Martha Stewart announces her approval of Behr Paint's polarizing 2024 Color of the Year

Martha Stewart has never been one to shy away from controversy (who else could appear in Sports Illustrated at 82 and pull it off?), but she is widely considered a maven of good taste in the home interiors space.

Her anti-trend stance on home decor allows Martha to make even that which appears unfashionable chic and timeless again. So, to color trends.

Recently, the lifestyle guru announced her approval of Behr's 2024 Color of the Year, Cracked Pepper, a dark charcoal color akin to the hue of peppercorns. Some bemoaned the color choice, but most, including our design experts and the Martha Stewart Show host herself, are embracing this dark shade in the coming year.

Martha Stewart announced Behr's 2024 Color of the Year with the encouragement, 'Get ready to embrace the dark side.'

She included a quote from Erika Woelfel, the Vice President of Color at Behr Paint stating, 'The moment now is about optimism, awakening the senses, and elevating how you feel – and a room with a soft black really checks the box on all of those things.'

Martha goes on to say that the  paint is both 'moody' and 'versatile.'

Black paint is somewhat of a lightning rod in the design community, often considered 'brave' and sometimes included on 'colors to never use in your living room' lists. However, Behr's announcement of this color of the year combined with the approval of Martha and other interior design experts across the board indicate that we should no longer be scared of the dark hue.

Behr Cracked Pepper Paint

Cracked pepper is Behr's brand new charcoal shade, ideal for adding a bit of drama to any space. Available in five different finishes for your perfect home.

'My thoughts on color schemes incorporating black paint are that they can be very dramatic and moody, and even warm. There’s something about the color that envelops you and feels very insular,' says Alexa d'Argencé, Senior Interior Designer at BAR Architects & Interiors.

The mood of black paint, she indicates, is all about the surrounding decor. 'Lighting feels really warm against the color' says Alexa, 'I could see a dramatic wallpaper feeling great in a space with black walls also.'

Color and paintwork expert Goodell David admires the effects that dark paints like Cracked Pepper can have on a space. He says, 'I think a black color scheme is very sophisticated and elegant, as well as versatile and timeless.'

He continues about the Behr Paint color of the year, 'Cracked pepper is a soft black that can create a dramatic and cozy atmosphere in any room, as well as contrast well with other colors and materials. It can also add some depth and dimension to our space, as well as reflect light and create some shimmer and shine.'

Though introducing it requires some skill and forethought, black paint is a stylish and versatile paint trend that will be appearing everywhere in 2024.