Color of the Year 2020

Happy New Year!

Now that we're finished singing about a blue Christmas, how do you feel about a blue new year? Sounds a bit silly but if it actually fits well. Blue seems to be the theme this year, so let's get started by checking out the biggest name in colors!

"Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

Imprinted in our psyches as a restful color, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the human spirit, offering refuge. " At least, that's what Pantone's website says.

This color is pretty close to basic blue and very attractive. It is also dark and can easily overwhelm a room. It's probably best to use this color as an accent instead of the main color, so it won't make you feel like you are living in an aquarium. It looks great when paired with pale grays or whites.

According to Sherwin-Williams, "Navy is coming out of its comfort zone with you. 2020 is an empowering year of change that focuses on bringing your best self into the new decade. The next 10 years pave the way for wellness of the mind, body and soul – a clean palette for self-nurturance."

Naval is a fantastic color and works well with the metallics that have been so popular lately. Sherwin-Williams plays that up by showcasing Art Deco influences, which I am a huge fan of. I personally love that style.

"This deep shade evokes a prominent sense of confidence that fuses timeless color with a fresh mix of natural materials and textures that bring navy blue into a new era."

Again, this is a dark color, meaning it is a little limiting. Many find it to be a good cocoon for a library. You curl up in your favorite chair and rest. It pairs well with white and pale neutrals as well as greens. Unlike Pantone's Classic Blue, Naval can work with warmer tones, as it often functions like a neutral itself.

"In a world where sleep is viewed as a luxury and the anxiety of a fast-paced world is all too real, it’s only fitting that the color trends for this upcoming year offer escapism in today’s technologically-driven society."

This is the last of our blues! Chinese Porcelain a lush color, with some teal undertones that the other two lack.

PPG "recommends pairing Chinese Porcelain with décor in warm saffron and turmeric tones, such as lush drapes or velvet pillows. The hue also pairs well with leather accents and dusty sand tones, for an attention-grabbing look."

And now for something completely different!

While blue does seem to be the main color this year, there are others that are worth looking at. Let's start with another big name: Benjamin Moore.

"A fresh palette. A revitalized spirit. A soft, rosy hue blooming with potential. Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2020, First Light 2102-70, is the backdrop for a bright new decade."

Pink has been popular for the last few years and it doesn't appear to be going anywhere. For those of you who love Scandinavian furniture and styles, this is the color for you. You can pair it with whites and natural wood for a refreshing look or pair it with mid-century modern furniture for a more structured look.

"Dunn-Edwards® 2020 Color of the Year, Minty Fresh, captures the enthusiasm and optimism of a new decade. As we stand at the portal of a new era, infinite potential lies ahead. It’s invigorating, exciting — Minty Fresh!"

This is another color that works well with mid-century modern or Scandinavian designs. The minty aqua tones work well with weathered wood tones and would make a fantastic accent with a lot of different colors. Although Dunn-Edwards shows it paired with dark colors, I would caution you to be careful. It might become unbalanced and look overly bright.

It seems to me that this color is going to be very popular in the next few years. It is a soft green that works for both exterior and interior use, as the main color and as an accent. It also looks very refreshing with all the whites and grays that have been popular lately.

And, honestly, I think Behr said it best:

"As we enter the next decade, we strive for vibrancy in life and shape it how we choose. As nature’s favorite color, Back to Nature is a restorative and revitalizing green hue that engages the senses and pairs well with other colors both inside and outside your home."

So, what were your favorite colors? Are you excited by the dark blues? Intrigued by the pastel pink and mint green? Let me know by leaving a comment! And don't forget to share!