2024 Color Trends in Commercial Design

Here are the true hues in color trends

Predicting color trends in commercial design is a tricky task, as we found out when we put our design and build team to the test last year. We researched exactly how experts predict color trends, then we examined existing and emerging forces that could influence color preferences, and finally we placed our bets. Now, with the official color trends announced by professional color forecasters, it’s time to see how we did. Can commercial construction general contractors predict the hottest hues with the best of them? Or should design and build project teams stay in their monochromatic lane?

Our design and build experts and the color trends we expected this year

First, let’s revisit our predictions made last year. We looked at the record heat waves, wildfires and tumultuous weather patterns and felt that would call for cooling colors, including soft blues, minty greens and even some pinks parading in the wake of a pinkapalooza blockbuster film. We sensed lingering economic volatility would have all of us hungering for grounded spaces, which would call for earthy colors like browns and beiges. We also felt hope was emerging regarding the economy and that inflationary pressures would ease, opening the door to positive pops of color. And we predicted natural-colored accents would continue to connect us to our planet and draw in ecological influences that calm and inspire, like the greens of nature, golden waves of grain, and earthen soils.

Now, let’s compare the predictions of our team at the design and build office with what the real color experts are saying.

Parade of pinks lean peachward

Take a bow, colleagues. We hit the nail on the head with this one. While pastel pinks and intense shades of this color are still enjoying a moment, we’re seeing this tint’s evolution into new, more sophisticated incarnations in 2024, with peach arriving in tandem. From HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ color of the year Persimmon to mauve hues and peachy tones like Pantone’s color of the year Peach Fuzz, this trend is sure to warm commercial spaces.

A cue or two from nature

From Mountain Sage, a Color of the Year choice by siding company James Hardie, to Bay Brown, the 2024 Color of the Year from York Wallcoverings, as well as the fresh, green thrill of Viridis by Graham & Brown, color is bringing the outside indoors in 2024. But you need not worry about being landlocked; Skipping Stones from Dunn Edwards invites us seaside, and PPG and Glidden Paint by PPG bring their color of the year, a neutral aptly named Limitless. Regardless of whether you love sand or inland, colors are taking a cue or two from Mother Nature this year.

Cooling colors, indeed

Sherwin-Williams named Upward its 2024 Color of the Year. This uplifting blue shade feels like a kiss of fresh air. Renew blue is Valspar’s 2024 Color of the Year, another cool cat in the blue family. And Sweet Embrace, the 2024 Color of the Year by Dulux is practically neutral while flirting with lavender. What could be cooler?

What we didn’t see coming: a new mood

We’re pretty proud of what we were able to predict in the color space, but here’s one we didn’t see coming in 2024: a big dose of drama. Turns out we’re all feeling a bit moody these days, too. For example, Behr’s 2024 color of the year is a stunner: Cracked Pepper. This grounding shade is in the black color family and pairs well with blues in light, mid and darker shades, as well as dark browns. The nice thing about this color is that it plays well with many hues and design trends, so it can step in as a mainstay and support your brand’s changing aesthetics, whether it’s vibrant accent pieces or textural finishes. Benjamin Moore’s Blue Nova is another great example, pairing violet and blue for an elegant, rich and (dare we say it?) moody hue.

Our prediction for 2025: It’s time to build

Although we didn’t do too badly in our novice effort, predicting color trends is just a fun diversion. We really wow when we do what we do best: design and build. Whatever you can imagine for the future of your commercial spaces, we can help deliver. So, if 2024 and 2025 are your years to build, get in touch, and we’ll help you take advantage of our incredibly valuable preconstruction services. From that first flash of inspiration to the final touches of paint, from concept to completion, your design and build dream becomes a reality when you partner with DBS Group.