Introducing color into your decor is one of the easiest ways to refresh, reinvigorate, and reimagine the possibilities of your home. As HGTV so aptly puts it, “Color forecasters are part designer, part sociologist, and part decorator.”

They travel the globe and scour their own backyards to determine which hues, tones, and shades will make an impact everywhere from exclusive runways to your hallways. What 2020 color trends will capture your imagination?

Singing the Blues

The announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year is always an eagerly anticipated event in the design world. For 2020, their color forecasters gave the honor to Classic Blue. Chosen for its tranquility and calm – both of which can be in short supply in today’s fast-paced word! – the shade reflects the need for stability and serenity as we “cross the threshold into a new era.”

Sherwin-Williams also went with a color that evokes a sense of soothing: Naval. The rich navy blue shade pairs perfectly with virtually any decor, from the subtle and understated to the flashy and ostentatious. Whether you give your kitchen a contemporary pop with Naval cabinetry or paint a living or bedroom and add a crisp white trim, this color exudes elegance, refinement, and calm.

PPG also went with a blue: Chinese Porcelain, they say, allows us to take a deep breath and savor our homes. It’s meant to instill calm and remind us to slow down a bit. Wise advice! We love Chinese Porcelain as an accent color and on interior and exterior doors.

New Neutrals

Whites, creams, browns, and greys have dominated as neutrals, but we’re starting to see a broader spectrum emerging. Benjamin Moore selected First Light (a soft pink) as a top 2020 color trend, while Valspar chose Bombay Pink (a dusky, velvety pink), and HGTV/Sherwin Williams went with Romance (a warm, pale shade that works perfectly with Naval and Classic Blue).

Sue Kim, Valspar Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams, says, “The palette of colors that is accepted as neutrals in the home has been expanded. We are looking to bring colorful neutrals into our home to add personality and elegance while remaining comfortable.”

As such, 2020 color trends are dominated by soothing, soft shades, such as the pinks we’ve mentioned. We also love Valspar’s collection, which includes neutrals, such as:

  • Winter Calm
  • Mint Whisper
  • Canyon Earth
  • Grey Brook
  • Tempered Sage
  • Secret Moss
  • Pale Powder
  • Desert Fortress

The theme with 2020’s neutrals is soft, tranquil, and subdued.

“The palette of colors that is accepted as neutrals in the home has been expanded. We are looking to bring colorful neutrals into our home to add personality and elegance while remaining comfortable.”

Back to Nature

Another driving force behind 2020 color trends is nature. Behr’s Worldhood palette, for example, features warm-toned, earthy colors with a decidedly rustic flair. These colors – from Red Pepper and Cider Spice to Rumba Orange – are at once exotic and welcoming. Behr’s Restore palette features a soothing mix of nature-inspired blues and greens, such as Secret Meadow, Light Drizzle, and Dragonfly.  

Not surprisingly, Behr’s 2020 Color of the Year is Back to Nature, a green inspired by fresh meadows, Erika Woelfel, VP of color and creative services, says, “Back to Nature encourages us to reengage with the natural world, which we know can have a real, positive impact on our wellbeing.” 

Welcome Home

In years past, bright, bold colors dominated (we’re looking at you, Pantone: Valiant Poppy was a show-stopper!). For 2020, there is a marked shift towards a more natural, neutral palette that is designed to sooth, calm, and settle the soul. Given the frenetic pace of our lives and of the modern world, this does lend itself to creating an oasis of relaxation and quiet in your home. 

What’s Next?

Looking beyond 2020 color trends, Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Willians director of color marketing, says, “We’re predicting that the next decade in color is going to be bold.” Already, we’re seeing glimpses into Pantone’s palettes, which include lively shades, such as Boudoir Red, Red Maple, Grenadine, and Fuschia Purple. We expect to see more vivid, saturated colors in the years ahead. 

Staying on top of color trends is fun and exciting – and it can help inspire a fresh new look for your home. If you’re not sure what palette’s will help you achieve your design goals, ask an expert! G&G Custom Homes works with you throughout every step of your custom-building project, and our design services ensure each and every detail is ideally suited for your home and your lifestyle.  

This is your forever home and exploring color trends is another wonderful way to ensure its appeal is ageless! 

Have design dreams you want to bring to life? Let our design team walk with you through the process and help you accomplish those design goals.

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