After many years of soft colors as their choice for the Color of the Year, this year’s color took a dramatic turn as Cracked Pepper, PPU18-01, was selected for the Behr 2024 Color of the Year. Also referred to as “soft black”, Behr claims this color is thought to give off both feelings of confidence and refinement. This color can work in your home as both a primary shade as well as a tasteful accent.
Cracked Pepper can be used to accentuate the existing decor and furniture in your rooms lending a sense of maturity in doing so. It pairs well with almost any color: rich tones, classic neutrals, earthy hues and bold accent colors, which provides opportunities for many different styles of expression. Some ideas for the perfect pairing, include:
Gold gloss, a sparkly gold metallic
Whipped cream, a delicate white shade
Offshore mist, a light blue-green hue
If you are looking for a prominent way to incorporate Cracked Pepper into your home, an ideal place to start is painting your walls or adding an accent wall or ceiling—you can find Cracked Pepper paint at your local paint store. Black walls are a bold addition to your room in themselves and also make the accent colors used throughout the room pop. Another area you can paint with this trendy color is the cabinets throughout your house. For a more textured approach, consider choosing a peel-and-stick wallpaper in a similar shade. Regardless of how many surfaces you use this color on, it will create a unique space that is up to date with this latest trend!
Another major upgrade you can make to incorporate this shade is through black furniture, like a sectional, sofa or loveseat. Darker sofas can add a little spice to your space, especially to lighter-themed rooms. Black sofas can pair with almost any other existing furniture pieces and can also be complemented through smaller black home decor items.
If a big decor change isn’t what you’re looking for, you can also incorporate Cracked Pepper into your home through black decor. Some of the most popular and easy upgrades to make include:
Throw pillows and blankets: Adding black pillows and blankets to your living room or bedroom requires minimal effort to implement and is easy to swap from season to season.
Rugs: Adding a new area rug brings in fresh color and texture that will make your space more comfortable and relaxing.
Accent Pieces: Accent furniture pieces can include items like coffee tables, ottomans and accent chairs. These are bold upgrades you can make to your space that don’t require major changes.
Lamps: Table and floor lamps with a black base can help pull together other black home decor items in a room, creating a greater sense of cohesion.
Wall art: Wall art and decor is another easy update to implement and can be replaced with new trends or to suit the season. Finding paintings with black accents or primary shades will help bring this color to a more prominent spot in your home, without the commitment of paint.
Home accessories: Various black accent items, such as candles, vases and other tabletop decor can add a splash of fresh color into your space.
No matter if you are hoping to have Cracked Pepper overtake your rooms or simply add a few decor pieces, this Behr Color of the Year is sure to add a bold and sophisticated twist to your home. There are countless ways to integrate this color into your house whether you are looking to splurge or are on a tight budget!