Behr Keeps It Classic With a Soft Black as Its 2024 Color of the Year

Behr's 2024 Color of the Year, "Cracked Pepper" (PPU18-1), is a soft black shade designed to add character and modern flair to various indoor and outdoor spaces. Following last year's neutral pick of an off-white shade called "Blank Canvas," Behr's choice of this classic hue is influenced by the evolving preferences in consumer paint trends.

According to Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint, "Cracked Pepper" is a versatile color that can create a comfortable atmosphere. It's bold and adaptable, making it suitable for various decor styles.

Behr introduced the Color of the Year during a media preview at Napa Valley's Stanly Ranch, where they showcased kitchen, dining room, and living room vignettes featuring this elegant shade. Sarah Fishburne, The Home Depot’s director of trend and design, noted that consumer research indicates an increasing openness to darker colors, with more than half of Americans (57%) considering darker wall colors to be design-forward.

For those who may feel hesitant about using a dark color on all walls, Woelfel suggests starting small, such as painting a piece of furniture, a ceiling, or updating an island in a white kitchen. Fishburne emphasized that "Cracked Pepper" has outdoor potential as well, offering depth and interest to various exterior settings, from charming bungalows to modern farmhouses and coastal properties.

Whether used indoors or outdoors, "Cracked Pepper" provides a timeless and adaptable option for those looking to embrace a classic yet modern color in their design.
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