Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2022 – interior experts react to the powerful shade

Benjamin Moore is the latest paint powerhouse to share its color forecast for the year ahead – and their selection has provoked excitement in the interiors world. The color – October Mist is a subtle sage – that combines silver-green tones to resemble a flower stem.

The shade – that is set to reshape incoming color trends – draws from everyday rituals to provoke creative expression through paint. Benjamin Moore suggests October Mist has the power to make an individual statement – whilst also pairing alongside other 14 hues in their Colour Trends 2022 palette. 

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Whether your painted wall idea involves using October Mist as a focal point or you want to experiment with a contemporary color pairing – we suggest stepping away from the paintbrush until you hear from our favorite experts. 

Here, designers Athena Calderone, Abigal Ahern, and Robert Stilin share the design ideas you need to know.  

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Abigail Ahern  

If we are to trust anybody's opinion on color, it is designer Abigail Ahern. The celebrated figure has rewritten everything we know about maximalism – but how would she suggest styling October Mist?

'I love this soothing hue and feel it has way more personality than a plain old neutral, making it perfect for any space from hallways to bathrooms and bedrooms,' Abigail explains. 

'It's subtle in coloration, and thus the softness of it makes it feel super relaxing and serene. It's quite spa-like with its nod to nature and is also super restorative. Being such a soft hue, it literally goes with anything.'

'You can marry it with black and inkier hues and watch the magic happen, or buddy it up with neutrals which would also look cool. Incredibly versatile – it's one of those colors that will never date, which is a major plus in my book,' she adds.

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Robert Stilin 

New York designer Robert Stilin is renowned for his crisp and contemporary homes that are simultaneously warm, comfortable, and livable. These are all qualities of October Mist, but what does Robert think about the trendy tint?

'I would use this color specifically in a bedroom, as it adds a cozy layer. It is a great alternative to white but can still be used in a neutral way,' Robert says. He continues, sharing color pairing ideas that will accentuate the shade's beauty. 

'I would use other colors in the room alongside it such as navy, chocolate brown, deep orange, and red to accentuate [the shade].' 

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Athena Calderone 

It is no secret that we are eternal admirers of Athena Calderone, the Brooklyn-based designer who is synonymous with beautiful interiors. So, naturally, we were keen to hear Athena's reaction to the color of the moment – and she did not disappoint. 

'What’s ironic about the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year, October Mist, is that I am already obsessed with the pistachio hue! I suppose I foreshadowed this upcoming trend as the kitchen in my Amagansett home is a very similar muted, verdant hue,' Athena says. 

She continues: 'I love how it inserts a touch of color but still reads as a neutral that pairs well with other tones within your home.'

Can we expect to see October Mist at the peak of paint trends for 2022? With these designers' approval, we certainly expect so.