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According to the first-ever CB2 Next in Design report, a new optimism-inducing palette is about to take over: mineral-inspired hues, from warm ochre to muddy clay to green-tinged olivine. The survey of 900 interior designers found that 62 percent of respondents predicted that these earth-inspired picks would be the ones people will gravitate toward the most in 2021. 

“Because mineral shades are found in nature, they can feel very grounding,” says Andrea Erman, a product development lead at CB2. “In a time when there is so much change, these colors will add a fresh take, but with a sense of stability and foundation for the year ahead.”

Speaking of inspiring shades, we’ve noticed that another popular color in the rock family, a quartz-like purple, has been popping up everywhere (hello, Vice President Kamala Harris’s inauguration ensemble). Similar to CB2’s calming shades, purple has been called out as a sign of ambition and unity—remember: red plus blue equals purple. 

In the spirit of optimistic new beginnings, we found our favorite ways to work the shade, from eggplant to lilac, into your existing decor. A good place to start is with textiles, or jump headfirst into the trend with a sofa that’s more glam than grape. No matter which direction you go in, each of these pieces is an instant mood booster and might just be the fresh start you need for the new year. 

Decor photo
Tatum Modular Sofa, Interior Define ($2,385)
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