2020 Paint Color Trends, According to Behr

written by

Christie Calucchia

updated Apr 22, 2021

Behr

New year, new paint color trends—and that phrase definitely holds true in 2020. Case in point, the renowned paint company Behr released its 2020 Color Trends palette, which is comprised of 15 unique shades of paint for design enthusiasts to embrace in 2020.

The 15 colors are broken down into three stories, dubbed Worldhood, Restore, and Atmospheric. Each story has its own color scheme informed by Behr's global color trend research. According to the findings, the year 2020 is defined by tones from oranges and pinks to blues and greens, in both warm and cool hues. The colors are meant to offer restorative balance to the interiors through the decorative medium.

"Each color in the 2020 Color Trends palette evokes an organic beauty that resonates with both modern and traditional commercial environments, from renovated industrial office spaces to hospitality venues," says Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr.

Meet the Expert

Erika Woelfel is the Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr. Woelfel is responsible for picking and naming paint colors.

While the hues are neutral enough for commercial spaces, they're also ideal for the home. "As residential and commercial trends continue to blend, this eclectic palette of balanced neutrals, earthy greens, lavish oranges, and more will offer professional designers and DIYers an opportunity," Woelfel adds, "to transform spaces into experiences that not only enhance the aesthetic of an environment but also impact how people feel."

Color Family: Balanced neutrals
Complementary Colors: Based on individual shades
Pairs Well With: Earthy, natural hues
Mood: Lavish, soft, inviting
Where to Use: Great for walls and trim, commercial and residential spaces

Here are the best paint colors for interior designers in 2020, according to Behr.

01 of 15

Rumba Orange

Behr

From bold shades of orange and yellow to warm pink and taupe hues, the Worldhood palette is all about creating inviting spaces. The first in the series, Rumba Orange brings out bright warm hues to make a statement in any room. Pair this vibrant color with eclectic décor, plenty of contrast with light and dark furniture, and a few accents with warm hues like the yellow throw pillow styled in this living room. A touch of greenery ties it all together for an inviting finish.

Behr Rumba Orange $24

02 of 15

Bubble Shell

The next paint color in the Worldhood palette brings out a lighter shade. Bubble Shell is Behr's soft pink masterpiece: A hue that invokes both vintage charm and modern elegance. Depending on the lighting in your room, this color can either reflect earthy clay-like hues or present as more of a dedicated pink. Style it with matching pink accents for a cohesive theme, or opt for contrasting décor in cooler colors to create a dynamic design.

Behr Bubble Shell $29

03 of 15

Cider Spice

Since the Worldhood palette is focused on warm earthy hues, Behr recommends that these paint colors be used in the hospitality industry (think restaurants and hotels). Of course, these bright earth tones could also bring a cozy, welcoming vibe to any home: And Cider Spice is an excellent example. This deep brown color with warm undertones evokes feelings of rustic wood and cabin-like vibes, but could also be designed with modern décor for a stylish take on its natural character.

Behr Cider Spice $28

04 of 15

Charismatic

Behr

Charismatic is one of the most eye-catching colors in the Worldhood palette, and for good reason. This golden yellow hue doesn't feel as overwhelming as a true bright yellow, which makes it perfect for those wanting a pop of color without drawing too much attention. Here, the vintage-inspired color is painted on an angle to contrast white walls, while a simple accent chair brings out its brighter undertones for a uniform design.

Behr Charismatic $32

05 of 15

Red Pepper

Red Pepper is certainly the darkest color in the Worldhood palette, but don't let its strong hues deter you from styling it in your space. This rich, deep reddish-brown shade is an excellent candidate for statement walls in those rooms that receive plenty of natural light. If your room is on the extra-dark side, on the other hand, Red Pepper is also a great shade for a dedicated space that embraces the dark with a committed design.

Behr Red Pepper $40

06 of 15

Secret Meadow

On the other end of the spectrum, the Restore palette is meant to promote restorative energy with cooler hues. The palette is comprised of blue and green colors that feel directly pulled from nature. Secret Meadow, the first in the series, falls somewhere between forest green and olive tones. If you're a fan of earthy, inviting homes with plenty of vibrant green that isn't too dark or too light, this shade is the perfect middle point for an outdoor-inspired theme that doesn't overwhelm the décor.

Behr Secret Meadow $42

07 of 15

Back to Nature

Behr picked these colors for the Restore palette, which are reminiscent of the earth and sky, in order to embody a peaceful experience wherever they're used. Back to Nature is the olive green shade of our dreams. Perfect for airy bedrooms, cozy kitchens, and beautifully styled living rooms alike, this shade is one of the more versatile colors in Behr's 2020 paint colors as it can work with plenty of various décor and lighting.

Behr Back to Nature $23

08 of 15

Light Drizzle

Behr

Since the Restore palette is all about feeling relaxed and refreshed, Behr suggests using these colors in healthcare and hospitality environments as well as the home. Similar to a hospitality setting, these shades can make any room in the home feel invigorating and calming at the same time. Light Drizzle is a soft blue hue that evokes feelings of sunshine on a cloudy day, making us feel both energized and at peace.

Behr Light Drizzle $44

09 of 15

Bluebird

Bluebird is one of the more vibrant tones in the Restore palette. This almost-periwinkle shade of blue resembles the sky itself (and of course, many of the spring birds that fly across it). Bluebird is a great candidate for bright kitchens and bathrooms, but can also be styled beautifully as a statement ceiling paint color in white living rooms or bedrooms.

Behr Bluebird $14

10 of 15

Dragonfly

Named for the unique, wondrous creatures that have become a design staple in many homes, Dragonfly is a blend of nature's green and blue hues. This shade in the Restore palette is an excellent color choice for a statement wall, exterior paint, or even refinished accent furniture. Style it with crisp white décor and natural wood furniture for an earthy-but-modern vibe in an airy home.

Behr Dragonfly $16

11 of 15

Dusty Lilac

A sophisticated palette, the Atmospheric color story combines pastels like lilac and light pink with neutral hues of white, gray, and charcoal for a contrasting collection of paint colors. First in the series is Dusty Lilac: An appropriately-named shade that brings out soft purple hues without being fully dedicated to the color. Dusty Lilac is a great choice for a fresh, airy bedroom or accents in bright white living rooms alike.

Behr Dusty Lilac $28

12 of 15

Creamy Mushroom

Behr

The team at Behr advises that the Atmospheric palette be used in multifamily or commercial spaces. These colors bring about feelings of warmth, family, and community, and are great choices for rooms in which people gather together. Creamy mushroom is one of the more neutral colors in their 2020 picks, evoking both elegance and an inviting vibe in any space.

Creamy Mushroom

Behr Creamy Mushroom $16

13 of 15

Painter's White

Painter's White is a classic color that can be hard to master, but Behr found the perfect undertones to make this style stand out among other white shades. With minimal drops of gray and warm hues, Painter's White can be used in virtually any room for a clean, fresh finish. This energizing color works well with both warm and cool décor, black-and-white themes, and natural accents like earthy hardwood floors.

Painter's White

Behr Painter's White $25

14 of 15

Battleship Gray

Behr predicts that people will enjoy the natural atmosphere created by the Atmospheric palette in both modern and traditional environments. If you're choosing a paint color in a neutral gray that doesn't steal the show in your space, Battleship Gray is an excellent option. With a vibrant tone that isn't too dark, this versatile shade can be styled with monochromatic themes, colorful décor, and as an accent color in all-white rooms.

Battleship Gray

Behr Battleship Gray $32

15 of 15

Graphic Charcoal

Perhaps the darkest color in Behr's 2020 picks, Graphic Charcoal is a statement-making dream. This classic shade blends elegance with modern for a bold finish, and can work in any room of the home. Graphic Charcoal is an especially great candidate for rooms with natural wood floors and plenty of greenery, but can also be styled with contemporary décor for a fresh vibe.

Graphic Charcoal

Behr Graphic Charcoal $37

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