Video /
Dec 10, 2019

Tips for the 2020 Benjamin Moore Color of the Year

The rosy hue First Light can add subtle color to kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms

Interior designer Olga Gomes from OG Design Studio gives her tips for how to use the 2020 Benjamin Moore Color of the Year, First Light. 

“Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2020, First Light, is the backdrop for a bright new decade, and this is how I see the ‘pretty in pink’ color,” Gomes says. “It’s the blush pink of flamingo feathers, or a yummy bowl of strawberry ice cream, or the prettiness of rose quartz.”

First Light, the color of the year, is a light pink that Gomes says is more inspiring than the previous gray from last year. The pink can be used as an accent wall in bathrooms vanities, and for details in a marble kitchen such as pink cabinetry. 

[Related: OUTER LIMITS: 27 EXTERIOR PRODUCTS TO IMPROVE YOUR CURB APPEAL]

Learn more by watching the video. 

Transcript: 

So if you need a whole new palette for your home, this is a lovely place to start. Can you believe we're almost into the year 2020? I can you know why every year right around this time of year Benjamin Moore the pink company chooses that one color that best reflects the overall mood and trend for the upcoming year. And for me that means 2020 is right around the corner after lots of research and soul-searching. The color of the year for 2020 according to Benjamin Moore is called ‘First Light.’ It's pink. Let's recap the previous several years of their choices simply white, yes a controversial non-color but still one of my favorite white paint colors; ‘Shadow,’ that was a deep dark moody purple, and then there was ‘Caliente, ‘a vibrant red; and last year's color ‘Metropolitan,’ which was a pale gray. Most people were not impressed with grey. I mean I like gray but to say the year ahead is going to be characterized by the color gray well even I thought that was uninspiring, but this year's choice although still pale might feel a little more uplifting. Here's how Benjamin Moore sees it a fresh palette a revitalized spirit a soft rosy hue blooming with potential Benjamin Moore's color of the year 2020 first light is the backdrop for a bright new decade, and this is how I see the pretty in pink color. It’s the blush pink of flamingo feathers or a yummy bowl of strawberry ice cream or the prettiness of rose quartz all of its very pretty, and here's how to use it in your home.

[Related: 17 WAYS TO BRING PANTONE’S LIVING CORAL INTO YOUR NEXT PROJECT]

It works beautifully in modern all-white interiors as a lovely and subtle injection of color try it on an accent wall or maybe invest in a light pink. So if you've got some other pink accents in your mostly white interior then maybe try painting the inside of your front door in this pretty pink color bathrooms are our rooms that can look a little cold with all the hard surfaces like tiled walls and floors glass showers and mirrors, but a great way to warm things up is with this beautiful light pink color. But I especially love it on bathroom vanity what a way to bring attention and beauty to a major focal point in any bathroom, and just like last year's pale gray, I love the look of this pale pink on paneled walls. Like this classic shaker style paneling in this color is just the right amount of color to revitalize that architectural detail another lovely place to use this first light is in the bedroom as it's calming and soothing perfect for getting ready for bed. Mix it with shades of grey and white a classic combination, or warm it up even further by mixing an orange rust and beige for a fresh new vibe. Think of all the great textures like Velvets and chunky knits to make this look just perfect for your bedroom oasis. And one final place where first light might just knock you over how about the kitchen. I love this look of pink mixed with a black and white marble backsplash and contrasting wood counters. It's so luxe without it being too over-the-top because the pink is light and delicious, and as I always say when it comes to specific paint colors keep in mind your lighting conditions and always test it out well you actually see on this little tiny paint chip or on your TV screen right now depends on so many variables. In fact if you have lots of natural light in your room first light might be too pale for you: You may want to consider choosing the next two colors down in the Benjamin Moore fan deck. Either of these two colors will give you similar effects to the examples I've shown you here, but they are slightly deeper in color so test it out before you go full steam ahead. Check out my design lesson video on how to choose paint colors for your home. It's a great resource, and I'll link it below. 

[Related: ISLAND STONE ADDS TWO NEW COLORS TO SPINDRIFT MOSAIC COLLECTION]

And finally, what if you're not happy with this year's color of the year? Benjamin Moore always picks an entire palette of colors for the year, and this year's color trends palette for 2020 looks like. This I'm loving this entire palette, and you can see here how all of these colors work together so if you need a whole new palette for your home this is a lovely place to start. I especially love the look of mixing first light with that subtle beige color in the trends palette called thunder. It's a great new combo, and I'm always a big fan of blue for a kitchen island. Oxford gray is a great choice, and white Heron is perfect for kitchen cabinetry. This year's palette has two beautiful green tones, Cushing green and Crystalline, and they look great together, too. So here's your take away if you're looking to revitalize your home find ways to introduce this year's color of the year first light is great all on its own for a calming effect or paired with lots of white. For a fresh update or mix it with deep orange and rusty tones for a new modern palette. This rosy hue is just as pretty as it sounds. Thanks for watching this little design tip. We'll have lots more design tips just like this one coming soon, so don't forget to subscribe. We've got new videos every week. If you're loving this year's color of the year, make sure to let me know in the comments below. And don't forget if you like this video, please give it a thumbs up. See you soon you.

[Related: NEW SHERWIN-WILLIAMS SURVEY SAYS WHITE, GRAY WALLS ARE OUT IN 2020]