Paint Trends Designers Are Excited to Try in 2021

Benjamin Moore Alaskan Husky

According to New York City designer Marilyn Sygrove, this hue is “perfect!” She explains, “it is a neutral, ‘non-color’ that is soothing on the eye—not white but can be used instead of white with white trim, which would make it pop and have a color.”

She says the hue is extremely versatile, too. “As a color it can read cool or warm, gray to green, and is calm to the eye and the colors around it. It can be a backdrop or the main stage.”

Not to mention, Sygrove finds the shade to be timeless. “It certainly is a classic that you will not tire of. I don’t think you can even pin it to a period in time, it is that perfect.”

And there’s plenty more to love about American Husky. For Sygrove, the shade brings about some pretty inspiring adjectives; she finds it to be elegant, confident, secure, and calm—essentially, “all of the words that can also describe a person who we would all like to know.” 

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black

For Richmond, Virginia-based designer Jamie Ivey, a deep black hue is the answer. “My paint mantra lately is ‘go bold,’” she says. “I would love to design a room where the walls, ceiling, trim, and doors are in all black, with no white ceiling!"

Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is a favorite because “the deep hue would envelop and surround you, and make the furnishings and decorative lighting really stand out.” 

Farrow and Ball Brinjal

There’s no need to shy away from purple hues! Long Island designer Danielle Chiprut describes how she is “a huge fan of jewel tones, and I am especially loving the idea of a deep, saturated plum or eggplant color. These rich, moody purple tones are so eye-catching and are having a major moment right now.”

Chiprut also finds such shades to be extra welcoming. She adds, “I love the warmth these hues bring to a space, creating the ultimate sense of coziness!”

Unsure how to work such a color into your home? Chiprut explains that there are plenty of possibilities. “I am dreaming of using this color on a built-in bookcase in a home office or library, but it can truly work in most rooms in your home.”

Valspar Dance of the Goddess

“It has the color of pearls with a touch of pink,” Michele Safra, a designer in NYC and Miami, explains. Safra appreciates how the shade is neutral yet features warm tones; not to mention, it’s also very versatile. “It is an excellent base that goes with anything, perfect for layering more colors and texture.” 

Farrow and Ball Green Smoke

According to Charlottesville, Virginia-based Casey Eves, deep green is having, and will continue to have, a major moment. Specifically, she enjoys using Farrow and Ball Green Smoke on walls and kitchen cabinets alike. “It’s a rich, earthy color that also has undertones muddy enough to almost become a neutral.”

Additionally, Eves says the shade is complementary to a variety of design styles. “I’ve used it in traditional, modern, and farmhouse-inspired homes.” 

Sherwin Williams Iron Ore

Designers Debbie Pratt and Megan Fornes of Dallas-based ML Interiors Group can’t get enough of this “‘earthy’ black with subtle brown undertones.”

Pratt explains that “it has an organic vibe which works in both traditional and contemporary spaces. The brown warms and softens the tone without losing the richness of the color.”

She also advises changing the color’s sheen based on the surface to which it is being applied. “Playing with high gloss and a satin next to the raw feel of a matte finish adds dimension and texture to the color itself.”

The designers add that they appreciate using the shade on both interior and exterior surfaces.

Dunn Edwards Gardenia

Santa Monica designer Sarah Barnard loves this “rich, warm white that pairs wonderfully with saturated earth tones like spruce green, iron ore, and dusty rose.”

Looking to the outdoors in your design scheme? This may be the hue for you. “Inspired by the beauty of natural blooms, Gardenia is an excellent neutral base layer for a nature-inspired home,” says Barnard.

And she explains it may bring about some added benefits, too. “Incorporating biophilic design principles can help make our homes healing places to work, learn, play and rest.” 

Farrow and Ball Tar and Citrona

Santa Cruz designer Michelle Lisac has been inspired by Kelly Wearstler’s collection for Farrow and Ball, specifically the two shades mentioned above.

“These colors are both outside of my usual wheelhouse, and it's always exciting to try something new that feels a little bit daring,” Lisac says.

She appreciates Tar’s moody elements and Citrona’s bright vibes. “I think after a year at home staring at our four walls everyone is probably ready for a change of scenery, and a new paint color might be just the ticket!”