by David Le Blanc
date: 01/31/2021
2021 interiors trends are awash with vibrant color palettes. Trend predictors from Better Homes & Gardens, Veranda, Southern Living, Architectural Digest and House Beautiful all place bold tones at the tops of their lists. After such a complex, frenetic and downright unpleasant year in 2020, one might assume that decorators and designers might prefer a bit of quiet. One might assume many would all have turned towards calm colors in 2021. On the contrary, the consensus amongst the design community seems to be that bold bedroom paint colors will reign in the new year. Follow below for our favorite paint picks for bright, happy bedrooms that encourage creativity, romance, joy and a sense of peace.
Bold Bedroom Paint Colors We Love for 2021
Punchy Purples
Oftentimes when homeowners choose to paint their bedroom’s walls in purple, they choose a gentle shade of lilac or a soothing shade of lavender. However, this year, we suggest diving into the deep end and picking up a pail of royal purple or deep violet. Halsey Mendelsohn recommends both in her article “27 Bedroom Colors That'll Make You Wake Up Happier in 2021” for House Beautiful. Mendelsohn notes that deep, jewel-toned purples are perfect for bedrooms that find themselves bathed in overly bright light each morning. She writes that “a deep shade of royal purple on an accent wall...will help absorb light while adding vibrant personality.” Hadley Mendelsohn suggests color blocking one’s bedroom when applying a shocking violet shade. One might consider balancing the space between white walls on the top and violet along the dado. This contrast “gives a room a little more shape” and adds lots of visual interest. The two shades Hadley Mendelsohn likes best for purple bedrooms are Behr’s “Premium Plus Purple Potion” and Benjamin Moore’s “Mystical Grape.”
Though purple might seem like an odd choice for a peaceful and tranquil master or guest bedroom, it actually functions perfectly well as such. Kendra Cherry explains the color psychology of purple in her article “The Color Psychology of Purple” for Very Well Mind. She writes that “people often describe this color as mysterious, spiritual, and imaginative.” Purple can create a sensuous and soothing atmosphere in a bedroom, notes Cherry. In fact, she writes quoting a survey respondent, purples create "this serene world, this peaceful state of mind.”
Shocking Blues
Soft baby blues and robins egg blues are the most frequently seen shades of the color in bedrooms. However, public sentiment changes over time -- as evidenced by this year’s popular blues. Caroline Biggs lists a few of her favorite bold blues in her article “The Best Bedroom Paint Colors for 2021” for Martha Stewart. For inviting, exciting blues that “don’t read dark,” Biggs suggests Pitch Blue from Farrow & Ball. This color is clean and anchoring, while maintaining that “soothing effect” most hope for when painting with blues. Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador for the company, embraces shocking green tones. He notes that the shade Pitch Blue will “create a lively bright environment” in the morning." However, at night, the tone "will become much richer and create a more luxurious feel."
Ashley Knierim throws out a few more shades in her article “The 10 Best Blue Paint Colors for the Bedroom” for The Spruce. For a room hallmarked by depth and sophistication, Knierim suggests “Magnolia's Under the Stars.” This shade is “a deep blue with green undertones that works beautifully in a bedroom." They are effective "either on an accent wall or throughout the whole room.” Benjamin Moore’s “Stained Glass” is another blue-green favorite of Knierim’s. She loves the shade for its “rich, bold blend” of the two colors. We love Benjamin Moore’s Stained Glass for bedrooms seeking a bit of Art Deco flair! Kendra Cherry explains why so many people adore shades of blue in her article “The Color Psychology of Blue” for Very Well Mind. Cherry notes that “blue calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity.” The color blue is “often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly.”
Lively Yellows
Cheerful and on-trend, both muted and bright yellows are perfect for master bedrooms, guest bedrooms and even nurseries! Try not to shy away from ochre or banana yellow this year. The two shades are inviting, stimulating and comforting. The warm tones of a deeper yellow make it easy to pair with soft neutrals like taupe, white and beige. Consider Amanda Sapio’s advice in her article “Ideas to Inspire Your Bedroom Paint Colors” for My Move when choosing a yellow for your bedroom. Sapio’s favorite yellow tone is indeed mustard yellow. She loves the shade for its “subdued undertones that are vibrant and warm.” Pick up a bucket of Rust-oleum’s Venetian Yellow to get in on the trend. Kendra Cherry writes about the emotional effects of yellow in her article “The Color Psychology of Yellow” for Very Well Mind. Cherry notes that “yellow is a bright color that is often described as cheery and warm.”
Glamorous Greens
Despite rarely gracing the walls of homes, green is one of the most versatile and emotionally supportive colors in interior design. Rooted in nature, shades of green often have a grounding and soothing effect upon those who interact with them. They can also spur creativity and enhance focus, making them ideal for both home offices and bedrooms. In her article “The Color Psychology of Green” for Very Well Mind, Kendra Cherry writes that green is tied to many positive emotions. She explains that “green is often thought to represent tranquility, good luck [and] health.” With Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts and Art Deco periods experiencing a resurgence in 2021, green has emerged as a breakout star. While we love a bold shade, mint and sage greens are also beautiful choices for bedrooms.
In her article “The Best Green Paint Colors” for House Beautiful, Hadley Mendelsohn recommends considering Kelly green for extra impact. Quoting Gregory McGuire, Mendelsohn picks Benjamin Moore’s Kelly Green which is “bright...with a high-lacquer finish.” Combined “with white bedding and furniture,” Kelly Green makes “a small room feel special.” For a subtler space, Mendelsohn suggests “a pale shade of sage green.” Sage green can calm “the senses and add just enough color...without overwhelming the space.” We love Behr’s Sage Green Satin Enamel Interior Paint & Primer.
Update your bedroom for the new year with a fresh coat of paint sure to impress guests! Be bold and choose one of our favorites for 2021: purple, green, blue or yellow.
