Ana Maria Designs

View Original

The Purpose of Color in Your Life and Home

The year 2021 has dawned with a sense of hope and adventure. While many found comfort at home in the past year, they are ready to move forward with our collective "new normal.” Introducing new colors into your space is the perfect way to refresh your mental and emotional state.  

The Why of Color

Colors have long been associated with meaning and emotion. From idioms to branding, color choices sway our thoughts and feelings. When it comes to your home, colors set the tone for how you want that space to feel.  

Top Colors for 2021

 Each year, experts in color theory make their predictions for the shades we'll be seeing everywhere. Here are the top 10 picks from industry pros:  

1. Cerulean

Pantone forecasts this dusty sky blue will have people dreaming of fresh summer days. For those feeling cooped up, this hue might be the pick-me-up you need. When it comes to paint, Benjamin Moore suggests Aegean Teal for its "natural harmony" that "invites us to take a moment to reflect and reset." Similar choices from Behr are the calm and reassuring Dayflower and Jean Jacket Blue for timeless peacefulness.  

2. Leafy Green

From Coloro's Quiet Wave to Benjamin Moore's Great Barrington Green, these greens bring the outdoors in. This will add a rejuvenating and secure feeling to your space. Pepper Stem is another great option from Pantone's textile system.  

3. Coral

Coral continues to be a go-to color in design. This year's offerings range from the subtle Seaside Villa by Behr to the deeper Valspar's Arizona Dust. For a bold choice, look to Pantone's Blush Beauty.  

4. French Blue

A close relative of Cobalt, Pantone describes this color as "a stirring blue hue that awakens a vision of Paris in the springtime." While it might feel a bit too bold for your walls, consider it for accents in your decor.  

5. Marigold Yellow

Pantone went for a vibrant primary yellow for their 2021 color of the year. We'll likely see a bit more gold when it comes to interior design. Warm picks like Saffron Strands from Behr are the perfect balance of cheerfulness and nurturing.  

6. Rust

Going along with all the earth tones, think rustling autumn leaves. The warmth of colors like Satin Paprika from Rust-Oleum or Behr's Kalahari Sunset offers the perfect pop of color you've been craving.  

7. Ultimate Gray

Coined by Pantone as the end-all-be-all neutral, gray continues to be a dependable choice. Paint companies recommend either light tones like Granite Dust (Valspar) or the sultry shades of Broadway (Behr) and Silhouette (Benjamin Moore).  

8. Greige

Taking a grounding approach, this earthy neutral works its brown base well. DULUX named their version, Brave Ground, the color of 2021. We have to agree as similar shades have popped up on all the paint companies' lists.  

9. Raspberry

There are few colors more fun and vibrant than this bold choice. This is a color with personality meant to inspire and looks lovely in bedding and accent throws.  

10. Amethyst

Leaning into the ever-popular jewel-tones, this shade of purple blends elegance and femininity. Great for textiles, this color also makes a beautiful impact in Behr's Euphoric Magenta.  

If you need help deciding which of these colors are perfect for your space, don't hesitate to contact us!