Gwen Stefani's door taps into a 2024 color trend that 'evokes a sense of confidence and individuality,' experts say

Throughout her fruitful career, Gwen Stefani has had an affinity for boldness. Whether on stage with No Doubt or as a solo artist, the musician has expressed herself through punchy songs and vibrant outfits. It turns out that this persona extends into her interior design preferences, too.

In a video posted to the Hollaback Girl singer's Instagram page, she stands in the hallway of her maximalist home, decked out with printed wallpaper, religious art, and a grand chandelier. A more subtle but equally as significant decal is her painted black door – a color that is very much on the rise this year.

Immediately eye-catching, dark paint is beloved for its ability to bring sophistication and a touch of moodiness to any space. It's particularly effective as a front door color, and according to experts, it's a great way to incorporate one of 2024's biggest colors.

'As we look into 2024, creating a sense of comfort and belonging will continue to drive design decisions – but now, as life returns to its more familiar rhythms, it’s time to allow our senses to come alive,' says Erika Woelfel, the vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Company. 

'From heightening the aromas of a dining room to feeling the softness of a living area, Cracked Pepper enhances the natural expression in any space,' she says of Behr's 2024 Color of the Year.

It's easy to see why people love dark paint: it serves as a solid base for an array of design styles, from retro to contemporary, minimal to maximal. There are even numbers to back its popularity: according to research conducted by Behr Paint Company, 61 percent of millennials agree that black paint instantly gives a home a fresh look, while more than half of Americans say dark wall paint makes a room feel elevated.

'We recognize the growing desire for using darker colors throughout spaces,' says Jodi Allen, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Behr Paint Company. 'Adding a soft black like Cracked Pepper evokes a sense of confidence and individuality that we want all of our customers to feel after completing a project.'

While painting a front door black is a direct way to implement this phenomenon, dark accents and accessories are fantastic for trying out the trend.

Erika Woelfel

Erika Woelfel has always had a passion for color. She brings over 20 years of experience to her role as Vice President of Color & Creative Services at the Behr Paint Company. Her background includes a mix of color consulting, visual merchandising, PR planning, graphic design and marketing communications. She and the team are dedicated to helping people find the perfect paint color. Inspiration for her comes from travel, art, nature, food and fashion.

Shop the black decor edit

Shop Behr's Cracked Pepper shade below, along with some black decor that is sure to embolden an entryway. First impressions count beyond the front door, after all.