CHICAGO — Leading paint and coatings brand, Valspar, from the Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group, announced its 2021 Colors of the Year with 12 livable shades that evoke calm, serenity and simplicity. With this palette, Valspar seeks to empower consumers to take control of their environments and create spaces that will expand their worlds, calm their minds and enrich their lives.

When forecasting the 2021 Colors of the Year, the color experts at Valspar observed global lifestyle trends that have shifted significantly from last year. The rise in external stressors has correlated with consumers’ increased interest for mindfulness and self-care activities. Since a physical space can directly impact a person’s mindset, this year’s colors have been selected to bring a sense of wellbeing to walls, ultimately blending home improvement with self-improvement. Valspar’s 2021 Colors of The Year help take the guesswork out of color selection, so that consumers can easily navigate DIY projects and take charge of their physical spaces.

“Our homes have become offices, entertainment centers and classrooms – which means the colors, sights and sounds in our rooms have an even bigger impact on our daily lives,” said Sue Kim, Valspar Color Marketing Manager. “These lifestyle changes coupled with a surge in DIY home activity helped guide our selection of a range of colors for Valspar’s 2021 Colors of the Year that can not only transform your space but also elevate your mood.”

Each of our 12 trending hues cultivates a sense of calm and comfort that creates the ideal backdrop for mindfulness practices. In early 2020, web searches for meditation saw significant lift as a response to stress and uncertainty related to the pandemic. Also, according to Google Trends, web searches directly correlated with home improvement have increased over 25% compared to the same time last year. With do-it-yourselfers in many areas of the United States continuing to spend more time at home compared to past years, Valspar projects that this renewed focus on improving interiors will extend well into 2021 and beyond.

Valspar has curated these 12 Colors of the Year to include a range of shades that provide flexibility and can be incorporated into existing design elements of the home. For the second year in a row, the 12 Valspar Colors of the Year were photographed in people’s homes, giving the colors and images an aesthetic that represents the lifestyles of today’s paint buyer.

The 2021 Colors of the Year

All 12 colors are available at Lowe's and independent retailers nationwide. Color names and shades vary slightly at each retailer. Listed below are the 12 Colors of the Year.

Blissful Blue – Naturally Timeless, Organic Haze

This muted indigo taps into the organic tones of a morning mist. These soft, grayish blues can act as neutrals, making them easy colors to design around.

• Lowe’s: 4005-3C Blissful Blue
• Independent retailers:  V111-4 Norwegian Night

Soft Candlelight – Optimistically Warm, Inviting Radiance

This mature yellow lights up a space with a golden glow. The yellow hues feel cheerful and help elevate your mood.

• Lowe’s: 3005-6C Soft Candlelight
• Independent retailers: V050-1 Morning Blossom

Granite Dust – Organically Urban, Cool Comfort

Inspired by the protective qualities of natural stone, Granite Dust allows people to create their own personal haven. The versatility of this shade allows it to read warm or cool, providing flexibility to adapt to décor.

• Lowe’s: 5006-1C Granite Dust
• Independent retailers: V142-3 Gray-Green Linen

Cherry Taupe – Earthy Pigment, Natural Warmth

Cherry Taupe is a botanical neutral that adds rich sophisticated softness. Gold accents elevate organic, earthy colors.

• Lowe’s: 1005-10A Cherry Taupe
• Independent retailers: V081-4 Burnished Apricot

Arizona Dust – Naturally Bold, Easy Energy

This modern apricot shade with a bold twist evokes our desire to embrace vibrant tones from nature. Consider this playful hue in a satin sheen for added moisture resistance in spaces like bathrooms and mudrooms.

• Lowe’s: 2003-8A Arizona Dust
• Independent retailers: V045-3 Peach Squared

Garden Flower – Clean Growth, Fresh Floral

Modernly classic like the beauty of white roses, this natural tint is soft and simple, setting a mind at ease. Black and white decor compliments colorful walls painted with this hue.

• Lowe’s: 5004-3B Garden Flower
• Independent retailers: V097-2 Succulent

Academy Gray – Contemplative Depth, Moody Comfort

This is a deep blueish gray that promotes the importance of time spent at leisure, allowing us to unwind and relax.

• Lowe’s: 5001-2A Academy Gray
• Independent retailers: V138-5 Flannel Gray

Unforgettable – Luxurious Relaxation, Soft Ease

A shade with no time restraint, this white has warmth to soften rooms and lend an elevated sophistication.

• Lowe’s: 7003-2 Unforgettable
• Independent retailers: V094-1 Quill

Gallery Gray – Soft Confidence, Approachable Elegance

Embodying minimalism, this fresh shade of warm grey inspires a feeling that is modern and natural.

• Lowe’s: 2006-10B Gallery Gray
• Independent retailers: V133-4 Gentry Grey

Dusty Lavender – Shadowy Pastel, Balanced Vibrancy

Natural dyes are introducing new pastels into the home. Dusty Lavender creates a soft but unexpectedly dynamic feel that is warm and inviting.

• Lowe’s: 1002-7C Dusty Lavender
• Independent retailers: V078-4 Violet Dusk

Maple Leaf

A warm camel shade, this color has an authentic quality, embracing our appreciation for a handmade craft.

• Lowe’s: 2008-8B Maple Leaf
• Independent retailers: V089-2 Spiced Latte

Lucy Blue – Effortlessly Optimistic, Joyful Energy

Familiar and calming like the waves of the ocean, this blue brings a playful happiness into the home.

• Lowe’s: 5001-5C Lucy Blue
• Independent retailers: V103-4 Grand Boulevard

Free Color Tools Available from Valspar

Valspar is offering a number of Color Discovery Tools to help consumers feel confident in their decisions. These tools, such as the Project Quiz, allow users to find the perfect color faster. DIYers can also save a trip to the store by having paint chips sent straight to their home for free. 

Learn more at www.valspar.com.