Miller Paint, the Pacific Northwest leader in paint manufacturing, announced its color of the year, Desireé | 1219. A softly shaded orchid hue that is reminiscent of the first signs of spring, Desireé was inspired by a renewed connection to the natural world.

“With 2021 coming to a close and a shared desire for hope and healing, Desireé is a point of light and warmth, calling on us to pause and reflect,” says Puji Sherer, director of color marketing for Miller Paint. “A collective wish for new beginnings leads us to thoughtful hues that support renewal, reflection, and a sense of optimism in 2022.”

Desireé is an unexpected yet welcome accent in outdoor settings—perfect on a potting shed door or a window box bursting with blooms. For a grounded color combination, it pairs well with a muted green, rich olive, or earthy brown.

“The color is a hopeful reminder of new life and healing, like crocus petals peeking through the snow: a perfect complement to gardens in every season,” added Sherer.

As for interiors, “We are moving away from basic, expected neutrals in interiors and are craving color,” said Sherer. Desireé proves versatile and complex, with a brightness that offers a coloristic surprise in places like entryway doors loaded with architectural detail. Desireé is also soft enough to be used for entire rooms or hallways. A light lavender with touches of pink and gray, this color suits many architectural styles.

“There are so many ways to bring this soothing orchid hue into your interior spaces,” said Sherer. “It feels classic and sophisticated in a formal dining room, or playful and contemporary in a cheery home office.”