A fresh start is exactly what we need this year – and major paint companies are delivering. The design world and homeowners alike look forward to the announcement of the annual “It” colors, and Pantone, Behr, Benjamin Moore, and other leaders have made their selections. Let’s take a look at 2021 Colors of the Year. 

2021 Color of the Year

Pantone is generally regarded as the authority when it comes to color; their Color of the Year is the Color of the Year. For 2021, they have chosen two: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. The first is a lovely neutral, solid and practical for any number of applications. The second is bright and sunny; the yellow color is meant to convey optimism and resilience. We all could use a healthy dose of that right about now!

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says, “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.” Ultimate Gray and Illuminating complement each other flawlessly; the Pantone message is equally beautiful.

Looking for Another Color of the Year 

While Pantone’s Color of the Year announcement is arguably the most eagerly anticipated, other top brands scour the globe, take inspiration from nature, watch the world fashion scene, and land on shades they feel capture the essence of 2021 – or at least the 2021 we aspire to have!  

Some shades to inspire you: 

“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.”

Behr: Canyon Dusk

Behr’s Color of the Year is a terra-cotta tone that’s rich and warm. It is meant to evoke the calm, reassuring feeling when the sun dips below the horizon. Calling it “illuminating” and “free-spirited,” Canyon Dusk evokes our “collective need for these moments of comfort and inspiration in the days ahead.”

How to use it: pair the earthy neutral with creams, whites, and other nature-inspired hues. Or contrast it with jewel tones (e.g. dark and navy blue, emerald) or black accents.

Glidden: Aqua Fiesta

Aqua Fiesta is Glidden’s first accent color of the year; while perhaps overwhelming for all-over color, the bright aquamarine delivers a fresh pop of color on accent walls, doors, molding, and trim. And, of course, in a neutral room, adding Aqua Fiesta accessories is an easy and effective way to embrace the bold!

How to use it: again, try Aqua Fiesta on your millwork or as an accent wall. You can also pair it with a cool grey for maximum impact that is still calm and tranquil. We think it’s especially elegant in bathrooms (you get the spa right at home!).

Benjamin Moore: Aegean Teal

According to Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager, this “intriguing blue-green… creates natural harmony and invites us to take a moment to reflect and reset.” Aegean Teal is soft and soothing with grey undertones that give it a modern edge.

How to use it: Aegean Blue is calming, making it a great fit for bedrooms or your home office. Pair it with hues from Benjamin Moore’s 2021 color trends palette, which features deep earthy tones, scrumptious yellows, and creamy off-whites. Wood, stone, and brick elements really set off the color’s best attributes.

Sherwin-Williams: Urbane Bronze

Sherwin-Williams went bold with its 2021 Color of the Year pick. Urbane Bronze is a rich and saturated gray-brown neutral. It is warm and comforting. Director of color marketing Sue Wadden says, “Urbane Bronze encourages you to create a sanctuary space for mindful reflection and renewal.”

How to use it: Try Urbane Bronze as an all-over color or accent color. It also makes a sophisticated statement on built-ins, accent walls, and front doors. The hue looks fantastic with natural materials, such as stone and wood, as well as accents of leather, sheepskin or faux sheepskin, and aged metals.

Bringing Color into Your Home

Looking at endless paint samples can be overwhelming when you are trying to put the perfect finishing touches on your home. Why not embrace the excitement and sense of possibility instead? The great part of introducing Colors of the Year is that you can dip your toes in by focusing on accessories and accents. If you want all-over color, then you have a lot of freedom and choice when it comes to how and where.

The colors you invite into your home help create the inspirational atmosphere you want. When you work with G&G Custom Homes, you will have an experienced interior designer on your team.

Connect with G&G, and with your design expert, to discuss all of your needs, including color!

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