Minwax’s Color of the Year Is Like a Spa in a Can

Pantone went periwinkle for its Color of the Year, but wood stain brand Minwax is going green. Minwax announced this month that “Gentle Olive” is its 2022 hue, which reflects “the search for serenity in our changing routines.”

“Gentle Olive” is a soothing mix of sage green and gray that embraces natural wood tones while adding a subtle pop of timeless color. It’s grounded, calming, and is symbolic of healing and renewal.

“Over the last two years, we have been making our homes a more comforting place—a place focused on our well-being, where we decompress and clear our minds,” Sue Kim, Minwax color marketing manager, said in a press release. “This year’s Minwax Color of the Year reflects the search for serenity in our changing routines, as Gentle Olive creates a meditative mood that injects everyday optimism at home.”

Gentle Olive is one of over 240 color options available in the Minwax Wood Finish Water-Based Color Stains line. These stains are semi-transparent and add a fun pop of color without taking away wood’s natural grain and texture. Gentle Olive is also available in solid stain as well.

To complement the 2022 Color of the Year, Minwax suggests pairing Gentle Olive stain with Natural Peach, Platinum, Oak Haven, Nightwatch Green, Sunwashed Blue, or Oyster Gray. These tones are also inspired by nature, with the darker hues adding richness to a space, and together with Gentle Olive bring balance into your home.

Minwax water-based stains can be used to breathe new life into any wood surface including pieces of furniture, cabinets, wood walls or unfinished woodwork. You can grab Gentle Olive, or any of the corresponding tones, at most leading retailers.