Picture boats bobbing on a sun-kissed sea and clouds scudding across the sky above. Simple serenity – exactly the feel Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Teal evokes. The 2021 Colour of the Year was chosen before the world turned upside down, but its soothing blue-green is an antidote to angst.

Aegean Teal
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"Blue-green is a calming colour that people tend to love. It works with many others. You’re seeing jewel tones in fashion, but for the home there is a softened grey element, so it’s adaptable.”

"Aegean Teal was nailed down before Covid in January-February. When we regrouped in April, we felt very strongly the need for stable, comfortable colours was on target."

The selection process began in December 2019 and reflected ideas from global travel.

“At that point, we looked at more organic colours,” says Sharon Grech, media spokesperson colour and design for Benjamin Moore. The colour story formed around sun-baked hues. “Aegean Teal was nailed down before COVID in January-February. When we regrouped in April, we felt very strongly the need for stable, comfortable colours was on target.”

Aegean Teal is the catalyst colour of 12 hues that evoke the simple pleasures of home, such as Rosy Peach, Foggy Morning and Potters Clay. “There is a warming-up of the palette overall,” says Grech. “Every 10 years we shift. There are still greys and a blue side, so we needed a bridge. Blue-green is a calming colour that people tend to love. It works with many others. You’re seeing jewel tones in fashion, but for the home there is a softened grey element so it’s adaptable.”

"These colours add a burst of excitement and everyone needs a burst of colour."

“Mid-tone Aegean Teal excels in a variety of applications. “You can put lighter and darker materials with it; it can work in any room. I can’t think of an interior space it couldn’t work,” says Grech.

The kitchen figures prominently in promotional material. Grech says it is the hub of our activities, baking, eat-ing, crafting, working – and Aegean Teal is an ideal backdrop.

Cathy McManus-Cloes, owner of Hyde Park Paint & Paper, says: “It makes you comfortable at home where you spend a lot of time. These colours add a burst of excitement and everyone needs a burst of colour.”

Painting a room or a piece of furniture is an easy update. “It makes you feel better,” says McManus-Cloes. “It’s satisfying to paint a room. A fresh coat of paint, a few throw cushions and you’re good to go.”

In business since 1993, she’s seen a lot of colours come and go. “These are colours we sell everyday because they’re calm. We’re thrilled with the palette. They appeal to every group.”

“This year the colours all have an organic feel,” says Grech. “They work together well and can stand alone. You can envelop yourself with these colours.” The 2021 brochure (available at Hyde Park Paint & Paper) showcases the palette with tips on where and how to use it, including matte and glossy finishes.

Potters Clay
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Muslim
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Atrium White
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