Behr announces its 2024 Color of the Year, and designers predict that this trend-setting hue will be a favorite

Color of the Year season is well and truly upon us in the world of interior design, a time when we lean into the expertise of color specialists for their predictions on the shades that will dominate color trends in the coming months. Behr is the latest esteemed paint company to announce its forecast, confirming ‘Cracked Pepper’ as the hue to take pride of place as 2024’s Color of the Year. 

Cracked Pepper is described as a ‘versatile soft black’, designed to promote the comforting effects dark colors can evoke in the home, as well as its ability to make a sophisticated statement. ‘As we look into 2024, creating a sense of comfort and belonging will continue to drive design decisions – but now, as life returns to its more familiar rhythms, it’s time to allow our senses to come alive,’ says Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint Company.

The California paint company conducted research on dark paint colors, concluding that three-quarters of Americans would consider opting to paint a room a dark color. Although often applauded for its ability to bring warmth and coziness to a room, opting to decorate a room with a dark-colored palette can just as much create a loud statement for the more adventurous among us. 

‘We recognize the growing desire for using darker colors throughout spaces,' says Jodi Allen, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Behr Paint Company. ‘Adding a soft black like Cracked Pepper evokes a sense of confidence and individuality that we want all of our customers to feel after completing a project.’

Cracked Pepper has been carefully designed by color experts to respond to the uplift in the desire to go bold with color in the home, created for both interior designers and homeowners alike to elevate spaces and establish confidence whilst expressing individuality.

How To Use Cracked Pepper In Your Home

Praised for its versatile nature, Cracked Pepper can be used in a range of different spaces and across many interior design styles. ‘From heightening the aromas of a dining room to feeling the softness of a living area, Cracked Pepper enhances the natural expression in any space,’ explains Erika Woelfel.

Decorating all walls in a room with Cracked Pepper is guaranteed to make a statement and will aid in creating a cocoon-like feel, ideal for a spaces such as cozy living room ideas as pictured above. On the other hand, you can opt to use the shade more sparingly, perhaps as a feature wall in the bedroom balanced with neutral shades, or used as an accent color to bring a touch of sophistication. 

Either way, dark hues such as Cracked Pepper can elevate your home with a refined and elegant look for 2024, one that nods to the understated beauty of quiet luxury.

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