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2021 Paint Color Trends | The Best Predictions

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Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by lindseymahoney

Planning a home project and want your paint color to be on-trend? This is the perfect post for you!

I love following the paint and decor trends expected for the new year because it helps steer some of my design decisions for the year.

2021 paint color trends and round up of the Color of the Year picks!

I have compiled a list of the 2021 paint color trends from the major paint brands.

2021 paint color trends | Full recap of all paint brands color of the year | Building Bluebird

After a year like 2020, it is not surprising that many of the paint brands are focusing their themes on comfort.

If you want a good laugh, check out my color trends post from last year. The common theme was “starting fresh” with lots of earth tones to start the new decade.

Maybe they knew something we didn’t and decided to bring the outdoors in since we would be stuck in our homes all year!


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Behr | Modern Mocha

2021 Paint Color Trends - Modern Mocha by Behr | Building Bluebird #designtrends
Source | ispydiy.com

This year, Behr chose 21 colors trends to elevate your comfort zone. One of my favorite colors from their chosen palette is Modern Mocha.

Jenni from Ispydiy used this paint color in a bathroom and it looks incredible. She carried the color from the walls to the ceiling and the effect is so warm and cozy.

Sherwin Williams | Urbane Bronze

2021 Paint Color Trends - Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams | Building Bluebird #designtrends
Source | Vintage Revivals

For 2021, Sherwin Williams chose Urbane Bronze (SW 7048) as their color of the year.

This rich, moody hue brings a sense of tranquility and comfort into your home. It is rooted in nature and looks beautiful inside the home or on the exterior.

Mandi from Vintage Revivals used this color for two incredible home projects. She painted a DIY fluted wall with Urbane Bronze and used the same color to paint an IKEA Hemnes dresser.

Benjamin Moore | Aegean Teal

Benjamin Moore chose Aegean Teal (2136-40 ) as their color of the year and it is the perfect muted teal!

Similar to the other color trends, this hue offers comfort and a calming feel that allows you to reset for the new year.

Benjamin Moore also offered a color palette of 12 paint options that will be on-trend for the new year.

Farrow and Ball | Tanner’s Brown

Tanner’s Brown by Farrow and Ball is a strong dark brown that instantly creates a cozy atmosphere.

In well-lit spaces, this color looks like a warm brown due to the reddish undertones. In low lighting, this warm hue will read more black.

“In challenging times, we crave warm tones that will enrich our homes and create cosy sanctuaries away from the outside world.”

Joa – F&B Color Curator

HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams | Passionate

This bold, red hue, Passionate, is HGTV Homes’ color of the year.

This deep red works well for modern designs and in traditional-style homes.

Better Homes & Gardens highlights 20 design trends to expect in 2021 and this color can be used for many of those trends, including Classic Traditionalism and Warm Colors.

Graham & Brown | Epoch

Epoch is a luxurious, muddy purple, chosen by Graham and Brown as their color of the year.

I love this jewel-toned color and that it acts as a neutral on the walls when done right. It also adds a little bit of drama to any room when included in the design.

PPG | Transcend, Misty Aqua & Big Cypress

2021 Paint Color Trends - Big Cypress by PPG | Building Bluebird
Source | PPG

PPG chose three main colors to represent the paint colors of 2021.

2021 Paint Color Trends - Big Cypress by PPG | Building Bluebird
Source | PPG

In addition to the main colors, they also chose 2021 design trends with additional color palettes.

They continue the trend of earth tones to bring a sense of calm and reminders of sustainable living.

Pantone | Ultimate Gray & Illuminating

2021 Paint Color Trends - Illuminating and Ultimate Gray by Pantone | Building Bluebird #designtrends
Source | Pantone

I’ve got to be honest, I was a little surprised by their 2021 Color of the Year choices!

I love the sentiment behind it (strength and positivity), but I can’t help to imagine dated decor with this gray and yellow color combination. I do think it would look sharp with natural stone/concrete and a few pops of yellow decor.

 Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is one of strength and positivity. 


If you are planning to tackle a paint project this year, consider one of these 2021 paint trends.

Color is so powerful and can change the mood in an entire room if you get it right. I hope you found this compilation helpful!

I would love to hear what colors you chose in the comments below if you decide to paint this year!


7 Stunning creative spaces we adore this season - Daily Dream Decor

Monday 27th of September 2021

[…] Photo credit […]

lindseymahoney

Monday 27th of September 2021

Hi there! The image you shared is from ispydiy.com and is not my design. Please update this so the correct person gets credit for the beautiful design. :)

Vivian Hall

Thursday 28th of January 2021

This is such a brilliant idea that I will snag at some point I just love it and that colour trend is the cutest thing I ever saw

lindseymahoney

Thursday 28th of January 2021

I'm so glad you find it helpful! :)