Benjamin Moore Color of The Year 2021

Almost as much as Pantone, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year and corresponding Palette of the Year is always greatly anticipated. This year the colors in the Palette of the Year 2021 have a seriously cohesive feel.

Why these colors?

We’re told the palette was developed before covid arrived which is interesting. In many respects it seems a natural reaction to our current situation. I always advise, whether designing a palette for one room or for a whole house, to mix cool and warm colors with the goal of creating a sense of balance.  This year the palette is rooted in earth tones, though missing the freshness of greens. Instead, the palette is grounded in organic colors, heavy in the brown family. It feels very harmonious. Sequestered at home for much of the year the idea of being grounded makes sense. We’ve been holed up! The optimism of the yellows and fluidity of the teals round out the experience adding some emotional lightness. This palette literally reflects land, sea and air. It’s a complete environment. Isn’t that the epitome of what home should represent?

Back in December of  2019 I launched my 2020 color trend predictions and warm russets and cognac browns were at the heart of the palette. It seemed to be time to let go of the cool grays and icy whites and embrace the warm hug of earthy tones. The recent trend towards muted yellows in kitchen cabinets is keeping with this trend.

As the 2021 Palette of the Year was being announced, I was tucked away in my office working on a color palette for a client’s new home. I was oblivious to today’s announcements until I finished my work and sent my client her color chart. How amazing then to see Ben Moore’s palette almost identical to my own. How does that happen? I guess it’s just in the ozone. So enjoy! Mix those teals and aquas with cognac and deep brown. Add a tad of butter and a smidge of warm white and oilá you’ve got the 2021 palette of the year by Benjamin Moore.