Martha Stewart Champions Behr Paint’s Dark Horse: Cracked Pepper as 2024 Color of the Year

Martha Stewart endorses Behr’s 2024 Color of the Year, Cracked Pepper. Discover why this charcoal shade is stirring conversations and influencing design trends.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Martha Stewart gives her stamp of approval to Behr Paint's polarizing 2024 Color of the Year, Cracked Pepper, describing it as "moody" and "versatile."

Cracked Pepper is expected to redefine perceptions of using dark shades in home decor, offering a dramatic, elegant, and timeless look.

Design experts, including Martha Stewart, see the color as optimistic and awakening, a catalyst for elevating the ambiance of any living space.

A Maverick Move in the World of Home Interiors

She’s appeared in Sports Illustrated at 82 and always seems to shake up the traditional norms. Martha Stewart is far from your average lifestyle guru. And when it comes to home interiors, she’s a certified tastemaker who can make even the unfashionable look irresistibly chic. Now, she’s taking on the world of color trends by openly endorsing Behr’s 2024 Color of the Year, Cracked Pepper—a dark charcoal hue that’s stirring up all sorts of feelings in the design community.

“Embrace the Dark Side”: Martha’s Bold Call to Action

Martha isn’t one to mince words. When she endorsed Behr’s selection, she audaciously urged us all to “Get ready to embrace the dark side.” And why not? Erika Woelfel, Behr Paint’s Vice President of Color, chimes in: “The current moment is all about optimism and elevating how you feel. A room with a soft black like Cracked Pepper checks all those boxes.”

Martha herself doubled down on this sentiment, calling the paint “moody” and “versatile.” Given her clout in design circles, these aren’t just buzzwords. They’re likely to become guiding principles for homeowners looking to refresh their living spaces in 2024.

The Industry Buzz: Unpacking the Appeal of Cracked Pepper

Cracked Pepper isn’t your run-of-the-mill color choice. It’s a courageous pick in a world where dark colors like black are often listed under ‘colors to avoid’ in living rooms. But let’s pause and reconsider: Can we finally step out of the shadows of these outdated notions?

Alexa d’Argencé, a Senior Interior Designer at BAR Architects & Interiors, suggests that we can—and should. “The beauty of this dark hue is its enveloping warmth,” she reflects. “Whether it’s a cozy, dramatic wallpaper or warm lighting, the color accentuates the surrounding decor.”

Goodell David, another seasoned color and paintwork expert, couldn’t agree more. He sees Cracked Pepper as a shade that offers both sophistication and versatility. “This is a soft black that can create a dramatic atmosphere, and it’s equally capable of playing well with other colors and materials. Plus, it adds depth and dimension while reflecting light to create shimmer and shine,” he opines.

A New Paint Frontier: The Versatile Trend of 2024

Forget what you’ve heard about black paints. It’s time to brush off the taboos and think outside the paint can. Cracked Pepper is not just another color; it’s a revolutionary shade ready to change the game in home design.

It’s available in five different finishes, so you’ve got options to get it just right for your home. Whether you’re adding a dash of drama to your dining room or transforming your living room into a snug haven, Cracked Pepper promises to deliver on all fronts.

So, in a world where Martha Stewart can make pretty much anything look good, her stamp of approval on Behr’s Cracked Pepper carries significant weight. It’s less of an endorsement and more of a design manifesto: a call to be bold, to embrace versatility, and to think beyond the conventional spectrum of colors. Are you ready to embrace the dark side? With 2024 on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to take the plunge.