Two big paint color announcements were made at NeoCon 2019 in Chicago.
Behr Paint released its 2020 Color Trends palette, organizing 15 colors into three categories inspired by health, wellness and restoration. PPG paint brand unveiled its 2020 Color of the Year: Chinese Porcelain, a “cobalt, moody ink blue.”
Both brands draw on health for inspiring the colors selected.
Behr Paint 2020 Color Trends
To kick off NeoCon 2019 in Chicago, Behr Paint unveiled its 2020 Color Trends palette: “a balanced mix of grounding shades, energizing bright color, deep accent hues and atmospheric pastels,” according to a press release.
The new palette comprises 15 colors in three categories – Worldhood, Restore and Atmospheric – and was curated based on a global color trend research to inspire designers as they select color schemes for projects in the year ahead.
Worldhood: Colors in this category are ideal for the hospitality industry, as they offer depth and brightness and deepen the warmth of a space.
In a press release, Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint, says retail and hospitality environments are also ideal. “[People] will feel drawn to the rustic tones inspired by exotic travels that reflect natural rugged landscapes,” she says.
Colors included: Rumba Orange M230-7, Charismatic PPU6-14, Bubble Shell S160-3, Cider Spice S210-5 and Red Pepper PPU2-02.
Restore: The theme of this category is serenity. Colors aim to provide restorative qualities and balance. Specifically, blues and greens celebrate the outdoor environment.
“Blues and greens create a soothing sanctuary, which is why we recommend them for healthcare and hospitality environments,” Woelfel says.
Colors included: Secret Meadow S360-6, Back To Nature S340-4, Light Drizzle N480-1, Bluebird PPU15-12 and Dragonfly PPU12-03.
Atmospheric: These colors comprise subtle pastels and neutrals. Woelfel says it’s apt for both modern and traditional environments, making it an ideal choice for commercial spaces.
Colors included: Dusty Lilac N110-1, Creamy Mushroom PPU5-13, Painter’s White PPU18-08, Battleship Gray N360-4 and Graphic Charcoal N500-6.
“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,” Woelfel says.
The palette takes inspiration from “the desire to engage with the world around us and restore balance in our everyday lives,” as well as commercial designers creating spaces that are more connected to health and wellness.
PPG’s 2020 Color of the Year
The PPG paint brand has chosen Chinese Porcelain (PPG1160-6) as its 2020 Color of the Year. The color is described as a “cobalt, moody ink blue” that imparts calmness and restful sleep. The inspiration behind the choice involved today’s technology-driven world.
“The faster technology moves and the more convenience it offers, the more we seek activities, experiences and lifestyles that impart slowness and realness into our lives,” says Dee Schlotter, senior color manager for PPG, in a press release.
“The need for simplicity and escapism from technology is, in part, the reason that consumers are craving blues like Chinese Porcelain that bring us closer to natural elements such as the sea and sky – creating serenity in any space.”
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Schlotter added that consumers are tiring of grays and looking to infuse color that delight the senses. “Blue is the easiest possible entry point from the world of neutrals to the world of color,” she explains. She recommends pairing Chinese Porcelain with décor such as lush drapes, velvet pillows, leather accents and dusty sand tones.
