or create striking contrast with black accents or jewel-tone colors like navy blue and emerald that balance the shade's warmth. Canyon Dusk looks gorgeous on walls, cabinetry, and even exterior applications like the front door.
Vintage Blue by Minwax
Wood stain brand Minwax selected Vintage Blue as its first-ever color of the year. An organic mix of blue and green with soft gray undertones, the color creates a soothing atmosphere and a nostalgic feel when applied to wood furniture, cabinetry, shelving, and decorative accents. "Vintage Blue connects us to the healing power of nature and a comforting nostalgic mood," says Sue Kim, color marketing manager for Minwax. "Like a moment of fresh air, Vintage Blue gets us started in the day with a renewed mindset. Plus, it pairs well with any style of room." Pair it with earthy neutrals, including warm white, amber, and charcoal, to bring out its vintage appeal, or layer in other shades of blue, such as navy or denim, to create a more modern, tone-on-tone look. Vintage Blue is currently available as a water-based wood stain in a semi-transparent or solid finish, as well as a penetrating oil-based stain.
Ultimate Gray and Illuminating by Pantone
The global authority on color put a surprising spin on its highly anticipated color of the year announcement: Pantone chose two contrasting shades as its top picks for 2021. Ultimate Gray, a practical and dependable neutral, and a sunny yellow called Illuminating combine to reflect a sense of resilience and optimism as we close out a difficult year.
"The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it's not about one color or one person, it's about more than one," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a press release. "The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude."
Perfect for painted walls or upholstered furniture, Ultimate Gray is a timeless neutral that provides a grounding foundation in interiors. Illuminating adds a dash of brightness and positivity when used on accent furniture, wall decor, accessories like pillows and throws, or even a front door. The high-contrast pairing creates an energetic look, but warm undertones tie the two colors together. It's an ideal combination as we look forward to brighter days ahead.
Satin Paprika by Rust-Oleum
Popular spray-paint brand Rust-Oleum named an earthy, spicy hue called Satin Paprika for its 2021 color of the year. Warm and cozy, the red color accompanies nine other trending shades the brand has selected for its Color Watch 2021. Satin Paprika anchors each of the three distinct palettes, which were curated to complement outdoor living spaces, modern boho aesthetics, and midcentury modern style. "We've been listening to DIYers and home decor enthusiasts who want color combinations that bring out feelings of well-being," said Grace Khoury, brand manager at Rust-Oleum, in a statement. "We're living in uncertain times and we all need a little peace. These collections are designed to evoke a sense of settled contentment." Try spraying a few coats of Satin Paprika on accent furniture, such as a lamp base or side table, or update wall decor to add a vibrant yet comforting feel to your space. The color pairs beautifully with other earth tones as well as brass and matte black finishes.
Aegean Teal by Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore selected a soft, soothing blue-green for its 2021 color of the year. Aegean Teal 2136-40 marries the tranquil nature of blue with green's association with wellness, while a gray undertone keeps the color modern. Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore, calls it "an intriguing blue-green that creates natural harmony and invites us to take a moment to reflect and reset." The color's calming qualities make it an excellent choice for bedrooms or home offices, and its casual elegance shines on kitchen cabinetry or built-ins.
Aegean Teal joins 11 other organic hues that comprise Benjamin Moore's 2021 color trends palette. The collection includes buttery yellows, creamy off-whites, and deep earthy hues that pair beautifully with Aegean Teal's cool undertones. To enhance the palette's warmth, Yeo suggests decorating with natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick for a balanced, textured look.
For a complete list of this year’s hottest colors, visit Better Homes & Garden.
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