2024 Paint Colors of the Year - Home Stager Edition
As the new year approaches, the top paint companies have all announced their picks for the 2024 color of the year and we must say they are bold and intriguing. While some are useful for interiors, some…not so much. But is that really the point of the paint companies’ choices? That’s why we are back at it again this year with our top paint color picks for 2024 as well.
Pantone and the other paint companies tend to predict the color based upon the culture of the world at the time. They use this information to forecast trends for the upcoming year. Color experts come from a wide range of design, cultural and geographical backgrounds to decide on a color that reflects society as a whole both culturally and emotionally. This doesn’t always mean it’s the perfect color for your living room. (I mean most people probably don’t want a family room painted in Pantone’s 2024 color Peach Fuzz, right?). It’s simply a color that is symbolic of cultural society at present day.
Our job as home stagers is to acknowledge the trend but recommend paint colors that will resonate with a wide audience and remain stylish for several years to come. Our homes should be a reflection of us, but when it comes time to sell your home, just know you will need to appeal to vast array of buyers. Careful selection of color choices will allow you to enjoy and reflect your style, while also inviting others to love it as much as you do.
Let’s be honest, 2024 colors selected by the paint companies are somewhat of a 1980s island theme, with all the variations of blue and coral. I have visions of Fantasy Island and The Golden Girls each time I see these colors. (Hats off to Behr & Dutch Boy for their moody hues with Cracked Pepper and Ironside!). As much as we want to be swept away to the tropics or re-live our childhood watching Blanche, Dorothy and Rose banter back and forth sitting on their coral and teal rattan sofa, we believe we should recommend a more realistic approach to paint colors. Colors that will be on-trend but also universal and pleasing to a wide audience.
In this post you will hear LRV mentioned quite a bit. LRV stands for “Light Reflective Value”. Each color has a number ranging from 0-100. The number represents how much light the color will take on, therefore possibly changing its appearance. In order to get a better understanding of this paradigm, think of a pure white as having an LVR of 100 and a true black as 0. So, the darker the color, the smaller the LRV number and the lighter the color, the higher. Darker colors soak up light and lighter colors reflect it just like a black shirt soaks up the warmth of sunshine while a white t-shirt can keep you cooler on a hot summer day.
Alright, let’s get to it, shall we? And our 2024 color picks are…….
Leigh - Sherwin Williams Iron Ore
I went with a bold move this year. I think I may have traveled to the dark side. Sherwin William’s Iron Ore is a standout neutral. Dark color is very on-trend right now and this color does not disappoint. With an LRV of 6 this color is very, very dark and to the naked eye comes across as a true black against a stark white. However, it’s more of a charcoal and has a nice warm feel (kind of like a warm hug). It pairs nicely with creamy whites, beiges and browns while allowing a neutral backdrop for any pops of color. It creates the drama one may want or need in an interior space or on the exterior of the home (loooove it paired with wood and stone on exteriors!) Inside the home consider using Iron Ore for trim, doors or accent walls. Or even try it in your powder room (ceiling too) for a dramatic flair. You will thank me later.
Picture via Sherwin Williams
Wendy - Benjamin Moore Rodeo
I painted my new modern mountain house Rodeo by Ben Moore, which started out as a compromise between myself (I wanted white) and my husband (wanted an actual color). I was unsure at first, but now that I live in it, I'm amazed how much I love it. Rodeo is a warm gray taupe that is a perfect compromise between gray and beige. It's warm enough to go with natural wood tones and saddle leathers, but cool enough not to look muddy or brown. Its LRV sits almost neutral at 60 which means there’s not a lot of shift that happens. This is a fantastic neutral if you are unwilling to spend the $$ to update those natural wood floors or cabinets that look too orange with the more popular true grays. Its a bit unassuming in the sea of color swatches you'll see in the retail store, and anything but when you put it on the wall.
Picture via Benjamin Moore
Alison - Benjamin Moore Herb Garden
I love all things green - it’s “Nature’s Neutral” - and it’s one of the few colors that I can commit to in an interior space without too much hesitation. (My co-workers will tell you I tend to run from color). Benjamin Moore’s Herb Garden is the color that checks off all the boxes for me. This color has an LRV of 17 so it is dark and holds its own with lighting. It will not sway. It’s the perfect balance: not too deep and dreary - and not too pale and pastel (gasp!) The cast is right where I like green to be - fresh, earthy, leafy - and not too blue. At that point it just starts to look like the color of the Philadelphia Eagles - and as the wife of a New York Giants fan, we can’t have that.
Picture courtesy of Noz Design
Kim - Sherwin Williams drift of mist
Looking for a nice neutral? Sherwin William’s Drift of Mist is my choice for this year. It’s not your normal, boring gray. However, its a little complex (aren’t we all?), because it is neither cool nor warm. It can wave back and forth, depending on what it is paired with in your fixed elements of the home like countertops and flooring. (Hmmm…sounds a lot like what I tell my kids happens with certain friends they hang out with the most). It’s LRV is 69 which means it is heading toward the lighter end of the scale. It makes for a great whole house neutral allowing for just enough pop with the white trim. If you’ve been a fan of Agreeable Gray (which isn’t very agreeable sometimes!), you will LOVE Drift of Mist. It’s lighter and brighter. It also has a little bit of a green undertone so if you love all the dark green tones that are trendy right now (swoon!), this color will look stunning with it. But you will find that it compliments many colors as well. As a result, it makes sense to paint your whole house a color that will withstand the ever-changing trendy colors in your decor. If you don’t want to commit to sterile white/cream walls but you don’t want gray or beige either - Drift of Mist is for you!
Picture courtest of The Creativity Exchange
Laura - Sherwin Williams Pewter Green
Is it a greyish green? Is it a greenish grey? I don’t know, but I am obsessed! With an LRV of just 12, this surprisingly neutral hue by Sherwin Williams is on the dark side, but still manages to keep things light. Pewter Green is extremely flexible, complimenting Grand Millennial’s busy wallpapers, Modern Farmhouse’s warm beiges, and Boho’s light wood tones. This color chameleon swings from soft and romantic to complex and moody (kind of like me!). In 2023, it has taken center stage on my kitchen island, made a grand entrance on my exterior doors (paired with pinkish brick, it’s a chef’s kiss!) and may soon make a guest appearance in my spare bedroom (get it - guest appearance?). With the number of compliments I have received, I think we will be seeing a lot of this color in 2024.
Picture via Sherwin Williams
Marlo - Benjamin Moore Sweet Basil
Benjamin Moore’s Sweet Basil is a classic color that works great with modern or traditional decor. It’s moody, soothing and it brings nature indoors. For someone like myself who loves to be outdoors hiking the trails, this color brings the feel of nature indoors. With an LRV of 13, it’s on the darker side making it moody and soothing but not so dark you feel like you’re in a cave. It’s a good color to create a pop for an accent wall or a powder room (we love to have a little creative fun in powder rooms!). It pairs so well with natural wood bringing more of that outside inside vibe to any space. It pairs well with blacks and creamy whites without bringing out any yellow undertones.
Miriam - SW Silvermist
Last but not least, let’s nod toward the paint companies’ efforts for their Caribbean flair, but in a nice neutral way. Silvermist was the August 2023 Color of the month choice for Sherwin Williams and is my color of choice for those wanting a coastal, modern vibe to their home. This color evokes an ocean feel but in a neutral way. With an LRV of 47, it falls in the medium-dark category. Its soft blue, green hues pair nicely with most beiges and grays, while standing out on its own. You can pair it with just about any of the other colors mentioned by our staff. Silvermist adds coastal, casual, calmness to any space whether it be an accent wall, the main feature or just in accessories to lighten up darker spaces. Sorry paint companies, but this is my pick for island serenity as I dream of breezy ocean air.
Picture courtesy of Sherwin Williams
That’s a wrap with our 2024 paint colors. Though each of our colors were chosen individually, collectively we all leaned toward green undertones. That must say something about trend worthy design!
Whether you are selling or staying in your home, it’s important to acknowledge trends while staying neutral in your paint selections. You can have more fun, and less expense, with trendy colors through your accessorizing - so go out and buy that Persimmon pillow but don’t paint your wall that color!
We strongly encourage homeowners to sample these colors (or any for that matter) in their own homes as light and fixed elements play a huge role in how a paint color appears in a home. No one wants to waste time or money so it’s important to get it right. If you are looking for a refresh in your home, but don’t know where to begin, we offer Color Consultations for selling AND living! Just go online and book your appointment today.
Let us shine a spotlight on your home!
2023 Color of the Year - home stager edition
Many paint companies have a tradition of forecasting a color each year. These colors are a prediction of what will shape our home in the coming year. Sometimes they hit the mark and other years, well, we wonder what they were thinking. For 2023 we are seeing a lot of, (gasp), red undertones! Our job as home stagers is to find colors that work well in most homes and are pleasing to most people. So as much as we love a good hot pink (we see you Pantone Viva Magenta!), we decided to share some of our own 2023 paint colors. They represent more of a classic, tried and true aesthetic, rather than a prediction of may or may not materialize with design trends.
Leigh - Moderne White, Sherwin Williams 6168
Photo credit: DVD Interior Design
Moderne White, SW 6168, is a color that is neither gray NOR white. With an LRV of 62, it's soft, and unobtrusive, while still feeling fresh and bright. It does have a green undertone, which causes the color to show blue/green in certain light. It’s a great, neutral color for any room and can be a great main area color for a home. If you’ve been wanting white in your home but afraid the color will be stark and cold, this timeless color will give you that style you want but add a touch of warmth and sophistication.
Kim - Hale Navy, Benjamin Moore HC-154
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is the truest navy paint color you can get. With an LRV of 8, it’s on the dark end of the scale and you will not see a shift in color with lighting. In other words, what you see is what you get. If you’ve wanted color but are scared to try color in your home, this dark blue is a timeless dark neutral that will last for years. Kim recently used in her own home for cabinetry and doesn’t regret it one bit. It’s the perfect color to add a pop but also keeping your home neutral, timeless and appealing to others.
Alison - White Dove, Benjamin Moore OC-17
Photo credit: Studio McGee
Benjamin Moore White Dove is a classic white that provides a little bit of warmth to any space. With an LRV of 83, it’s not a crisp, stark white. This makes it a perfect candidate for trim in any home. Some colors don’t play well with a stark white trim, so this is where White Dove shines because it looks bright and clean without being overly bright white. White Dove works in all homes and looks amazing with grays, beiges, blacks, blues, greens, and more. It also plays well with all types of woods and metals. It’s also the perfect white for painting furniture.
Marlo - Saybrook Sage, Benjamin Moore HC-114
Greens are so calming. Saybrook Sage by Benjamin Moore is no exception. With it’s gray green hue, it provides a little bit of neutral to a room. This color is great for exteriors, and when used inside, can bring a little of the outside indoors. It brings an organic feel to any space or surface when paired with warm wood tones. This color would be beautiful as a kitchen island accent color as well.
Abby - Green Smoke, Farrow & Ball
If you like Marlo’s green but want a deeper contrast, Green Smoke by Farrow and Ball is a timeless shade that can really go in any room and blend with any style! It adds a natural warmth and sense of calm to a space. If you aren’t afraid of color this is for you. It’s a bold timeless color that has been used in homes since the early 19th century. With it’s neutral tones, its not wonder it keeps on showing up. This color will allow natural wood and brushed gold to pop!
Amanda - Greek Villa, Sherwin Williams SW 7551
Photo credit: Nicola’s Home
Greek Villa by Sherwin Williams ia a fresh neutral option for almost any home. It can be used to brighten a space or make other colors pop. It’s a soft, warm white with an LRV of 84 and is extremely universal. This is very similar to the above mentioned White Dove. If you want to brighten your home but don’t want the stark white walls, Greek Villa is your best choice. It does have a slight yellow undertone so if you have a south facing room just note it will be quite a bit warmer color as opposed to a north facing room. However, it pairs beautifully with natural wood tones for a warm, organic feel.
Wendy - Evergreen Fog, Sherwin Williams SW 9130
Evergreen Fog, Sherwin William’s 2022 Color of the Year, is still holding on strong with its neutral earthy tone. It’s beautiful for that pop of color or for that neutral backdrop. It’s got an LRV of 30, which means it will tend to hold onto its green meets gray with a slight hint of blue undertone. Wendy recently used on part of the exterior of her new mountain home because of its organic nature. The best part about this color is its versatility with styles. This color could be used for a coastal feel or when paired with darker colors it looks great with your mid-century vibes.
There you have it-our paint color picks for 2023 - or any year for that matter. These timeless classics will be a safe win for any homeowner. (However, we always advise homeowners to sample colors in their own homes as light plays a huge role in how a color shows in a home.). If you are looking for a refresh in your home, but don’t know where to begin, we offer color consultations for selling AND living! Just go online and book your appointment today.
Let us shine a spotlight on your home!
Brilliant Ideas for Creative Work Spaces in Your Home
Working from home and distance learning has slowly transformed to a more permanent situation for families across the country. Can you believe it’s been almost a year since our temporary anecdote of self-quarantine began? (GASP!) As time has gone on, so has life. Homebuyers today are showing tremendous grace to the makeshift dining room offices and the random desks in the living room. However, what if you could enhance your home by transforming under-utilized spaces into functional work spaces? Not only could you move your office out of your dining room, but you could wow homebuyers AND show off the functionality of your home. We have rounded up some brilliant ideas for creative work spaces in any home that are inexpensive and can be completed in a weekend.
The “Cloffice”
First off – The “Cloffice”. This is the 2021 trendy term for an office in a closet. Closets make great work spaces. They already have plenty of storage solutions available and they allow you to close the door to work when 5 o’clock hits (which is a must for mental health). There’s two ways a “cloffice” can be achieved. First off, if you have a large walk-in you can simply add a desk like this:
If you don’t have that large walk-in (which let’s face it - many of us don’t), you may have a closet in a guest room or a basement that you could completely transform into your new “cloffice”.
Photo by: Nesting With Grace
Under the Stairs
If you have stairs in your home, there’s probably a large likelihood you have some dead space underneath that could be utilized. This makes a great nook to create your home office area. Just a simple trip to the home improvement store is all it takes to transform this space into a functional work space.
Photo by: Adore Magazine
Where There’s a Wall There’s a Way
If you’ve got an empty wall in your home, you can create a functional work space. Whether it’s a big space or a little space we’ve got you covered.
Floating shelves are a great way to utilize a small space. You can easily create one with a board and shelf brackets.
Photo by: DIYHairpinLegs.com
If you have a larger wall space, this option is both temporary and inexpensive for creating multiple work spaces in one place. AND you can take it all with you when you sale your home. It’s a win-win!
Photo by: Jones Design Company
This “Murphy Desk” is a great solution to a tight space. It simply can be closed up when not in use. The functionality and the inexpensive price tag makes this a winner in our books.
Photo by World Market.com. Similar product - here
Dining Room Solutions
If you simply do not have anywhere else to go in your home, there are ways to make your dining room functional for an office space while still keeping it true to its original purpose. These ideas will help minimize the office clutter and allow you to still have that family meal on occasion.
If you have a china cabinet/hutch in your dining room, this is a functional option to store office supplies and files out of sight. This may mean packing up Grandma’s china for this temporary solution BUT Grandma will be proud of you for reimagining the space for these unprecedented times.
Photo by: iheartorganizing
Don’t have a hutch? Consider using rolling carts or file boxes and create a rolling office. When at work you have your supplies and when 5 o’clock comes you simply roll your office under the table. Out of sight out of mind.
If you have an old hope chest/toy box, you can create an office in a box. Martha Stewart has a great tutorial on how to convert this empty chest into functional office storage. AND it can double as a cute bench when you’re off the clock.
Photo by: Martha Stewart.com
Get creative, start re-evaluating the spaces in your home to become more productive both in school and work. And when it’s time to put your house on the market, you will have creative, intentional spaces to show off to buyers. If you need some assistance, we are here to help! Feel free to contact us for a redesign consultation. We also provide online consultations if you live out of the area or feel more comfortable with the virtual format. We would love to help you re-imagine your work/home life spaces!
*Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
Spotlight on Style - Dining In the Round
The isolation of the past year has us all longing for intimacy and comfort. As a result there is new emphasis on creating spaces that reflect these feelings in our homes. Adding a round dining table to your formal dining room can bring new life to a room that has almost become irrelevant.
Although a round table can feel much more casual, it's this very quality that makes a room more appealing. The stuffy formal room no one uses becomes a close, intimate and inviting place. An alcove where friends and family can gather and reconnect once our restrictions have been lifted.
Seating your guests around a circular dining table instantly sends an invitation to relax over a long, indulgent meal. Everyone is involved in the conversation, no one feels left out or isolated. Eye contact can be achieved with everyone at the table. The round shape overall makes for better conversation. By creating this intimate space, your guests will instantly feel more open, honest and encouraged to linger, giving everyone a much needed opportunity to reconnect.
Centerpieces for round dining tables can vary depending on the size of the room. Centerpieces for round tables can range from a large vase with fresh (or artificial) flowers to a group of candlesticks ready to be lit for that romantic dinner. The trick with round dining centerpieces is to keep items in groups of 3 to provide symmetry. And sometimes it’s a good idea to ground your items using a circular shaped tray. We’ve taken the guess work out for you and found some stylish options for centerpieces that can easily be ordered with the click of a button.
In 2021, why not freshen up your dining space with a round table? You may just realize those family dinners might have a little more conversation attached to them. If you are uncertain about the size or style for your room, we would be happy to assist you. Just go online and book a redesign consultation and let us shine a spotlight on your dining room!
*Disclaimer: This page contains RewardStyle affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
Can't Touch This
A recent article by Houzz.com, 36 Home Design Trends Ready for Takeoff in 2021, gave us a look at many expected design trends in home design. This article provided some really great insight as to what builders are incorporating in new homes as well as what designers are incorporating in remodels of homes. One design trend mentioned was the increase in the installation of touchless or motion sensor faucets in both kitchen and bath design. One thing 2020 has taught us is how to prevent the spreading of germs. We looked at this trend and took it a step further as to the amount of home devices that are being utilized today that are touch free.
These are a few items we rounded up for our Can't Touch This Home of 2021.
Moen Motion Sensor Kitchen Faucet: https://amzn.to/3pNnsAW
Motion Sensor Bathroom Sink Faucet: https://amzn.to/3oyao2h
Motion Sensor Soap Dispenser: https://amzn.to/399h8gi
Motion Sensor Trash Can: https://amzn.to/2JQkE6N
Amazon Echo Show: https://amzn.to/3pSdw9e
Wifi Smart Plug: https://amzn.to/3bgnfSK
Can't Touch This sign: https://www.etsy.com/listing/894947663/cant-touch-this...
Motion Sensor Light Switches: https://amzn.to/3pXN4LE
Nest Thermometer: https://amzn.to/3bgjOM2
LED Motion Sensor Light Strip (not pictured): https://amzn.to/2LoJbQH
This article highlighted some really great expected design trends for 2021. What do you hope to see in home design this year? If you are looking to refresh your space but don’t know where to start, give us a call or go online to set up a consultation. We’d love to help you!
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided