Greetings, color aficionados worldwide!

Here is part two to a post I wrote last month regarding 2020 color trends as discussed on a real estate panel of which I was a part.

My part in the discussion was to highlight key 2020 color trends in the real estate and construction development world. After pouring over no less than 25 articles and pieces of literature on the topic, and factoring in the Benjamin Moore 2020 color palette, here is what I concluded:

Before we pick color, we must understand consumer mood and mindset. As Mary Cook was quoted in BD Magazine, “There are five fundamentals to consider before even considering aesthetics of design (color and materials): psychographics, sustainability, wellness, community, and authenticity.”

I agree with Mary on this one, so let’s explore the mood of home and property buyers in 2020.

1. The kitchen has become the family room. This absolutely addresses the cross-generational need for community and a sense of connectivity to family. People have become too isolated and lonely, as sadly scores of statistics tell us, so there is this re-emphasis on togetherness.

2. While open floor plans are still popular, one “zen den” is desired as a place apart from the rest of the home, and designed as a place of unplugging from all else.

3. Tapping into the desire for wellness and rest, master suites are larger and expanding, allowing room for homeowners to create a calming, spa-like atmosphere for themselves.

4. The yearning to connect with nature is drawing home buyers to bring elements of greenery and natural furniture pieces into the home. Gena Kirk of KB Home out of Los Angeles, California, stated in an article that, “this trend is essentially extending the great room into the backyard.”

5. The size of homes overall is decreasing, and homeowners are remaining in their homes for 13 years on average, 5 years longer than what we saw in 2010. This means that renovations are commonplace. Homes need to feel warm and comforting.

6. 2020 design trends such as mixed metals, minimalism, wallpaper, furniture and surfaces in natural materials, and lighting all factor into how and where color is used.

Let’s talk color now……or at least let me give you a sneak peek into what I will discuss next Thursday!

We have a NEW NEUTRAL, and it’s not GRAY. We are going to see it on exterior doors, kitchen appliances in a matte finish, or even on stained floors. We are seeing BLACK as the new neutral, along with BEIGE!

Recently, a competitor of Benjamin Moore (NOTE: I only represent Benjamin Moore paint in my color work, BUT do absolutely take note of what other paint authorities have to say) polled interior design professionals, and 66% agree that this warm neutral, beige, is an on-trend pick.

GRAYS and OFF WHITES are still popular, but neutrals are beginning to take a different direction.

Where do you add pops of color when doing a build out, renovation or placing a home on the market?

Think EXTERIOR DOORS, POWDER ROOMS, KITCHEN CABINETS + ISLANDS.

Forget the ACCENT WALL concept for a minute. Go monochromatic in one room and PAINT ALL FOUR WALLS.

The two primary color categories I want to focus for the panel discussion are BLUES and GREENS, because there are many options.

Buyers are inspired by OCEANS and LANDSCAPE. You almost cannot go wrong using these colors.

Here are my top Benjamin Moore 2020 blue and green recommendations:

BLUES:

Benjamin Moore’s Windmill Wings 2067-60 (a light blue that leans toward periwinkle)

Benjamin Moore’s Blue Danube 2062-30 (an alternative to the commonly used Hale Navy, with a tad of green added)

BLUE-GREEN:

Benjamin Moore’s Buxton Blue HC-149

GREENS:

Benjamin Moore’s Crystalline AF-485 (a light, refreshing green perfect for powder rooms, laundry rooms, or bedrooms)

Benjamin Moore’s Cushing Green HC-125 (a soft olive hue)

Benjamin Moore’s Thunder AF-685 (a gray with a greenish cast, an excellent neutral)

I hope that this information has been helpful for you all. Please reach out to me with any questions on your residential or commercial projects

Coloring my way across the globe,

your color girl Lauren