Color Trends Reveal Desire for Calm, Clean Home Interiors

Soothing hues and clean lines dominate home and color trends this year.

Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2020

April 7, 2020

This year’s home and color trends are veering in the direction of simplicity and calmness as consumers seek peace and sanctuary in their homes.

Nowhere is that more clear than in the annual “color of the year” selections by some of the leading color experts, where serenity and optimism were common themes.

With a new decade comes a revitalized spirit, says paint manufacturer Benjamin Moore, which chose the soft, rosy “First Light” as its Color of the Year alongside a palette of soothing-yet-modern hues “that combine optimism with understatement.” See more on their color selections here.

Benjamin Moore Color of the Year
Benjamin Moore First Light; image courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Sherwin-Williams made similar references in its Color of the Year selection, Naval SW 6244: “On the horizon between ocean and evening sky rests a color of infinite calmness,” the company says. “Naval is an empowering presence that evokes a sense of confidence. A serene shade with a hint of opulence, it works well with polished marble, gleaming metals, soft leather, and sophisticated patterns.” The paint company recommends pairing it with Tarnished Trumpet, Midday, and Kale Green, muted versions of bold taupe, gold, and evergreen, respectively. See Naval in action here.

Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2020
Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2020, Naval. Photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Pantone looked toward the sky for inspiration for its Color of the Year, as well, choosing Classic Blue, reminiscent of the sky at dusk. “Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era,” the company says. “Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge.”

Pantone color of the year 2020
Pantone Classic Blue; image courtesy of Pantone

Love this color? Here are seven home products of a similar hue.

Elsewhere, Houzz also expects to see more moody blues and grays in the kitchen, as well as warmer shades throughout the interior, such as coral and ocher, replacing more typical neutrals. One place they’re seeing go bold, however, is the laundry room, where a pop of color can add cheer to a space associated with a dreaded, mundane task.

The desire for calm carries into the bathroom: the most recent Houzz Bathroom Trends Study reveals a desire to declutter, while white vanities, white countertops, and white or gray floors and walls contribute to a spa-like feel.

In both the bath and the kitchen, according to Houzz’s latest kitchen trends survey, transitional, contemporary, and modern interior styles are most popular, reflecting cleaner lines than traditional decors. And clean, white cabinetry continues to be the most popular in the kitchen, with a strong lead over natural wood. Shaker-style cabinets also remained on top.

The New American Home 2020, Las Vegas
The New American Home 2020; photo: Jeff Davis Photography (c) 2020

Want to go a bit bigger and more opulent? The 2020 New American Home, a demonstration project built for the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, offers a look at the latest and trendiest features across its 6,400 square feet. Check out Products magazine’s seven ideas to steal from the house.

Feeling inspired? Now is the perfect time to begin your home design. Schedule a home investment study with Estes Builders today.

Header image: Sherwin-Williams’ 2020 Color of the Year, Naval. Image courtesy Sherwin-Williams.

CATEGORY: HOMESTYLE