Gray's Out! A Guide to 2024 "Color of the Year"

The time has come for the highly anticipated Color of the Year Season. This annual event, known as COTY in the industry, involves the selection of a specific color that is deemed the "It" hue for the upcoming year by paint companies and trend forecasters.

With numerous brands participating, the range of colors is vast and diverse. Some companies have even opted out of the competition altogether, while others not only announce a COTY but also release entire trending palettes, making the process even more complex.

However, amidst the sea of competing shades, certain patterns emerge. For example, sage greens dominated the colorverse in the 2022 COTY cycle, while pink and berry shades took the spotlight this year. As we look ahead to the 2024 Color of the Year, the possibilities are endless, and we eagerly await the announcement of each winner. From captivating blue tints to moody shades and sun-kissed neutrals, here are the Colors of the Year for 2024 so far.

Viridis

Graham & Brown has chosen Viridis as its Color of the Year. This sage tone reflects the company's belief that green will continue to be a prominent color in the coming year. Described as a complex yet versatile hue, Viridis adds depth to any space and blurs the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors. With its warm undertones, it can function as a neutral and provide an innovative alternative to traditional interior schemes. Viridis perfectly complements Graham & Brown's pattern of the year, New Eden, a lush and hand-painted botanical wallpaper inspired by nature.

Limitless

Glidden has selected Limitless as its Color of the Year for 2024. This pale yellow shade, which deviates from the popular trends of the early 2000s, represents a resurgence of Y2K aesthetics. Glidden emphasizes the versatility of Limitless, whether used as a wall-to-wall paint, an accent color, or a way to enhance the curb appeal of a home with a Limitless-painted door. By choosing Limitless, Glidden declares that gray is officially outdated, making way for this modern and adaptable neutral.

Thermal

C2 Paint presents Thermal as its Color of the Year for 2024. This crisp and light blue shade is meant to evoke the natural world and remind us of the boundless blue sky. C2 Thermal has the unique ability to uplift and provide a sense of calm and tranquility, making it an ideal choice for interior spaces. Additionally, C2 Paint introduces two complementary colors to its forward-looking palette: Brulée, a honey-hued neutral, and Marshland, a deep and mysterious shade of green.

Cracked Pepper

Behr has made a bold choice with its 2024 Color of the Year, Cracked Pepper. Departing from the soft white of the previous year, Behr embraces this dusty black shade, which exudes confidence and sophistication. According to Behr, homeowners are increasingly embracing darker aesthetics to achieve a more elevated and designer look. Cracked Pepper, with its soft black tone, awakens the senses and offers a unique perspective on space compared to more traditional colors like blue, white, or tan.

Renew Blue

Valspar introduces Renew Blue as its 15th Color of the Year. This calming and oceanic hue reflects the renewed focus on finding balance and serenity amidst the challenges of the past year. Inspired by elements such as fog, mist, clouds, and glacier lakes, Renew Blue brings a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. As a classic shade, blue has become the new neutral in modern homes, adaptable to various design styles and applications.

Bay Blue

Minwax joins the Color of the Year race with Bay Blue, a soothing blue-green stain for timber surfaces. By enriching and accentuating the natural beauty of wood, Bay Blue creates memorable spaces within a home. This contemporary yet classic shade offers versatility and the opportunity to revitalize pine cabinets or other wooden elements in need of a fresh look.

Ironside

Dutch Boy Paints presents Ironside as its COTY for 2024. This deep olive green continues the trend toward darker shades, reminiscent of the soothing sage greens that dominated the color cycle in 2022. Ironside adds a sexy and moody twist to any space, making it an appealing choice for homeowners looking to experiment with a darker palette.

Persimmon

HGTV Home® by Sherwin-Williams selects Persimmon as its Color of the Year for 2024. This soft terra-cotta tone embodies the current trend and offers a balance between energy and grounded neutrality. Persimmon promotes positive relationships and conversations, making it suitable for living rooms and kitchens. It rejuvenates spaces and brings unique design visions to life, serving as an elevated neutral for those seeking alternatives to traditional whites, beiges, and creams.

The following are Color of the Year for 2024... so far!