Every new year brings new resolutions, new planners, and in the last decade, the news of “the color of the year.” Paint brands have taken our desire for the latest trends to a new level, using the aesthetic zeitgeist of the moment to formulate a color which each predicts in a very PR-friendly fashion, what will be popping up in everything from our clothing to our homes. 

If you ignore the immense marketing opportunities these predictions provide to the industry, it’s still a fun and helpful way to stay in the know with where decor and style are heading. If you’re looking to upgrade to a new home, you might be looking at ways to enhance your resale value. Paint is one of the least costly improvements with one of the bigger returns on investment. Or if you’re looking to give your home a facelift for your own enjoyment, paint can feel like giving your environment an instant refresh. 

But with a vast array of color options at our fingertips, choosing the perfect paint shade can feel overwhelming. That’s where the latest trends can come in and provide inspiration and direction. 

So what do 2024’s top colors say about what we find attractive and even our psychological frame of mind? From calming neutrals to bold brights, the top colors of 2024 offer fascinating insights into the moods and aspirations we’re seeking in our homes.

Major Paint Brands: Serenity Reigns Supreme

Sherwin-Williams Upward (SW 6239)

Let the breeze blow through your hair and get swept away daydreaming in the clouds. Upward is a soft, serene color that embodies the velvety-richness of spring clouds (or at least how they’re imagined to feel).  Embracing a desire for peace and tranquility, Sherwin-Williams says this serene blue-gray shade will help folks achieve a greater sense of calm and clarity, making it perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere in any room. Upward’s versatility allows it to be used as a bold statement wall or a soothing backdrop, so you’ll have plenty of pretty possibilities for this moody shade.

Behr Cracked Pepper (PPU18-01)

Picking up on the “everything black” trend that sees walls, doors, window frames and hardware taking on this iconic hue, Behr’s choice is a soft black shade. This option goes beyond the starkness of traditional black, offering a versatile and timeless elegance. Use it for bold statements or subtle accents, seamlessly integrating with various design styles. Make a bold statement with a Cracked Pepper accent wall, perfect for a modern living room or a dramatic guest bath. Or elevate your kitchen cabinetry with it for a sophisticated and timeless look, particularly when combined with natural textures and materials like wood and stone for a warm and grounded feel.

Benjamin Moore Blue Nova (825)

Blue Nova (825) by Benjamin Moore is an elevated, sumptuous hue that bridges the gap between tranquility and intrigue. This captivating mid-tone color combines violet and blue to create a sophisticated and timeless atmosphere. Pair it with Benjamin Moore’s warm cream White Dove, or consider placing it with another pop of color, such as from their Color Trends of the Year Palette, including rusty Topaz and bright Honeybee.    

High-End Finesse: Farrow & Ball Sets the Mood

Sticking to their more bespoke approach to paint colors (the brand manufactures a limited number of 132 unique colors), Farrow & Ball doesn’t go all out on a marketing blitz with their color of the year. Instead, the English paintmaker enlists the help of their Colour Curator, Joa Studholme for an assessment of our collection color interest. The result: clay tones, which also happen to be available in the brand’s new ultra-matt Dead Flat®. 

These recommendations are the epitome of quiet luxury, with soft, muted tones which feel reminiscent of English country estates. Oxford Stone, Tanner’s Brown, and Stirabout are all natural hues which can feel at home in any style of decor. 

What the Colors Tell Us

The dominance of calming neutrals and nature-inspired hues in 2024’s top paint colors reflects a yearning for peace, comfort, and a connection to the outdoors after a period of uncertainty. Splashes of playful brights hint at a desire for optimism and joy, while the classic choices from Farrow & Ball show that luxury looks never go out of style. 

Choosing Your Perfect Palette

Ultimately, the best paint color for your home is the one that speaks to you. Consider the mood you want to create in each space, the amount of natural light, and how the color will interact with your existing furniture and decor. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Sample a few different shades on your walls before making a final decision.

So, what do your walls crave in 2024? Embrace the trends, explore the options, and let your chosen color palette reflect your unique personality and create a home that is both beautiful and a true reflection of your desires.

2025 Paint Color Predictions: Room by Room Refresh

While it’s still early for definitive pronouncements, based on current trends and designer insights, here are some predictions for popular paint colors in specific rooms for 2025:

Living Room:

• Celestial Inspiration: Look for a surge in cool blues and purples with a celestial vibe. Think “Future Dusk” by trend forecaster WGSN/Coloro, a deep blue-purple that evokes a sense of mystery and wonder. This would create a dramatic yet calming focal point in your living room.
• Earthy Elegance: Balance the cool tones with warm, earthy accents. Consider a terracotta-like shade with a touch of orange, similar to Sherwin-Williams’ “Cavern Clay” from a previous year. This would add a touch of grounded sophistication.

Kitchen:

• Playful Accents: Move beyond stark white kitchens. While white will likely remain popular, expect to see bolder accent walls or cabinets in playful yet sophisticated colors. Consider a muted emerald green or a soft, buttery yellow to add a touch of personality.
• Biophilic Connection: Nature-inspired hues continue to reign supreme. Incorporate a calming sage green like Behr’s “Biome” on an accent wall or on the lower cabinets to bring the outdoors in and create a sense of tranquility in your cooking space.

Bedroom:

• Restful Retreat: The bedroom is a haven for relaxation. In 2025, expect to see a rise in soft, calming neutrals like Farrow & Ball’s “Mole’s Breath” or Benjamin Moore’s “Intuition.” These colors will create a serene and sleep-conducive atmosphere.
• Luxurious Touch: For a touch of luxury, consider a deep jewel tone like a muted plum or a rich teal on an accent wall behind the bed. This will add a touch of drama and sophistication to your sleep sanctuary.

Bathroom:

• Spa-Like Serenity: Maintain the spa-like feel in your bathroom with calming blues and greens. A pale aqua or a soft seafoam green would create a sense of tranquility and evoke feelings of peace and rejuvenation.
• Earthy Warmth: Balance the cool tones with warm accents like terracotta or a light, rosy beige. This will add a touch of warmth and prevent the bathroom from feeling too sterile.

Home Office:

• Boosting Focus: Strike a balance between focus and creativity. A warm butter yellow like Benjamin Moore’s “Golden Straw” can stimulate the mind without being overly overwhelming.
• Serene Inspiration: Pair the warm yellow with an accent wall in a calming blue-green like Behr’s “Ocean Boulevard” to create a space that fosters both focus and tranquility, perfect for those brainstorming sessions.

Remember, these are just predictions! The best paint color for your home is ultimately the one that reflects your personal style and creates a space you love. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect hues to bring your vision to life!