Pantone and Benjamin Moore may each announce a Color of the Year with great fanfare, but paints-and-coatings giant Sherwin-Williams is all about entire palettes with its annual color forecast. Last month, the company unveiled the 2017 Colormix forecast, a presentation of four curated palettes that, Sherwin-Williams declares, indicate in which direction the global-trend winds are blowing. For 2017, the company’s director of color marketing, Sue Wadden, says the palettes share a vision of renewed spirituality, nourishment for both body and soul — and determination to define a sense of self.
On that note, Sherwin-Williams presented:
NOIR
Baroque and romanticism are the driving forces behind a renewed interest in faith and spirit and, as a result, a celebration of the night. This stark family (no, not that Stark family) is rich with hues that evoke vine fruits, moody neutrals, Nordic blues and golden yellows, all of which combine to give both residential and commercial spaces a modern feel.
Noir palette
“We’re craving a refuge from urban streetlights and glowing screens, searching for spaces to turn our gaze inward and recharge the spirit. Mindful melancholy is fueling a new romanticism marked by medieval patterns, revived customs and bittersweet beauty,” says Wadden. “The Dutch painting masters knew the secret: Dark hues set a dramatic stage for sensuous luster.”
Noir colors include: Alchemy, Anchors Aweigh, Black Swan, Cascades, Cyberspace, Icelandic, Marea Baja and Mature Grape.
UNBOUNDED
Similar tones are finding their ways into this palette that’s reflective of global immigration and how it’s redefining national identities. Ocean blues and corals to earthy mustards and browns are indicative of commercial brands becoming more purpose-driven and connected to adapt to more diverse populations.
Unbounded palette
“This earth and spice palette tells the story of how migration is forcing cultures to mingle and share a collective ‘we.’ Audacious colors in combination with a confluence of foreign patterns and exotic textures can create a look that is striking and entirely new.”
Unbounded colors include: Adriatic Sea, Bee, Coral Reef, Cut the Mustard, Freshwater, Mudslide, Rave Red, Saguaro, Sealskin and Tres Naturale.
INTREPID
Global collaboration — as well as youth culture — is also a factor in this color-grouping of energetic retro hues ranging from vibrant kimono colors to basic black, white and gray.
Intrepid palette
“This palette has amazing versatility … It’s also the perfect palette for hospitality settings, blending tech innovation with bold design and color to create a wholly contemporary aesthetic.”
Intrepid colors include: Caviar, Citronella, Dahlia, Emotional, High Reflective White, Kimono Violet, Rayo De Sol, Popular Gray, Serape and Sierra Redwood.
HOLISTIC
Finally, a spirit of both altruism and responsibility is leading to more healing retreats and eco-travel these days and in turn influencing a holistic palette of arctic neutrals, blush rose, wild browns and forest greens.
Holistic
Wadden describes this family as “softly balanced and beautiful and perfect for restive spaces. This is a grownup version of pastels.”
Holistic colors include: Acier, Brandywine, Casa Blanca, Coral Island, Deep Forest Brown, Gale Force, Mountain Air, Roycroft Rose, Sheraton Sage and Stardew.
“Our forecast this year is an exploration of the trends and influences that are emerging to drive design towards a state of restless energy,” Wadden explains. “Each of our four palettes tells a distinct color story, offering opportunities for homeowners and professionals alike to explore color in new and exciting ways.”