Interior Designers Name the Top Paint Colors for 2021

Every December, design professionals and decor enthusiasts get a thrill from predicting the paint colors that will reign supreme in the year ahead. While some hues, like blush and white, made the 2020 list and aren't going anywhere anytime soon, there are a host of other standout paint colors that you can expect to see in 2021.

To give us some perspective, we checked in with a small group of talented interior designers and color experts, including Emily Henderson and Beth Diana Smith, to find out the paint colors design buffs should consider incorporating into their spaces in this year. Here, you'll find all the inspiration you need to take your home's color scheme to the next level.

"Beautiful rich browns are going to be everywhere in furniture and decor. Actually, most of my team is in the process of designing their homes and this type of brown is a major player for them." — Emily Henderson

"Bold, deep jewel tones with personality will be all the rage in 2021. Not only do they provide inspiration and a lift in mood during all the hours at home, but painting the house is a fab project to stay active and feel productive in the winter months." — Emile Munroe

"With its soft, restful tones, seafoam green, like Benjamin Moore Hollingsworth Green, is having its moment. It brings a gauzy soft feel to living spaces, reminding us of days at the sea." — Mark Lavender

"We’ll see darker and moodier colors in rooms juxtaposed with lighter colors in adjacent rooms. This provides depth, visual interest, and a clear definition of the spaces to make each room feel more special." — Beth Diana Smith

"Rooted in nature, Sherwin Williams' 2021 Color of the Year Urbane Bronze SW 7048 creates a sense of calm by conveying safety and security. I recommend painting it on all four walls for a cozy, cocoon feeling." — Sherwin Williams' Sue Wadden

"As we continue to spend more time both working and just living from home, bringing the outside inside will continue to be a popular trend. Benjamin Moore Great Barrington Green creates the leafy green atmosphere we are striving for." — Mark Lavender

"Millennials may have named the color, but for this designer, blush tones are now considered a neutral. I expect to see more of this in 2021 in spaces that used to be reserved for white paint only." — Lori Paranjape

"It's been such a jarring year, so people are seeking restful and grounding colors, such as olive greens, burgundies or a 'muddy' color. Farrow & Ball does a great job offering colors that feel neutral. If whites must be used, I recommend Simply White by Benjamin Moore because it's a little warmer – instead of a blue overtone, there's a yellow/pink. I also think accent walls are on the way out, making room for full spaces in the same color. I prefer a monochromatic approach, painting an entire room the same color, including the molding and ceiling." — Holly Waterfield

"Chalky white paint is going to be a huge trend in 2021. Instead of stark white, think whites with warmer undertones in very matte finishes or even textured finishes, like Roman Clay or Limewash. It's all about creating a soft, historic, and inviting feel to white walls." — Tiffany Leigh

"In 2021, we’ll see more people embracing deeper, darker hues. Oftentimes people assume that a darker paint color will make a room feel darker or smaller, but more often than not, it has the exact opposite effect. Cavernous by Dunn Edwards is currently one of my favorites. The contrast is amazing with a crisp white, but also has this ability that allows it to pair perfectly with the warmer neutrals that we are using more and more of these days as well." — Kate Lester

"Since we’re all spending more time at home and making changes to adapt to our needs, paint color is playing a significant role in creating positive feelings and providing a sense of comfort throughout our spaces. In 2021, warm and engaging earthy tones will continue to thrive as DIYers look to elevate their comfort zones with inviting and natural hues. Examples include the rejuvenating green Jojoba (N390-3), adaptable Smoky White (BWC-13) and energizing Saffron Strands PPU6-02 from the new BEHR Color Trends 2021 Palette." — Behr's Erika Woelfel

"We'll see lots of earthy palettes. Think camels in lieu of gray, and lots of deep neutralized hues, like olive green and burnt orange." — Gillian Segal