Best Taupe Paint Colors for Exterior
From a Color Consultant

Taupe can be a tricky color to pin down. Some may appear pinkish or mauve while others are on the opposite end of the spectrum, sporting yellow, green, and occasionally even blue undertones. With all these colors in the mix, what makes up a true taupe? A textbook taupe is a gray-brown, as the term “taupe” originates from the French noun “taupe”, which transalates to “mole” (the animal, not the beauty mark). So, the orginal taupe matches the pelt of a french mole, handsome little fellows with deep sable roots and silvery gray highlights.

While the neutral gray in a taupe determines how much black and white neutralize and lighten it respectably, its brown side determines pigmentation that can either lean red or green. So where do blue and yellow factor in? Brown is made up of all three primary colors- red, blue, and yellow. A brown without a red tone can either have a warm green undertone comprised of more yellow than blue or a cool green undertone made up of more blue than yellow. Blue also tends to be the main component of most blacks. So, cooler taupes with more gray tend to have violet (cool gray+red brown) and cool green (cool gray+blue-green brown) undertones that make them appear mauve or cool gray-adjacent, while warmer taupes with more brown have olive (gray+yellow-green brown) or red (gray+ red brown) undertones that tinge them green or pink. With all this color chemistry, taupes are beautifully complex and intricate when mixed right and muddy if mixed wrong. Beware of too much yellow! The most popular exterior choice that stand the test of time, taupes read as refined and classic.

Benjamin Moore Shenandoah Taupe (AC-36)

Benjamin Moore Shenandoah Taupe (AC-36) is a light, warm taupe with an extremely subtle mauve undertone. On exteriors, its nearly neutral buff tones show prominently. It manages warmth without any of the green or yellow undertones that often accompany greiges, and is dark enough to appear beige-adjacent in full sun. It’s the perfect choice for those in the market for a creamy hue that’s a touch more complex than your run-of-the-mill beige. 

Top Left and Bottom Right: Cella Archeticture, New Tudor Revival Home Portland Oregon;  Bottom Left and Top Right: Home Bunch, 5 Easy Tips to Throwing a Backyard Party

Sherwin Williams Folkstone (SW 6005)

The deepest taupe on our list, Sherwin Williams Folkstone (SW 6005) is a near-gray shade with a violet undertone. Warm in terms of grays and cool in comparison to most taupes, it offers a complex neutral option reminiscent of river stones. Its warmth is derived from a red tone, so it’s totally free from the tinges of green that warm grays and greiges often have. Folkstone is a lovely choice for those attracted to dark gray exteriors who are looking for something just a bit more colorful and unique.

Top: Red Rock Finishes;  Bottom Left: Kerri Taylor via Pinterest;  Bottom Middle: Sherwin Williams via Facebook;  Bottom Right: Kind Home Design via Pinterest

Sherwin Williams Mink (SW 6004)

Sherwin Williams Mink (SW 6004) appears more violet than its darker, grayer sister color, Folkstone (SW 6005). It reads loud and clear as a taupe, and it’s perfect for those searching for an exterior version of the mauve-taupes you might see in a favorite eyeshadow palette. Like Folkstone, Mink teeters on the line between warm and cool; it’s warm in terms of grays and cool in terms of taupes, especially in shade. With its violet undertone, Mink creates a truly unique exterior while still being neutral enough to be tasteful. Left: Kylie M. Interiors, Sherwin Williams: 6 Best Dark Greige & Taupe Paint Colors;  Top Right: Barb Drummond via Pinterest;  Bottom Left: Sherwin Williams via Pinterest

Benjamin Moore Ashley Gray (HC-87)

Despite its name, like many so-called grays that stray too far from neutrality, Benjamin Moore Ashley Gray (HC-87) is more of a taupe than anything. Ashley Grey has just the slightest touch of red in its undertone- enough to warm it up a bit without causing it to appear at all pink, though if you squint and put it next to a hue with green undertones, you may see it lean just a fraction toward mauve. Like many good exterior taupes, it’s neutral enough to lean warm or cool depending on what colors it’s paired with. As a light mid-tone, Ashley Gray appears fresh and airy without looking too pale or washed out in bright exterior lighting. Left: Home Bunch via Pinterest;  Top Right: Houzz, Kirkland Traditional- Seattle- by RW Anderson Homes;  Bottom Right: EB-Color, 60-30-10 Rule

Benjamin Moore Fairview Taupe (HC-85)

Benjamin Moore Fairview Taupe (HC-85) is a dark, warm taupe with just a hint of green in its undertones. A true taupe that sits between a cool brown and a warm gray, it’s primarily neutral. It’s just dark enough to create a lovely midtone, appearing to be the exact halfway point between the shade of a light beige and a dark charcoal. Its subtle touch of green prevents any red in its undertones, eliminating the possibility of ever looking pink or mauve. It’s the perfect fit for anyone looking for a taupe that avoids these hues while still being free of the muddiness too much green or yellow can cause.All: Houzz

Benjamin Moore Copley Gray (HC-104)

Benjamin Moore Copley Gray (HC-104) is a cool mid-tone taupe with a green undertone. It hits the sweet spot between light and dark, making it the perfect shade for an exterior, especially when paired with a light trim. Light colors and classic white trim look fantastic with both colors and neutrals like Copley Gray that are true mid-tones, as they are just dark enough to provide a lovely contrast without the commitment of a bolder, deeper tone. With light olive undertones that shine through in cool, shady lighting, Copley Gray sits just a hair to the cool side of true neutral. In warm, sunny light, it displays creamy buff hues that translate into a perfect greige. Top Left: Hirshfields Color Club;  Bottom Left: Favorite Paint Colors Blog;  Top Right: West Magnolia Charm, 20 Amazing Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint Colors;  Bottom Right: Kelly Bernier Designs, Updated Exterior Grays

Benjamin Moore Pashmina (AF-100)

The lightest taupe on our list, Benjamin Moore Pashmina (AF-100) is the perfect choice for those looking for an exterior that’s just a little more exciting than a simple off-white. If light grays and beiges almost hit the mark, but seem just a touch too cool and warm respectively, Pashmina is an ideal compromise. With the lovely complexity of the taupe family, it is a balanced neutral that can appear more gray or more buff depending on lighting and surrounding colors. A perfect pairing for a light, dreamy neutral partner to colorful or deep hues, Pashmina also stands alone as an airy backdrop with tones that show through best against a bright true white. Top Left: Houzz via Pinterest;  Bottom Left: Samuel Marcus- Blog, Transitional Home Design;  Top Right: Home Bunch, Paint Color Ideas with Pictures;  Bottom Right: Maria Killam, The Shortcut to Testing Exterior Colour

Sherwin Williams Fawn Brindle (SW 7640)

Sherwin Williams Fawn Brindle (SW 7640) is a mid-tone taupe with subtle cool green undertones. It flirts with gray and ivory, resulting in a taupe that feels fresh with just the right amount of warmth. It sidesteps the chance of any hints of pink or mauve without looking at all yellowed or muddy thanks to the cool nature of its sneaky green undertone, which almost never shows through. Even in cool light, Fawn Brindle hardly appears green. A lovely neutral, it strikes a balance between light and dark that renders in a perfect exterior choice- bright but not too light. As a mid-tone, it’s able to provide a good visual contrast to truly light colors without ever appearing too dark itself.Top: Sherwin Williams, Exterior Color Inspiration- Body;  Bottom Left: Sherwin Williams, Classic Comfort;  Bottom Right: Home Bunch

Need an expert’s opinion?

Our color consultant can help you find the perfect shade. Contact us here or book your paint consultation today.

Choosing the perfect paint color is a weighty decision that will transform your home one way or another. The right choice will elevate your home in a flash, but the wrong color will be painful (and expensive) to reverse or live with. Before you call in the paint crew, make sure your choice is the right one! Consult with our team, and we will make sure you make this change with confidence.

If you’re local to Knoxville or our surrounding areas, we will come to you! We can also consult on your project virtually. Contact us here or give our office a call at 865-585-2945. We can’t wait to bring your vision to life!

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Top 10 Green Paint Colors
According to Rowan Hall's color consultant

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we believe that the right paint color can transform a space, imbuing it with personality, tranquility, and style. Among our top picks, green stands out for its versatility and calming effect. Here are our favorite Sherwin Williams green paint colors, each with its unique charm and character.

Sherwin Williams Rainwashed (SW 6211)

Sherwin Williams Rainwashed (SW 6211) is the more relaxed, neutral neighbor of a classic mint green. Cool undertones keep it fresh and airy, free from yellow tinges while still distinctive from more blue-greens. Clean and light, Rainwashed opens up a space without the harshness of a pastel, lending a sense of tranquility and sophistication. A favorite for bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, it brings to mind upscale spas and breezy coastal homes.

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204)

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204) is the perfect subdued sage green. Its subtle gray undertones neutralize the color and contribute to a tranquil feel. Tying with Rainwashed (SW 6211) as our top interior greens, Sea Salt is about as light and as saturated. However, Sea Salt is more of a true green than a mint, so it has fewer blue tones. As a result, Rainwashed often feels a bit fresher while Sea Salt is even more relaxed. The lightness of both lends any space an open, airy feel without the harshness or datedness of pastel options. Timeless and versatile, these calming hues fit right in next to true neutral color palettes, providing the same understated look with the bonus of a little extra color.

Sherwin Williams Magnetic Gray (SW 7058)

Sherwin Williams Magnetic Gray (SW 7058) straddles the line between gray and green thanks to its dominant blue-green undertones. An elegant mid-tone with perfectly balanced depth and neutrality, Magnetic Gray lends any space the tranquility of greens and the timeless versatility of grays in equal measure.

Sherwin Williams Silver Strand (SW 7057)

Sherwin Williams Silver Strand (SW 7057) is an airy, cool-toned green neutralized by light, silvery gray. Teetering on the border between neutrals and color, this hue is a deeply complex, versatile color that shifts beautifully with lighting and surrounding decor. Whether it appears more gray, green, or even blue, it strikes a balance between the three that brings out the best qualities of each. A swatch lighter than its sister Magnetic Gray (SW 7058), Silver Strand opens up any space and elevates it with both the sophistication of a neutral choice and the inherent beauty of color.

Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay (SW 6206)

Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay (SW 6206) is a light green with warm gray undertones. Two shades darker than its sister color Sea Salt (SW 6204) and one shade lighter than Retreat (SW 6207), Oyster Bay is just a bit lighter than a mid-tone and has the same olive green base pigmentation color all three share. Though the color is still cool overall, its earthy feel and buff undertones keep it out of green-blue territory without looking overly yellowed.

Sherwin Williams Acacia Haze (SW 9132)

Sherwin Williams Acacia Haze (SW 9132) is a mid-tone green with warm gray undertones. The shade later added between Oyster Bay (SW 6206) and Retreat (SW 6207), Acacia Haze offers a touch more pigmentation than the breezy light Oyster Bay without appearing full-on army green like Retreat. Sharing a color strip with the lightest option, Sea Salt (SW 6204), Acacia Haze has the same lovely olive-toned pigment as all its sister colors. This shade is the darkest the color goes without appearing as a true dark green, where the soft gray is still balanced with the amount of green pigment. It pairs fantastically with Sea Salt for a monochromatic look with just the right level of contrast.

Sherwin Williams Halcyon Green (SW 6213)

Sherwin Williams Halcyon Green (SW 6213) is a refreshing blue-green with just enough subtle gray undertones to soften it into a sophisticated cousin of brighter popular hues like mint and seafoam green. Two shades darker than its sister color Rainwashed (SW 6211), Halcyon Green is technically a mid-tone, though it appears a tad lighter than most due to the airy nature of the color.

Sherwin Williams Underseas (SW 6214)

Sherwin Williams Underseas (SW 6214) is a dark mid-tone blue-green with slate gray undertones. Just deep enough to be restful without being overly dark, Underseas presents a more grounded option of the same beautiful cool green pigment that colors its fresh, lighter sister colors, Rainwashed (SW 6211) and Halcyon Green (SW 6213).

Sherwin Williams Rookwood Blue Green (SW 2811)

Sherwin Williams Rookwood Blue Green (SW 2811) is a dark mid-tone blue-green with cool gray undertones. About as dark as Underseas (SW 6214), Rookwood Blue Green is a tad less blue. A member of the Exterior Preservation Palette, “a collection of authentic American colors taken from the archives of Sherwin Williams,” Rookwood Blue Green stands alone without any darker or lighter sister shades. For those in love and looking to create monochromatic schemes, don’t despair! Like all Sherwin Williams colors, Rookwood Blue Green can be mixed lighter or darker upon request at Sherwin Williams stores. Custom mixed colors can be tricky though, so be sure to test out sample sizes first!

Sherwin Williams Basil (SW 6194)

Sherwin Williams Basil (SW 6194) is a dark mid-tone green that, while still cooler than greens dominated by yellow undertones, is a true green rather than a blue-green. True to its name, basil manages the rich saturation of color plants showcase without looking overly bright or unnatural. It strikes the perfect balance between earthy and fresh!

Sherwin Williams Retreat (SW 6207)

Sherwin Williams Retreat (SW 6207) is the perfect mid-tone army green. Its strong earthy undertones make it behave like a warm neutral, all of which it pairs with divinely. It has just enough depth to provide the perfect amount of eye-pleasing contrast against off-whites and creams while still appearing relaxed and subdued.

Still seeing green? We can help!

Selecting the perfect paint color is just the beginning. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we provide comprehensive interior design services to help bring your vision to life. From selecting the right shades to complement your decor to creating a cohesive, stylish space, our expertise ensures a seamless and satisfying design experience. When searching for “interior design Knoxville TN,” look no further than Rowan Hall Interiors to transform your home with elegance and ease.

Contact us today to schedule a paint consultation and start your journey toward a beautifully designed home. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

The Art of Color
Why you need a paint color consultation

Color has a profound impact on our lives, influencing our emotions, perceptions, and even behavior. From the soothing hues of a serene blue to the vibrant energy of a sunny yellow, the colors we surround ourselves with can shape our moods and enhance our living spaces. Yet, selecting the perfect paint color for your home can be a daunting task—one that often requires more than just a trip to the hardware store. It can be difficult to visualize how a color will appear covering a large surface area with only a tiny swatch to go by! What about coordinating with other colors in the house and furnishings? And of course, there’s the challenge of picking a color in the first place with seemingly limitless options. This is where the invaluable service of a paint color consultation comes into play.

The Challenge of Choosing Colors

Walk into any paint store, and you’ll be greeted by rows upon rows of paint swatches, each boasting an array of colors and shades. While this abundance of choice may seem liberating at first, it can quickly become overwhelming. How do you navigate the sea of options to find the perfect color that complements your space and reflects your personality? On top of that, there’s the problem of relativity- colors appear different relative to their proportions and to the other colors surrounding them. Luckily it doesn’t take Einstein to figure out this theory of relativity; you need someone familiar with color theory. Artists and designers understand how colors will behave and interact with each other depending on conditions such as lighting and scale, so there’s no need to worry about the perfect swatch looking different on the wall.

The Benefits of a Paint Color Consultation

Expert Guidance:

A paint color consultant brings expertise and experience to the table. They understand the nuances of color theory, lighting, and design principles, allowing them to provide personalized recommendations tailored to your unique preferences and space. Our Color Specialist, Sylvia, studied color and design at MICA, one of the top art schools in the country, and spent a year putting her education into practice as a local muralist. She understands color and painting from a fine arts standpoint, which translates beautifully into creating compositions with color in designed spaces.

Color consultant, Sylvia, competing in Knoxville’s chalk walk

Visualizing Possibilities:

It can be challenging to imagine how a paint color will look once applied to your walls. Sylvia will come prepared with her trusty bag of samples, nicknamed Chet! Chet is filled with a myriad of visual aids, including fan decks that show all the possibilities side-by-side and extra large color swatches that accurately present how colors will appear over large areas. If you want to proceed a step further after the consultation, Sylvia can even create digital renderings or mood boards with Photoshop and send them directly to your email.

Maximizing Space:

The right paint color has the power to transform a room, making it appear larger, brighter, cleaner, or cozier depending on your goals. A consultant can help you choose colors that optimize the perceived size and ambiance of your space. Sylvia takes the value, saturation, and warmth of every color into consideration. Based on these elements, she understands what mood a color will evoke as well as how it will affect the perceived size and proportions of a space.

BEFORE

AFTER

Coordinating Color Schemes:

Harmonizing paint colors with existing furnishings, decor, and architectural elements is essential for achieving a cohesive look. Sylvia can assist in selecting complementary colors that tie everything together seamlessly.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes:

Painting is an investment, both in terms of time and money. Choosing the wrong color can result in dissatisfaction and the need for costly repainting. By consulting with an expert upfront, you can mitigate the risk of costly mistakes and ensure a result you’ll love for years to come.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Consultation

Communicate Your Vision:

Be clear about your preferences, lifestyle, and any specific requirements or concerns you have regarding color selection. Any pictures or swatches you’ve curated yourself are welcome, but not required. If you’re not exactly sure what you want, that’s fine too! Sylvia will be able to find the perfect match for you based on whatever stipulations- or lack thereof- you may have. She takes into account whatever your main concern is first: what are you worried might go wrong? After tailoring options that all counteract what you know you dislike, she’ll present you with manageable choices that work for the space. There’s no one  “right answer”! Many directions may work for the same space. Once you see what each of them looks like, your own taste and style will shine through and it will be easy to pick out what looks best to you. Even if you still feel indecisive or stuck between favorites, every option you’ll be shown is expert-approved, so you can’t go wrong! 

Be Open to Suggestions:

While you may have a general idea of what you want, be receptive to alternative suggestions from the consultant. They may introduce you to colors or combinations you hadn’t considered before. Don’t worry that you’ll end up with a style that doesn’t feel like you; Sylvia will always suggest what she thinks you’ll enjoy most based on what you’ve told and shown her. 

“Everyone’s taste is valid when it comes to home decorating,” She says. “You’re the one who’ll be spending the most time in the space you’re painting, so what you want out of it is what’s most important. Your home should be a reflection of you, where you feel most comfortable as your authentic self. Most people know how they want their homes to feel, but not the best way to accomplish that. It’s my job to figure out what people really want and make it happen!”

Consider Lighting:

Lighting plays a significant role in how colors appear in a space. Discuss the natural and artificial lighting conditions in your home to ensure the chosen colors will look their best in all lighting scenarios. Sylvia will hold her large swatches in different lighting throughout the space to ensure you’re happy. You get to keep any swatches you’re considering, so you’ll be able to tape them up when the outdoor lighting changes depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint color for your home is more than just a matter of aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that reflects your personality, enhances your mood, and promotes comfort and well-being. A paint color consultation offers invaluable guidance, expertise, and support throughout the decision-making process, helping you achieve the perfect palette for your space. So, the next time you’re faced with the daunting task of selecting paint colors, consider enlisting the help of Rowan Hall Interior’s professional consultant to bring your vision to life with confidence and ease.

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

Green with Envy
professional paint color consultant breaks down the best green paint colors for exterior

Ready to give your home’s exterior a fresh new look? Perhaps “fresh” like cut grass or mossy trees. Nothing gives that natural and earthy feeling quite like hues of green, but picking the perfect shade can be tricky. A home’s exterior has quite a bit to compete with from its natural surroundings to the neighbor’s house. If you pick the wrong shade, you might unintentionally camouflage your home, but the right paint color can really make your home stand out from the crowd. In this blog post, our Rowan Hall paint color consultant is sharing her top picks for the best green paint colors to be used on exteriors. On the right home, these hues will elevate curb appeal and leave neighbors green with envy.

Sherwin Williams Retreat (SW 6207)  Looking for a deep, muted green with a touch of sophistication? Retreat offers the perfect balance between warm and cool tones, with subtle blue-gray undertones that give it a neutralized, versatile appeal. This shade sits between an army green and a dark olive, depending on the lighting and surrounding hues. This is a great pick if you’re sold on a green house but still want a muted, classic look.Top and Middle Left: Paint Corps;  Bottom Left: Life on the Sunset Hill via Blogspot;  Top Right: Pinterest;  Bottom Right: Blacksburg Belle

Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay (SW 6206)

For those who prefer a more subdued mid-tone green, Oyster Bay is a great choice. With its blue-gray undertones and airy, cool-toned olive hue, Oyster Bay exudes a relaxed and tranquil vibe. It’s the lighter sister of Retreat, offering a refreshing alternative for those seeking a lighter exterior color option.

This type of shade is dreamy on a beach house but also looks beautiful in a lush landscape. The higher light reflective value means Oyster Bay won’t compete with green grass and leafy trees. In some lighting, this shade almost appears as a neutral with a slight green hue.

Left: Home Bunch;  Top Right: Pinterest;  Bottom Right: Rugh Design via Pinterest; Below: Brick and Batten

Sherwin Williams Escape Gray (SW 6185)

If you’re looking for something warmer, Escape Gray is a light olive green with warm gray undertones. Its light value and subtle gray undertones make it a versatile and inviting choice for a wide range of architectural styles. Escape Gray is perfect for homeowners looking to add a touch of warmth to their exterior palette. This shade is similar in light reflective value to Oyster Bay but doesn’t have the same hint of blue.Top Left: Marilyn Hill Interiors;  Top Right: O’Malley Builders Inc via Pinterest;  Bottom: Tilson Custom Home Builders

Sherwin Williams Eclipse (SW 6166)

If you’re looking for a more dramatic, olive-toned look, consider Eclipse. This warm olive green boasts bronze undertones that add depth and richness to any exterior. It’s an excellent option for homeowners seeking a bold and sophisticated color choice that makes a statement, and it’s perfect for a lakehouse! If you’re looking for a deeper forest green with a touch less gray, try Eclipse’s darker sister, Garden Gate (SW 6167).

Top: J Wright Building Company;  Bottom: Reminiscent Homes, LLC via Houzz

Sherwin Williams Night Owl (SW 7061)

Night Owl is a deep blend of green, charcoal gray and a touch of cyan. If you’re looking for a deeper neutral shade that still has the same natural feel of a green, this shade might be the perfect choice. In most lighting, Night Owl will appear like a dark gray, but the green-blue undertones give the earthy feeling you’re after.Top Left: Signature Homes;  Bottom Left & Top Right: Toni Marie via Pinterest;  Bottom Right: Home Bunch

Going Green

Whether you prefer a deep, muted green or a light, airy olive hue, there’s a perfect exterior paint color waiting to transform your home. With the expertise of our Rowan Hall paint color consultant, you can confidently choose the perfect shade to enhance your home’s curb appeal and make a lasting impression. 

These are the best green paint colors, but maybe you’re on the hunt for the best blues, grays or whites, too. Make sure you’re picking the right paint color for your home! Schedule a paint consultation with our professional colorist to ensure you make the perfect choice. There are infinite factors to consider, especially when choosing a color that is so present in nature. Make sure your vision comes to life by consulting the experts! Give us a call today to schedule your in-person or remote paint consultation.

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2024 Color Trends
A Palette of Possibilities Transforming Interior Design

As we step into 2024, the world of interior design is awash with vibrant hues and captivating shades that promise to redefine the aesthetics of our living spaces. Pantone, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore have unveiled their Colors of the Year, each offering a unique perspective on the visual narratives that will shape the design landscape. In this blog post, we explore the 2024 color trends and delve into what these choices signify for the world of interior design.

Rowan Hall’s 2023 DOTY award-winning project

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we’re not afraid of a little color. In fact we were awarded a 2023 Designer of the Year award for our vibrant home addition project. Shades of blue, green and pops of orange show how bright colors influence interior design in the home. In this case, our clients wanted a bonus room that reflected their fun personalities, and the Rowan Hall team selected the perfect hues to do just that. 

The 2024 color predictions show that vibrancy is back after years of leaning into neutral design. Today, our team’s expert paint color consultant is breaking down the trending shades and giving us a peek into what might be on the design horizon this year.

Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year: Peach Fuzz

Pantone, the global authority on color, has designated Peach Fuzz as the hue that encapsulates the spirit of 2024. This fresh, peachy hue with warm yellow undertones embodies “our innate yearning for closeness and connection.” According to Pantone Color Institute’s Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman, Peach Fuzz is “a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance.” She calls this color choice “a shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.”  

In other words, this gentle peach tone evokes softness and is a classic favorite, while also being bright and playful. This choice opens up exciting possibilities for injecting personality and character into interiors. From details that pop to full color walls and furnishings, we’ll explore how this color can be seamlessly integrated into various design schemes. Peach is a comforting hue that can make any space feel cozy. It’s bright enough to add a splash of color while still maintaining a softness that lends an air of sophistication.

photo from Alfie’s 2023 High Point Market trip

photo from Alfie’s 2023 High Point Market trip

Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods once said, “Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed!” The ladies at Rowan Hall Interiors tend to agree, but we think we can make a strong case for peach! Pink makes a bold impact; it’s a polarizing color, and there’s no denying that those who love it flaunt it. However, sometimes pink can be too loud for decorating restful, thoughtfully designed spaces. In interiors, peach evokes the touch of femininity those enamored with pink are really looking for in their homes. As an added bonus, peaches are easy to sneak past and satisfy those less in love with pink and “girly” aesthetics, especially if the term “Salmon” is thrown around. 

Peaches marry more coherently to neutrals and other popular colors that make environments feel peaceful and clean, such as blues and greens. A peach’s yellow tones compliment blue on the color wheel, while its red correlates to green. As a result, a harmonious contrast is created with the subdued shades of blue and green we see everywhere in homegoods. A variety of multi-colored patterns take advantage of this balance, making prints with peach easy to find and coordinate with ever-popular greens and blues, as well as with each other. For example, our Knoxville interior designers have used this peach color as a common thread to pair together the different prints on the rug, drapes, and pillows of this lovely sitting room. The peach details interspersed amongst neutral tones in the prints are brought out against the lighter, warm neutral walls. Solid peach textiles are paired with touches of an airy blue, which serves as a secondary accent color. This cool shade is reminiscent of the color chosen by Sherwin Williams to embody 2024 design.

Sherwin Williams’ 2024 Color of the Year: Upward

Sherwin Williams is sure to turn out another crowd-pleasing favorite, naming Upward as the color that will dominate design conversations in 2024. The official Sherwin Williams Website introduces Upward as “a breezy, blissful blue- the color found when we slow down, take a breath, and allow the mind to clear.” From bedrooms to beach houses, Alfie walks us through potential places this dreamy color could shine in the video below.

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Ethereal yet playful, this blue is wildly versatile. Upward can be dressed up or down like a favorite pair of jeans! If this shade speaks to you, our Knoxville interior designers would be happy to help you pick vibrant prints or grounding neutrals to make this color your own. 

Throughout the years of interior design, we’ve seen neutrals take over, colorful palettes shine, minimalism have its moment, and maximal design rise again. Some shades appear as a common thread in each rising and falling trend, and hues of blue tend to be a constant in all tastes of design. Regardless of your preferred design flavor, a shade like Sherwin Williams’ Upward can shine in your home. 

If blue is your jam, but you like your shades with a bit more punch, Benjamin Moore’s 2024 color might just speak to your soul.

Benjamin Moore’s 2024 Color of the Year: Blue Nova

Benjamin Moore, known for its timeless selections, introduces Blue Nova as the defining hue for 2024. A velvety shade that effortlessly balances “depth and intrigue” with “an undercurrent of reassurance” according to Benjamin Moore, this choice is an “alluring mid-tone” which “features an enchanting duality, capturing the spotlight with endlessly classic appeal”. 

Reminiscent of the bold character of rich, deeper shades like Cobalt and Navy, Blue Nova still mantanes a softness that makes it a more versatile blue that can be adapted to a range of design styles. Uncover the ways in which Blue Nova can be incorporated into interior design, from subtle accents to dominant color schemes.

Preferred by more than 35% of the world’s population, blue is the most popular color on Earth. Studies in color psychology tell us we find blue calming, particularly in deeper shades like Blue Nova, and that people are more productive in blue colored rooms. So, blue is suitable for rest and for work, making it the perfect choice for any area of the home! That’s why our Knoxville interior designers love to incorporate touches of deep blues into bedroom spaces. Here, we’ve used bold blues as main accent colors, tying together draperies, pillows, and bedding.

Speaking of blue as an accent, those playing with the idea of an accent wall should consider painting with Blue Nova. The idea has the seal of approval from our color specialist, Sylvia. “Blue Nova strikes the perfect balance between bold and subdued,” she says, “It’s a midtone, so it won’t overwhelm a space by being too dark or too bright. It should play nicely with most other main wall colors. That said, it’s still a striking hue worthy of being made a focal point.” 

Harmonizing the Palette

The Colors of the Year from Pantone, Sherwin Williams, and Benjamin Moore provide a rich tapestry of inspiration for interior designers and homeowners alike. Whether you lean towards the bold and vibrant or the subtle and timeless, 2024’s color trends offer a palette of possibilities to transform your living spaces into havens of style and expression. Embrace the hues that resonate with you, and let the colors of 2024 guide your journey toward a beautifully designed home.

Explore how these Colors of the Year can be harmoniously combined to create captivating and balanced interiors. Consider contacting our team to help you integrate these hues into various living spaces. Rowan Hall Interiors offers paint consultations with our experienced color specialists to help you pick the perfect paint for your project. Schedule your consultation today to ensure a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design.

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