From soft black to calming blues, these are the colors major paint brands expect to trend next year.
Many major paint brands have announced the colors they believe will dominate interior spaces in the coming year. But with so many paint predictions, it can be difficult to keep track of all of the colors that have been named so far—and discern them from last year’s popular shades. The trend forecast includes coastal-inspired blues and calming neutrals that are contrasted by moodier hues, such as black and olive green—a stark difference from 2023’s saturated, playful color palette.
If you’re ready to give your walls a refresh, we recommend turning to some of the shades that color experts believe will be big next year. To help you get inspired, we’re sharing all of the 2024 colors of the year that have been announced so far.
Behr: Cracked Pepper
If you’re ready to embrace a moodier, edgier color palette in your home, Behr Paint Company’s color of the year—Cracked Pepper—encourages homeowners to take the leap. The versatile soft black hue acts as a neutral, creating a grounding shade that trends away from classic white-and-cream colors.
“The moment now is about optimism, awakening the senses, and elevating how you feel—and a room with a soft black really checks the box on all of those things,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint. Cracked Pepper works with everything from dusty pastels and metallic accents to earthy shades and bold patterns and textures.
Sherwin-Williams: Upward
One of the biggest paint color trends to anticipate in the coming year is blue—a shade Sherwin-Williams believes will be big in 2024. The lauded paint brand chose Upward SW 6239—a blissful blue hue inspired by coastal aesthetics—as its color of the year.
“We knew lighter tones were going to be important in 2024 and 2025 and we wanted to forecast the shift from earthy neutrals to lighter expressions and a light blue like Upward SW 6239 told that story very well,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. The hue complements a variety of home design styles and looks great with antiques, modern furniture, transitional pieces, and even boho interiors, Wadden says.
Glidden: Limitless
Glidden by PPG’s color of the years rings true to its name–Limitless is a honey beige hue that has the power of a primary color with the essence of a neutral. “We are entering a new era of explosive creativity and change. Consumers are using color in even more unconventional ways than ever before and they need a palette that offers versatility to work with both new and existing decor,” says Ashley McCollum, PPG’s color expert for the Glidden brand. It’s the perfect way to bring color into your space without moving too far away from the neutrals many homeowners love.
Valspar: Renew Blue
Cool blues and greens have dominated interior spaces over the last few years and Valspar doesn’t see that trend fading any time soon. The brand chose Renew Blue—a soothing blue with green undertones—as its 2024 color of the year.
“Blue is a classic shade that has become the new neutral for today’s home and can be mixed and matched to fit a variety of design styles and applications,” said Sue Kim, Valspar’s director of color marketing. The color is saturated enough to stand as its own wall color, but it can also be used as an accent shade for woodwork, entryway doors, and cabinetry.
Minwax: Bay Blue
Breathe new life into the wood accents around your home with Bay Blue by Minwax. “Bay Blue is at the intersection of contemporary and classic,” said Sue Kim, director of color marketing for Minwax. “The 2024 Color of the Year is a rich shade that elevates and enhances the natural wood within our homes.” The shade—a perfect mix between blue and green—can transform traditional heirlooms into modern show pieces and is available in both solid and semi-transparent wood stain opacities.
C2: Thermal
Another shade of blue expected to dominate next year is C2’s Thermal. The refreshing shade is simultaneously calming and exciting, infusing interior spaces with the peacefulness of the great outdoors.
“C2 Thermal reminds us of a vast blue sky and the infinite array of blue hues nature offers to help restore and redefine our mood,” says Philippa Radon, interior designer and C2 Paint color specialist. “This bespoke pale yet punchy blue is poised for adventure and brimming with hope, evoking feelings of loyalty, trust, and confidence.”
Dutch Boy Paints: Ironside
Dutch Boy Paints chose Ironside as its 2024 color of the year. The deep olive hue serves as a moodier, cozier upgrade to the sage green shade that has defined paint trends over the last few years. Ironside is designed to create a space that is as elegant as it is welcoming.
“Creating a space for wellness should be a driving factor in everyday life,” said Ashley Banbury, NCIDQ and color marketing manager for Dutch Boy Paints. “That’s why taking a natural approach to healthy living and safe spaces is a pivotal part of the current landscape.”
Graham & Brown: Viridis
Graham & Brown’s color of the year, Viridis, is a complex yet versatile shade that adds depth to any space. The deep green hue can be used in small cozy spaces to create a calming effect or in larger rooms to transform the space into a sophisticated respite.
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