Every 2020 Color of the Year Has This One Thing in Common

As we inch ever closer to the end of the 2020s, the world is infused with the anticipation of a bright new decade. The optimism that comes along with starting a fresh chapter doesn't just apply to making resolutions or promises to ourselves though, the design world feels that sense of hopefulness too.

So, when the design experts responsible for each paint brand's Color of the Year set out to make their 2020 choices, they were intent on picking shades that represented our collective enthusiasm about entering a new decade.

How does that enthusiasm translate into a color? The brands that have released their 2020 Colors of the Year so far believe it means people will gravitate to colors that promote happiness and relaxation at home, instead of going the neutral route.

"In the next 10 years, we’ll continue to move away from omnipresent neutrals and design will feel more personal again,” predicts Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams

"In the next 10 years, we’ll continue to move away from omnipresent neutrals and design will feel more personal again."

To get a better feel for what the roaring 2020s will have in store, check out the shades that have been crowned Color of the Year so far.

01 of 06

PPG Paints: Chinese Porcelain

“As we look to 2020, we know that color is the trend. Consumers are tiring of stark grays and are looking to infuse colors that delight the senses,” Dee Schlotter, Senior Color Manager, PPG Paints explains. “Blue is the easiest possible entry point from the world of neutrals to the world of color."

02 of 06

Dunn Edwards: Minty Fresh

"Minty Fresh—an invigorating, sweet, cool and aromatic hue—defines 2020, as a range of grounded, garden-inspired shades heralds the opportunity for a fresh start," explains the Dunn-Edwards team. "With this mint-infused pastel hue, we are upbeat as we take an optimistic approach to creating and controlling elements that are within our power."

03 of 06

HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams: Romance

"2020 is the year to create a glamorous home space, one that welcomes you in with open arms every time you walk through the door and continues to wow you," says Ashley Banbury, HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams Senior Color Designer. "Romance is a soft and dreamy blush hue that evokes serenity while simultaneously making a statement."

04 of 06

Behr: Back to Nature

Living room with green walls and gray sofa — Courtesy of Behr Paint

"This particular green is not too sharp, it's not too light, it's a perfect little sweet spot that I think resonates really well and translates really well into home," Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr explains. "It's a little bit warm, it's a little bit dusty, it's a great background, and it's a color you can layer with other greens like you see in nature."

05 of 06

Sherwin-Williams: Naval

kitchen with navy cabinets — Sherwin Williams

"As we enter a new decade, paint and design are moving in the direction of the mantra, 'do what makes you feel good.' As we researched trends across the globe—from fashion and pop culture, to lifestyle trends—the concept of self-care and wellbeing rose to the top," Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams explains. "This navy is striking and opulent yet calming. We looked to the stars and found our Color of the Year in the deep night sky."

06 of 06

Benjamin Moore: First Light

“We selected First Light 2102-70 as our Color of the Year 2020 to represent a new dawn of idealism, design, and living,” says Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore Director of Color Marketing and Development. "First Light 2102-70 reflects a new definition of the home—a shift in mindset from the material to satisfying the core needs in life: community, comfort, security, self-expression, authenticity and ultimately, optimism.”

2020 Interior Color Trends According to Designers