Sherwin Williams announced that their latest Sherwin-Williamscolormix™ 2012 forecast, "proves that a color palette doesn’t need to stray far from its roots to make a big design impact."
“Colors that are analogous, or adjacent on the color wheel, are a dominant trend,” said Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “We discover a fresh array of combinations within color families ― be it fiery reds, watery blues, grassy greens or organic neutrals.”
Forget the expected tone-on-tone pairings. Sherwin-Williams color experts drew inspiration from fashion-forward color-washing and ombré dyeing techniques to experiment with color values and hues within color families to create four vibrant palettes. They also embraced the sustainable landscape ― which has become an enduring influence on all aspects of décor and design.
“Just hone in on a color you love and the ideal, natural complement will be right nearby,” Jordan said.
The 40 hues highlighted in colormix 2012 stay close to home with earth-inspired, color family groupings: Reds, Blues, Greens and Neutrals.
Reds Burn Brightly
Red is the color of love, fire and the earth’s molten core, and it stirs raw emotions ranging from the deepest passion to the softest femininity. This saturated palette includes hues of brilliant flowers and glowing embers. It isn’t a single red, but a deep gradation of fuchsias, red-oranges, violets and delicate pinks.
“Thanks to the popularity of lacquered finishes and all things China, red has renewed dominance,” Jordan said. “But the old taboos about mixing reds with oranges and purples don’t apply. Our red palette is as bold and free-spirited as the color itself.”
Blues Not Washed Out
This soothing palette celebrates a pair of functional and treasured blues: denim and water. It explores the darkest indigo to faded-jeans hues, some with violet undertones, as well as the calm, shimmery shades that reflect rivers, lakes and seas.
“As we seek economic blue skies, we’re rediscovering denim, the rugged fabric of the American worker,” Jordan said. “Clean water is another essential commodity, from oceans to tap. Our serene blue palette pays homage to both of these treasured resources.”
Greens Firmly Planted
Casting aside the more innocent yellow-tinged greens of the past, this eclectic palette focuses on greens that are lush, moody and complex. It showcases the depths of the sea and forest; leafy motifs; rustic natural textures; and organic elements such as algae, moss and seaweed.
“We’re serious about going green, and our green palette honors our sustainable lifestyle,” Jordan said. “This trend is observed everywhere, even in dense urban areas, where rooftop and kitchen gardens flourish.”
Neutrals Provide Balance
Raw materials continue to influence color trends, especially the more subtle hues. Picture a field of grain, pile of pebbles, weathered wood and earthen clay. Gold tones embody the sun and soft metallics — and warm up this understated yet refined palette. Textural elements, such as linen, unfired porcelain and mixed woods, provide subtle tonal variations.
“Steely grays have given way to our neutral palette of warmer gray and natural tones that create a balanced look,” Jordan said.
Color Resources
Whatever color family fits best, there are several ways for professionals to interact and find inspiration with color selection tools from Sherwin-Williams.
Designers can easily match colors for projects with the ColorSnap® mobilephone application for Android, Blackberry and the iPhone. Available for download at swcolorsnap.com, this free color-matching app allows users to quickly and easily match hues with more than 1,500 Sherwin-Williams colors. Browse existing images or snap a new photo, scroll around to locate the exact hue to match and ColorSnap will display the closest Sherwin-Williams color and coordinating palette.
Users also can view the entire Sherwin-Williams color collection; adjust shades; get RGB and light reflectance number values; find the nearest Sherwin-Williams store and capture hues in “My Saved Colors” for future reference.
At swcolor.com, design professionals can access downloadable palettes for use in color rendering software and order large-sized color swatches and fan decks. Sherwin-Williams also has an online Color Visualizer that allows designers and clients to upload interior or exterior images to explore and experiment with hundreds of Sherwin-Williams colors. And swstir.com provides inspiration and resources for professionals including conversations with design experts; articles and news on the latest design trends; and a link to the Sherwin-Williams Facebook page for designers and architects.
In addition to interactive tools and inspiration, Sherwin-Williams offers off-line help with
COLOR To Go® paint samples and the Sher-Color™ Advanced Color Technology system for fast, accurate color matching.
Ask Sherwin-Williams: For 145 years, Sherwin-Williams has satisfied the coating and color needs of builders, designers, specifiers, property managers and contractors. Sherwin-Williams provides fast, flexible, responsive local service and personalized, expert advice. More than 3,300 stores and 1,400 sales representatives make Sherwin-Williams North America’s largest single-source supplier of high-quality paints, stains, masonry coatings and brand-name wall and floor coverings. Visit sherwin-williams.com and facebook.com/SherwinWilliamsforDesignersArchitects. For green solutions, visit swgreenspecs.com.