HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams's 2022 Color Palette of the Year Creates Calm

Less is more when it comes to Softened Refuge, the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2022 Color Collection of the Year. As the 10-hued palette proves with natural tones, simplicity cultivates peace — especially in home design. Saturated with earthy colors like Whole Wheat and Retreat, as well as bolder hues like Slate Tile and Black Fox, Softened Refuge fosters both physical and mental wellbeing. Just take a look through this gallery and you’ll understand — muted colors, minimalistic accessories and raw materials evoke peace. Not to be overlooked: the crown jewel of the collection and the 2022 Color of the Year, Aleutian (a dreamy washed indigo). Ready to create a real-life refuge in your own space? Tips, tricks and a full collection breakdown lay ahead.

Don’t sleep on Black Fox, the dark horse of Softened Refuge. This grounding, brown-black tone is vital for adding depth to lighter designs.

How You Can Use It

We’ve got some ideas: On an accent wall (as pictured here) dressed up with light wooden shelves; on sleek modern dining chairs in an otherwise neutral room; on the rim of a mirror, hung above a credenza or bathroom vanity.

With warm and welcoming undertones, Whole Wheat is the friendliest color in the collection, bringing cheer to every space it enters.

How You Can Use It

Softened Refuge's tranquility derives from simple colors and raw materials: Whole Wheat on exposed brick, for example. Try it in a bathroom — it’ll make for a calm and happy morning routine. Diversify your design with Aleutian, then ground the whole look with accents in Black Fox.

Fluid and flexible — like Softened Refuge itself — Canvas Tan creates comfort and cohesion with its neutral-warm undertones.

How You Can Use It

Say hello to two-toned walls. Complement a saturated wall with Canvas Tan-colored wainscoting. We also love this hue on trim, molding, ceilings and fireplace surrounds. You can also find it in natural accessories (like pampas grass).