December 7, 2023
The 2024 colors of the year are here, and we’re already swooning for the stunning shades. Earthy, nature-inspired tones will be especially big, according to the color experts that release their predictions each fall. This year’s trend forecast features earth tones like terra-cotta and moody forestcore-inspired picks that include a rich deep green.
Whether you’re going for a breezy, coastal feel or more of a moody, sophisticated aesthetic, Minwax’s Bay Blue stain does it all. Ocean-inspired shades have risen in popularity lately—a trend that’s no doubt inspired by the coastal grandmother aesthetic that’s sweeping home design right now.
“Bay Blue is at the intersection of contemporary and classic,” said Sue Kim, director of color marketing for Minwax, in a press release. “This year’s color is meant to ignite the creativity of DIYers to think of bold and rich color stain options when planning their next home project. With Bay Blue available in both solid and semi-transparent wood stain opacities, the possibility to create custom looks is easily within reach.”
The versatile stain color looks at home on any wood surface in your home, from a breezy, coastal-inspired deck to built-in bookshelves in your home library.
Glidden’s color of the year is a warm, nearly-yellow neutral that can be paired with almost any color scheme. The color experts at Glidden call Limitless an “anything-but-yellow honey beige,” and say it was designed to blend with both warm and cool tones—though they’re embracing the warm-tone trend. “This modern neutral is as adaptable as its name implies and is taking the place of cool neutral tones that are so last year,” said Ashley McCollum, color expert for Glidden, in a press release.
If you’ve been thinking about gray paint for your next DIY project or room refresh, consider Limitless instead. “Warm neutrals are here to stay, replacing cool tones like gray in 2024 and beyond,” McCollum says. It’s versatile enough to be used on large surfaces, such as kitchen cabinets and walls, but McCollum suggests using it for smaller areas like baseboards and ceilings as well. Since the hue is both light and warm, it can make spaces feel larger, brighter, and more welcoming.
Glidden’s Color of the Year 2024 Is a Creamy, Champagne-Inspired Shade
Shades of blue proved popular in homes for the past few years, and the plucked-from-nature hue shows no signs of slowing down. Valspar’s pick for 2024 color of the year is Renew Blue (8003-37D) , a calming, meditative shade of soft sky blue.
“Renew Blue is an incredibly versatile and all-season shade that anyone can envision in their space. Inspired by fleeting elements like fog, mist, clouds, and glacier lakes, Renew Blue elevates the everyday mood, encourages self-expression, and evokes a feeling of balance and calm, with a twist of unique spontaneity,” said Sue Kim, Valspar director of color marketing, in a press release.
Utilize Renew Blue in a bathroom with coastal accents, like a jute runner or driftwood accessories, to create a seaside escape. Or pair it with bright white in the kitchen for a crisp, clean look with the perfect pop of color.
Valspar’s Color of the Year 2024 Is a Bright Yet Balanced Blue
Behr’s color of the year is Cracked Pepper (PPU18-1) , a deep almost-black charcoal hue. The moody shade adds sophistication to any space. “We recognize the growing desire for using darker colors throughout spaces,” said Jodi Allen, global chief marketing officer at Behr Paint Company, in a press release. “Adding a soft black like Cracked Pepper evokes a sense of confidence and individuality that we want all of our customers to feel after completing a project.”
Cracked Pepper is neutral enough to adapt to any design style, from midcentury modern to rustic farmhouse . It also plays well with a variety of textures. Pair it with plush furniture and a soft shag rug for a cozy gathering space, or incorporate metallic accents and exposed architectural elements for an industrial aesthetic .
“It truly feels very organic,” says Sarah Fishburne, The Home Depot’s director of trend and design. “And it feels like it definitely blends in with the landscapes and the plants. I think it’s like a really inky soil-y color, which is nice.”
Behr’s Color of the Year 2024 Proves that Black Is the Perfect Neutral
Cheery Persimmon (HGSW6339) is designed to bring lightness and energy to the gathering spaces of your home. It’s bright without being overwhelming, thanks to neutral, pastel-like undertones that provide a warm, welcoming feel.
“Persimmon balances the energy of tangerine with grounded neutral undertones, making it perfect for spaces like living rooms and kitchens as it promotes positive relationships and conversation,” said Ashley Banbury, Sherwin-Williams’ color marketing manager, in a press release. “The beautiful shade helps rejuvenate a space while bringing unique design visions to life.”
Along with Persimmon, the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams brand released a color collection featuring nine additional shades designed to be effortlessly mixed and matched. The collection includes happy citrus shades—like Persimmon and Friendly Yellow —along with soothing neutrals, such as Pearly White , Cyberspace , and Softer Tan .
“The Renewed Comfort Color Collection is restful and restorative with an expressive touch to showcase unique personal style—bringing a sense of comfort into the home with a new, refreshed outlook,” Banbury says.
The HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2024 Pick Brings Coziness to Life
Embrace the moody paint color trend with Ironside (422-7DB) by Dutch Boy. The deep olive shade is a grounding yet statement-making neutral that’s perfect for cozy lounge spaces—think bedrooms, dens, and living rooms. “We’re taking a comforting approach; embracing restoration and nature, while bringing harmony into the home,” said Dutch Boy’s senior brand manager Michelle Bangs in a press release.
The nature-inspired hue is part of the brand’s 2024 trend forecast , which is all about embracing relaxation, curating your individual style, and living in the moment. Suggested paint pairings include Sanded Grout , Whale’s Tail , and Strawberry Shade .
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