“This has been a year of unpredictability and 2020 has significantly changed our relationship with home,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color at Behr. “When our color team began exploring a palette for the coming year, we knew it needed to be grounded in what we’ve been craving: comfort and personalization. A new, ‘elevated’ articulation of ‘comfort’ goes beyond traditional beige, gray, and green hues and embraces color in a way that can redefine and enhance any type of space inside or outside the home.”
Behr says color will play an increasing role in setting a mood for a space, creating a positive atmosphere, and providing a sense of well-being that ensures living and workspaces feel “pleasant, light, and productive.”
The 2021 Behr color palette is organized into six color themes: casual comfort, subtle focus, optimistic view, quiet haven, calm zone, and outdoor escape.
Here’s a breakdown of each theme, according to Behr:
• Casual comfort: Light and cozy neutrals that strive to offer an updated take on the casual farmhouse look (warm-toned hues like Almond Wisp and Sierra).
• Optimistic view: An eclectic mix of bright hues that allude to a Mediterranean or ’70s “glam” vibe (Saffron Strands or Kalahari Sunset).
• Subtle focus: Soft pastels that are inspired by modern versions of art deco design (Seaside Villa and Wishful Green).
• Calm zone: Nurturing blues and greens continue to trend in creating calm, restorative spaces (Jojoba and Voyage).
• Quiet haven: Darker, evocative colors are presented as fit for traditional and maximalist decor (Royal Orchard and Broadway).
• Outdoor escape: Behr says that any of its 2021 color picks also can be used for exterior spaces and in expanding a home’s livable space outside too (Barnwood Gray or Cellini Gold).
Source: Behr
