2018 is coming to a close, which means the design world is gearing up for the upcoming year—and releasing the colors and trends they predict will become the go-to’s in 2019. And while the Pantone Institute (widely considered the world’s leading authority on color) won’t release their pick for Color of the Year until December, many paint companies have already released their 2019 shades—and for Behr, that color is Blueprint.
Blueprint, a neutral gray/blue shade, is poised to be the go-to shade in the paint world in 2019. But why Blueprint? What makes this shade so on-trend for the upcoming year? And, more importantly, how can you incorporate Blueprint into your properties to make them more appealing to buyers in 2019?
Blueprint
Blueprint is a gray/blue shade inspired by the blueprints architects use to design and build structures. According to Behr’s website, “Behr’s Color of the Year is a blueprint for the future of color. An honest, approachable color that conjures up the blueprints builders rely on to bring architectural designs to life, Blueprint creates a space where you can build your own reimagined life—where awareness of what we want to build for ourselves can transform into action.”
Why Blueprint Works
When choosing a color to lead the trends for a certain year—like Blueprint for 2019—you want to make sure it appeals to a wide audience. And Blueprint does just that. Blue is the most popular color in the world, with nearly half of men (42%) and one-third of women (30%) claiming blue as their favorite color. The gray undertones of Blueprint also help to up the appeal; because the subtle undertone of gray makes Blueprint more muted, the hue feels less bright or overwhelming—making it a neutral choice that could work in a number of different design applications (whether as an accent or a focal point).
From a color psychology perspective, blue is typically associated with stability and trustworthiness—both characteristics that people are looking for when shopping for homes. By incorporating this shade of blue into your designs, you can create a sense of stability in your properties that will make it easier for potential buyers to see themselves living in the home—which will also make it easier for them to ultimately make a purchase.
How To Incorporate Blueprint Into Your Properties
Blueprint is such a universal color, there really aren’t any limits to how you can use it. You can incorporate Blueprint as an accent wall, on a ceiling, or—if you want to be creative—on a door, shutters, or even with interior trim.
There are four on-trend color palettes Behr recommends pairing with Blueprint. The first is called Color Binge, monochromatic palette that incorporates various shades of blue (including Watery HDC-CT-26, Antigua M460-7, Dark Navy S530-7, and Blue Metal HDC-AC-25). This palette is a great option if you want to keep a neutral feel in your designs.
The next is Down To Earth, an earth tones-centric palette with incorporates warmer taupes and browns (including Elephant Skin PPU18-16, Mars Red PPU2-11, and Kindling N200-6). This palette creates a warm, vintage feel in the home that will appeal to potential buyers looking for a laid-back and inviting (but still stylish) property.
The next palette to incorporate Blueprint is Soft Focus, which brings pastels into the mix (including Cotton Grey HDC-NT-20, Standing Ovation N570-2, and Sand Dance S190-2). This ethereal palette of blushes and peaches creates a soft, ethereal feel that would work best in a bedroom, bathroom, or other relaxed space.
The last Blueprint-centric color palette being shopped by Behr in 2019 is Inspired Curation. This palette (which includes Ecological S380-6, Amber Autumn S290-5, Raisin in the Sun N120-6, and Vine Leaf N400-7) incorporates bold jewel tones that are ideal if you’re trying to make an impact or statement with your color choices.
Blueprint in 2019 and Beyond
Blueprint has been chosen as a Color of the Year—but its universal appeal should prove to have staying power long after 2019 wraps up. If you want to incorporate colors into your designs this coming year that feel both on-trend and timeless, consider Blueprint your next go-to.