Behr Paint Selects ‘Cracked Pepper’ as 2024 Color of the Year

In recent years, people have been moving toward lighter colors, mostly neutrals, that fit in with the theme of calmness. However, a soft black color is the “new neutral” that can be incorporated at any scale.

It is that thought that drew the color experts at Behr Paint Company to select Cracked Pepper as its 2024 Color of the Year. As a dark and dynamic hue, Cracked Pepper complements existing colors, materials, and finishes in commercial and residential spaces.

“Cracked Pepper is a versatile black that elevates any indoor or outdoor space,” said Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color & Creative Services at Behr Paint Company. “This infinite hue also has the power to shift an ambiance with subtle changes of light throughout the day—from igniting energy to tranquil and meditative. For a bold statement, you can wrap your walls in Cracked Pepper or add an accent for a hint of sophistication.”

Woelfel observed that when selecting the Color of the Year, Behr Paint’s color team explores lifestyle trends in different verticals such as travel, fashion and décor, and uncovered a common theme.

“When exploring the lifestyle trends as we looked ahead to 2024, we noticed a common theme—the desire to evolve given our everyday lives,” Woelfel noted. “Also, we found in new research conducted by Behr Paint that two-thirds of Americans believe black tones in the home make a space feel bold and unique. Cracked Pepper is a timeless and modern hue that awakens the senses and exudes confidence on every scale.”

According to the survey, 57% of Americans say that painting a wall a dark(er) color gives the room a designer aesthetic, and 54% of Americans say black tones in the home create a new energy and vibe. In addition, 74% of Americans would consider painting an area or room a dark color.

“We recognize the growing desire for using darker colors throughout spaces,” says Jodi Allen, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Behr Paint Company in announcing the selection of Cracked Pepper. “Adding a soft black like Cracked Pepper evokes a sense of confidence and individuality that we want all of our customers to feel after completing a project.”

Last year, Behr Paint selected Blank Canvas, a warm white hue, as its 2023 Color of the Year. Woelfel said that Cracked Pepper matches perfectly with Blank Canvas, both in terms of color as well as mood.

“Over the past couple of years, we noticed a desire for colors that provide a tranquil and grounding feeling with a sense of optimism,” Woelfel noted. “Warm whites like our 2023 Color of the Year, Blank Canvas, and Cracked Pepper both serve as grounding neutrals. We also continue to see a focus on bringing the outdoors into our living spaces through color. Our recently announced 2024 Color Trends Palette includes Cracked Pepper alongside nature-inspired blues and greens, delicate pastels, energetic pops of color, and timeless neutrals.”

“As a color from the BEHR® DESIGNER COLLECTION of tried-and-true designer-approved hues, Cracked Pepper exudes confidence and can be paired seamlessly with other complimentary colors such as Blank Canvas,” added Woelfel. “Pair Cracked Pepper with Mountain Olive for a modern organic look or with Weathered White for a traditionalist design style from Behr’s 2024 Color Trends Palette.”