Color Forecast 2021

What colors will be in for 2021?

According to Floor Covering Weekly, color palettes in 2021 will center on hues that make us feel safe and grounded but also inspired, particularly as we continue to live and work at home simultaneously. 

“In uncertain times, the home shifts from the idea of simply cozy hygge to a protective space, so we are seeing a return to natural finishes in materials like flooring, counters, furniture and other elements around the home,” said Sherwin-Williams’ director of color marketing Sue Wadden. “Using natural materials and a muted, earthy palette will provide a sense of comfort and safety.”

Indeed, earth tones are trending for next year and for that reason we will see the return of brown in many different shades. “Think about all the different species of wood and how these are all shades of brown colors,” said Shaw Industries vice president of residential product design Pam Raine. “Terracotta will be an important material but not just the orange colors. Raw clay colors that range from orange to pink, to gray, to taupe, to greige, to white.” 

For flooring in particular, however, it’s all about context, said Pantone’s executive director Leatrice Eiseman. And consumers are buying more patterns which typically results in the purchase of a bold color, said Brittany Stanley, senior design manager for Mohawk.

“This influences the color palettes greatly. You will see a healthy mix of neutrals and accents in 2021,” she said. “People will be looking to freshen up their interiors by adding color to what was a pretty neutral palette.”

Color, however, always comes in cycles, added Stanley. “[People] wanted everything white and now they want to warm up their spaces. I think the need for security will influence this,” she said.