Behr Colors of the Year 2022 selections
Behr’s Color of the Year program reflects emerging design directions and cultural shifts, offering paint hues that help shape interior environments. The selections are grounded in color psychology, material culture, and nuanced trends, translated into durable paint formulations that perform well across walls, trims, and built-ins. Below is a high-information breakdown of the two primary colors announced for 2022, their meaning, and practical applications.
| Color Name | HEX Approximation | Described Mood | Design Use Cases | Source Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owens White | #F5F4F0 | Crisp, clear, quietly warm neutral | Ceilings, trim, small spaces, light-reflecting schemes | Behr press materials and color descriptions for 2022 |
| Naval | #2A3A5A | Deep, grounded, contemplative | Feature walls, cabinetry, exterior accents | Behr press materials and color descriptions for 2022 |
Owens White as the 2022 Color of the Year
Owens White is a warm, bright neutral with a slight cream undertone, designed to balance clarity and comfort. It reads as a softer alternative to stark ‘pure white,’ reducing glare while maximizing light reflection. In interiors, it works well as a ceiling color to create a sense of height, on trim for crisp definition, or across smaller rooms to make spaces feel larger. Because it is a mid-tone neutral, it pairs easily with both cool and warm accent colors, making it adaptable for evolving seasonal palettes.
Naval as the 2022 Shade of Strength
Naval is a dark, slightly warm navy that avoids purple or red shifts, leaning instead toward a cool, mineral depth. It brings gravity, focus, and a grounded atmosphere to rooms without closing them off. Consider using Naval on a single feature wall behind built-ins or seating, or on cabinetry to anchor a kitchen layout. When paired with metallic or matte black hardware and lighter neutrals, it can create a modern, layered look that reads both classic and contemporary.
How Behr chooses Color of the Year
Behr’s color selection process reviews cultural signals, design trade data, and emerging consumer preferences, then filters these through practical considerations for durability, sheen performance, and manufacturability. Each year, the aim is to provide hues that serve both expressive design desires and long-term wear, including scrubability and hideability on varied substrates. As a result, the annual colors are intended not only to inspire but also to integrate seamlessly into everyday renovation and refresh projects.
Using 2022 colors in current palettes
Even though a new year’s color trends succeed one another, prior-year hues remain useful design tools. The 2022 duo can function as foundational pieces within a neutral base-and-accent strategy. For clients who prefer calm continuity, Owens White can underpin a timeless backdrop, while Naval offers depth for feature areas. This pairing supports layered schemes where pastels, earth tones, or muted metallics can be introduced seasonally without requiring a full repaint.
Practical implementation tips
- Test large sample boards in the intended light at different times of day to confirm undertones and contrast.
- Use Owens White to bounce light into narrow hallways and lift darker flooring without overwhelming a room.
- Apply Naval to architectural elements like built-ins, window frames, or an entry wall to create intention and structure.
- Coordinate hardware and fixtures in matte black or brushed nickel to let the color do the talking.
- Consider sheen carefully: satin or eggshell on major walls for washability, semi-gloss for trim and doors.
Comparative context and related hues
Beh’s 2022 selections sit within a broader move toward balanced neutrals and intentional colorism, where depth is achieved through nuance rather than high contrast. When compared with adjacent-year palettes, Owens White aligns with a softer, warmer neutral family, while Naval reflects a restrained, mineral-influenced dark that differs from cooler blue-greys or near-black hues. This positioning makes the pair versatile for mixing with both traditional millwork and contemporary minimalist architecture.