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As 2021 comes to a close, we’re recapping the beautiful mix of trending hues that made up this year’s Colors of the Month.
Each month, we release a key trend color from our annual Colormix® forecast, bringing to life a specific shade each month that we see gaining traction in the market. As the year unfolds, these colors inspire us to embrace emerging style trends and reinvent timeless looks.
We’ve rounded up the 2021 Colors of the Month to give you a quick glimpse of this year in color—and to build anticipation for the chosen colors yet to come in 2022.
January: Urbane Bronze SW 7048 (245-C7)
January: Urbane Bronze SW 7048 (245-C7)
We began the year with a deeply grounded new neutral: the 2021 Color of the Year, Urbane Bronze.
How we saw it styled in 2021: This moody hue became a bold backdrop indoors and out. Natural finishes, including wood and stone, balanced out this serene hue’s strong presence.
February: Sequin SW 6394 (142-C2)
February: Sequin SW 6394 (142-C2)
February ushered in the sunny-yet-subdued golden hue of Sequin, a much-needed splash of sunshine to thaw the midwinter chill.
How we saw it styled in 2021: With a mix of warm neutrals and layered-in natural touches like bold botanicals and ample natural light, this uplifting color was right at home in spaces where wellness is paramount.
March: Alexandrite SW 0060
March: Alexandrite SW 0060
A rich and vibrant jewel-toned green greeted the world in March, giving accent walls a jolt and acting as an instant pick-me-up for any space in need of a little lift.
How we saw it styled in 2021: Alexandrite enlivened everyday spaces such as mudrooms and home offices with an eye-catching and invigorating energy, especially when paired with cheerful accent hues and bold patterns.
April: Carnelian SW 7580 (276-C6)
April: Carnelian SW 7580 (276-C6)
A little vintage and a lot modern, this dramatic dark red welcomed a more sophisticated springtime update.
How we saw it styled in 2021: Carnelian hangs in the balance between then and now, inspiring a return to classic design and more traditional details with personal touches to bring it up to date. We obsessed over the effect of Carnelian cabinetry contrasted with clean neutrals and bright brass hardware.
May: Messenger Bag SW 7740 (297-C7)
May: Messenger Bag SW 7740 (297-C7)
In the month of May, we saw the whole world tinged with green. This was in part thanks to Messenger Bag, a modern nod to a nostalgic olive tone.
How we saw it styled in 2021: This earthy tone has proven to work pretty much anywhere and imparts a sense of lived-in luxury when paired with wood, stone, and other natural textures.
June: Commodore SW 6524 (185-C7)
June: Commodore SW 6524 (185-C7)
The boldest of true blues and an ideal early-summer hue, Commodore brought clarity, comfort and a fresh versatility to spaces.
How we saw it styled in 2021: This timeless blue popped as a backdrop to wood accents, cool whites, or black and brass finishes. We loved this color’s knack for giving classic design styles an elevated edge.
July: Jovial SW 6611 (117-C2)
July: Jovial SW 6611 (117-C2)
Rosy and cozy Jovial breezed through July with free-spiritedness and boho charm, a carefree color that brings a vintage blush.
How we saw it styled in 2021: This effortlessly chic color was a true standout in bohemian settings, but it showed versatility and poise with pretty, more polished styling.
August: Eider White SW 7014 (256-C5)
August: Eider White SW 7014 (256-C5)
Eider White flared brightly in August, delivering just the right dose of warmth.
How we saw it styled in 2021: This true neutral made an entrance in a blend of chic yet relaxed styles like Belgian modern, Scandinavian minimalist and farmhouse, complementing furnishings wrapped in textured fabrics, unfinished woods, and burnished metals.
September: Novel Lilac SW 6836 (183-C3)
September: Novel Lilac SW 6836 (183-C3)
As we started to dip into the cooler months, a color suffused with brightness and positivity, Novel Lilac, emerged on the scene.
How we saw it styled in 2021: This happy purple hue was the modern maximalist’s dream: an opportunity to layer loads of fun colors and found objects amid fun flourishes of personality and a variety of interesting textures.
October: Cyberspace SW 7076 (235-C7)
October: Cyberspace SW 7076 (235-C7)
The stunning yet simple October Color of the Month was Cyberspace, a dark shade that’s a little mysterious, very versatile, and lends a look that means business.
How we saw it styled in 2021: This year, monochromatic majesty entered the chat. We saw applications of this deep blue-gray on everything—walls, trim and ceilings—for a true statement-making result.
November: Java SW 6090 (197-C7)
November: Java SW 6090 (197-C7)
This warm brown brought a gorgeous kind of gravity in November. There’s nothing like the freshly brewed hue of Java to add depth to the spaces where simple daily rituals reign.
How we saw it styled in 2021: This rich brown was seamlessly styled in uncluttered spaces to create modern Scandinavian sanctuaries. We saw it cozy up with other comforting hues, natural materials, and softened forms for a dose of warmth and late-autumn coziness.
December: Copen Blue SW (0068)
December: Copen Blue SW (0068)
This month, we invited in the chilly crystalline Copen Blue, a delicate color as fresh as the brisk morning air on an invigorating winter’s walk.
How we saw it styled in 2021: December’s Color of the Month has been the perfect modern traditional shade—a fail-safe, compelling color that harmonizes with easy design details, simple textures, horizontal lines, soft upholstery, and low-luster surfaces.