The Elemental Colour Palette

Evoking the Energy of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water

A collage of living and dining rooms painted in Benjamin Moore paint colours. A collage of living and dining rooms painted in Benjamin Moore paint colours.

The Elemental Colour Palette

Evoking the Energy of Air, Earth, Fire, and Water

Delve into wellness with interior design colour schemes inspired by the elements—air, earth, fire, and water—and created in collaboration with Well-Designed.

When it comes to choosing the perfect paint colour, we abide by one rule: Trust your instincts. Do you want a colour that reflects your aura or your zodiac sign? Do you gravitate toward grounding, soothing colours or feel sparked by intense, fiery hues?

No matter how you find the hues that speak to you, our elemental colour palettes can help you set the tone and fill your space with energy and intention.

The Air Colour Palette

The art and science of selecting airy tones.


2118-70 | Heaven
2118-70
2123-50 | Ocean Air
2123-50
2102-70 | First Light
2102-70
OC-44 | Misty Air
OC-44


The colours of the air palette begin with the off-white Misty Air OC-44 and include the subtle beauty of pales and pastel tones, like Breath of Fresh Air 806 and First Light 2102-70, beloved hues that were both crowned Colour of the Year in the past.

Representing a connection to the upper realms of knowledge and insight, air-inspired hues add perspective and understanding. In the psychology of colour, or colour theory, this clarity of vision—thanks to the free flow of air—allows us to control our thoughts in meditation, our words in communication, and our impeccability in how we approach life.

Use air tones in home offices, kitchens, or anywhere you want creativity and focus to flourish. For an especially airy look, use a blue like Ocean Air 2123-50 on an accent wall and add sheer drapery or wind chimes to draw attention to a soft breeze or other movements.





The Earth Colour Palette

Grounding your space with earthly elemental hues.


AF-180 | Wenge
AF-180
2164-40 | Serengeti Sand
2164-40
2093-20 | Fresh Clay
2093-20


To build our earth colour palette, we connected with the planet and the rich hues found in soil and the ground. From the terracotta tones of Fresh Clay 2093-20 to the dusty Serengeti Sand 2164-40 and deep Rural Earth 1239, this palette moves from warm to cool and represents consistency, security, and being grounded.

Earth colours represent our collective past and combined wisdom. In connecting with history, we honour the teachings of the animal, mineral, and plant kingdoms and consider earth’s abundance.

When drawing inspiration from our earth colour palette in interior design, use different shades of brown paint colours to settle your entire space and bring the outdoors in. This monochromatic colour scheme lends itself well to lively green accents and accessories from nature’s bounty—think foliage, stone, wood, and clay elements.





The Fire Color Palette

Igniting warmth with fiery reds and oranges.


2017-30 | Tangelo
2017-30
2170-60 | Sunlit Coral
2170-60
2170-10 | Fireball Orange
2170-10
2170-40 | Coral Spice
2170-40
CSP-1155 | Hot Tamale
CSP-1155


Our fire colour palette burns brightly, originating with red and moving through a dazzling tropical spectrum. Inspired by brilliant sunrises and sunsets, hues like Hot Tamale CSP-1155, Fireball Orange 2170-10, and Coral Spice 2170-40 come together to remind us that tomorrow offers yet another chance to manifest a new outlook.

Fire represents the opportunity for rebirth, creating a path for renewed vigour and positivity. In the warm glow of fiery jewel tones, we find a place to listen to our inner selves and find gratitude and peace.

Given the inherent liveliness of a fire colour palette, use these hues in places where you want to add energy. Create a happy space for people to connect in living rooms, get creative with painted furniture, or extend a warm welcome with a brightly painted front door.





The Water Colour Palette

Creating serenity with blues and greens.


2065-30 | Brilliant Blue
2065-30
2052-50 | Pool Blue
2052-50
2056-10 | Tucson Teal
2056-10
2060-10 | Symphony Blue
2060-10


From soft turquoise to vibrant teal, our water colour palette features green and blue paint colours that soothe any space. Taking inspiration from coastal scenery and Mediterranean landscapes, these hues nurture and nourish, much like water does for us.

Essential for human existence, water feeds every life form on the planet. A mirror of our emotions and well-being, marine-inspired hues like Azure Water 677 and Pool Blue 2052-50 help us to relax and reflect, especially at the end of the day.

Water tones are ideal for any space rooted in calmness, such as bedrooms, nurseries, kids’ rooms, and bathrooms. For shared spaces, add to the theme with a water feature such as a fountain or aquarium.



Frequently Asked Questions


Q. What are elemental colours?

A. Elemental colours are hues inspired by the four elements: air (pales and pastels), earth (browns and neutrals), fire (reds and oranges), and water (blues and greens). Derived from ancient Greek philosophy, the elements can be seen in everything from zodiac signs to paint colour palettes like ours.



Q. How do elemental colours affect our mood?

A. Everyone reacts differently to colour—even those inspired by the elements. Whether buoyant or grounding, relaxing or invigorating, choose the elemental colours that have a positive effect on your mood.

For quiet spaces like meditation rooms and reading nooks, our air and water colour palettes—featuring gentle pastels, blues, and teals—can help clear your mind. To inspire lively discussion and bursts of energy, turn to hues of the sunset, like the rich reds and oranges of the fire colour palette.



Q. How can I use elemental colour palettes in my home?

A. To use elemental colour palettes in your home, take stock of the mood you’re trying to set. Once you’ve set your intention, go for a monochromatic colour scheme and add accents inspired by the elements: fountains for water, greenery for earth, wind chimes for air, and candles or incandescent lighting for fire.



Q. What Benjamin Moore paint colours can I use to bring in the elements?

A. For calm and relaxation, look to the colours of the air and water palettes. We especially love Heaven 2118-70 and Pool Blue 2052-50.

To tap into nature and bring the outdoors in, look to earth colours like Toasted Chestnut 2174-10 and Wenge AF-180 to help you find a grounded, cerebral vibe.

If you’re looking to add vibrant energy, add a fire colour like Orange 2011-10 or Hot Tamale CSP-1155.



An inviting, open kitchen with sage green-painted cabinets, white open shelving with a collection of white stoneware, a rustic wooden centre island and wood floor.

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