How does Benjamin Moore choose the annual Colour of the Year & Colour Trends Palette?

Selecting the Benjamin Moore Colour of the Year and Colour Trends palette involves a year-long observation of design, art, fashion, the environment and cultural influences the world over. Chosen from our existing library of 3,500+ hues by colour and design experts, it is a celebration unlike any other.

The Journey

After months of domestic and international travel and research, common threads between diverse disciplines begin to take shape. The result is a thoughtfully curated colour palette–and one standout colour of the year–that inspires us all.



Professionally hand-drawn furniture and pictures of different colours of fabrics and colour samples.

Design

We look at a range of design influences like furniture, lighting, fabrics, home accessories and more—and then consider the relationship that paint and colour has to each of them.
Professionally hand-drawn room interior and pictures of colour samples.

Art

From contemporary to classic, we look to art to help us see colour and colour pairings in a fresh, new light. Seeing how artists use colour always energizes and inspires us.
Professionally hand-drawn fashion sketches and different colours of fabrics on a piece of paper.

Fashion

Always changing, and consistently informed by colour, fashion is an expression of personality and style that gives us a snapshot of the moment.
A picture of dark green front door, a small bunch of purple flowers, and a picture of natural flowers displayed on a piece of paper.

Environment

Every setting offers its own unique natural landscape, distinct colour palette and architectural traditions. At home and when traveling, we take in all of these elements.
Pictures of an outdoor empty hallway and buildings, a passport, some coins, and a cup of coffee displayed on a piece of paper.

Culture

Clearly, people influence us as well. Consumer sentiment, entertainment, economics, and contemporary culture all give voice to our annual colour palette selection.

Colour of the Year: A Look Back

Recent selections for Colour of the Year include...



EXPLORE THE COLOUR TRENDS 2020 PALETTE

A gray-painted wall and cream-coloured silk curtains frame a formal gold chair. Colour of the Year 2019

Great Design Always Endures

Consider our curated palette of 15 harmonious hues, including Colour of the Year 2019 Metropolitan AF-690.