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2017 BEHR Color of the Year: The Ultimate Hue Guide

In 2017, Behr chose a color that reflected a growing desire for calm and clarity in daily life. This thoughtfully chosen shade offered an accessible alternative to bolder trends...

Mara Ellison Jul 31, 2026
2017 BEHR Color of the Year: The Ultimate Hue Guide

In 2017, Behr chose a color that reflected a growing desire for calm and clarity in daily life. This thoughtfully chosen shade offered an accessible alternative to bolder trends while still feeling modern and livable.

The selection behind Behr color of the year 2017 combined design forecasts, cultural cues, and real-world paint technology to ensure that homeowners and professionals could easily translate the trend into their spaces.

Color Name HEX Code Mood & Use Finish Options
Soft Chamois #D4C8B8 Warm, neutral, versatile Matte, Eggshell, Advanced Satin
Light Cloud Gray #B9B3A9 Contemporary, balanced Matte, Eggshell, Advanced Satin
Pale Oak #CFC6A8 Natural, comforting Matte, Eggshell, Advanced Satin
Simply White #F5F2EC Crisp, clean backdrop Matte, Eggshell, Advanced Satin

Design Context Behind Behr Color of the Year 2017

Behr color of the year 2017 was selected through a process that studied lifestyle shifts, material innovations, and visual trends. The goal was to identify a shade that worked across rooms, budgets, and skill levels while supporting a sense of balance.

Design insiders noted a move toward quieter palettes, and this choice aligned with a broader movement for spaces that feel both curated and comfortable. The result was a flexible base that allowed accents and personal objects to stand out.

Practical Harmony in Modern Interiors

Colors tied to Behr color of the year 2017 excel at creating practical harmony. Their muted richness acts as a neutral canvas, allowing furniture, artwork, and architectural details to read clearly without competing for attention.

Designers appreciated how these tones scaled from compact apartments to larger homes, maintaining coherence when paired with natural woods, metals, and textiles. The result is a grounded backdrop that feels intentional rather than accidental.

Using Light Reflectance and Finish Quality

Choosing the Right Sheen

Behr formulations for color of the year 2017 include finishes designed for specific rooms. Matte surfaces hide wall imperfections, while Advanced Satin and Eggshell options provide durability and easier cleaning in high-traffic zones like hallways and kitchens.

Testing in Real Conditions

Swatching these tones in different lighting situations ensures they perform as expected. Advanced formulas help manage sheen level and color depth so that the chosen shade looks consistent from daytime to evening.

Coordinating with Furniture and Fixtures

Homeowners often ask how to integrate Behr color of the year 2017 with existing furnishings. Because the palette sits in the warm-neutral zone, it coordinates well with both cool metal hardware and warmer wood tones.

Curating textiles in complementary hues, such as soft beiges, greys, and muted greens, reinforces the tranquil atmosphere intended by the color selection while adding layered depth.

Integrating Behr color of the year 2017 into Your Home Plan

  • Test large swatches at different times of day to see how natural light affects the tone.
  • Pair with textured textiles and natural materials to add warmth and tactile interest.
  • Use a slightly deeper variant for an accent wall to create focus without overwhelming the room.
  • Choose a resilient finish in kitchens and entryways to simplify cleaning and touch-ups.
  • Coordinate fixture and furniture metals to create a cohesive layer of design continuity.

FAQ

Reader questions

Is Behr color of the year 2017 suitable for small spaces?

Yes, these muted tones create the illusion of depth and openness, making compact rooms feel larger and more serene when used as a base color.

How does Behr maintain color consistency across different batches?

Behr employs precise pigment matching and quality control to ensure that colors remain consistent, so walls painted months apart still appear uniform.

Can I use Behr color of the year 2017 in high-traffic areas?

Absolutely, pairing these hues with Advanced or Eggshell finishes provides the durability needed for hallways, kitchens, and family rooms.

What trim colors work best with Behr color of the year 2017?

Soft greys, warm ivories, and subtle charcoal trims complement the neutrality of the shade while allowing doors, crown, and fixtures to stand out gracefully.

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