If months of lockdown have you yearning to be in the great outdoors—forest, meadow, sea—you may think that the colour experts at Benjamin Moore have been reading your mind. The company announced its 2021 Color of the Year last week. Aegean Teal 2136-40 is a soothing combination of blue, green and a touch of grey. And it may be just what COVID-weary folks want.
The choice of colour may well have been prescient. It’s not actually a response to the pandemic. In fact, the process of selection for the Color of the Year and its complementary palette began almost a year ago. The decision was made in January 2020, shortly before the beginning of the lockdown.
Andrea Magno, director of colour marketing and development at Benjamin Moore, was inspired by the comfort that colour evokes when her team created the Color Trends 2021 palette and selected Aegean Teal 2136-40 as the star hue. “I feel the palette speaks to this current moment, as well as the year ahead, in that we are looking at things from a different perspective as we find joy in simple moments throughout the day, which can be related back to colour,” says Magno. “This need for uplifting colours relates to the amazing power of colour to create a backdrop that sets a particular mood, promotes well-being or is a means of personal expression.”
Aegean Teal (2136-40) is complex, but also versatile. It boasts a casual elegance that would appeal to a broad cross-section of people.
Benjamin Moore’s complementary colour palette includes hues that have an organic quality. Vegetable dyes and how they can ground a home became the company’s central theme. Think farmers’ markets with their array of beautiful colours and the food that nourishes us. There are a lot of mid-tones, which offer a sunbaked quality that can ground a home and make us feel safe. While no one could have predicted the bizarre course of 2020, we can all agree that we need to feel safe now more than ever.
The company focused on the kitchen as a focal point. More than a room for cooking and entertaining, it doubles as a space for work and homework. While Aegean Teal will add beauty to any room, it is especially beautiful on millwork and cabinetry, making it perfect for the kitchen.
This year, the home has become the office, classroom and gym as well as the place for family gatherings, and a sanctuary in which to relax. Colours affect emotions, and a warm ambience enhances personal environments. The 12 colours in the 2021 palette have a nice synergy. With many mid-tones, suitable for various rooms, the colours are attractive and harmonious. Just what we’ll need in 2021. •
All photos courtesy of Benjamin Moore
