It’s time review the 2018 Colors of the Year—It looks like this year is going look silky and smooth… and bold! How bold is BOLD? Will Grays still be in the forefront? Is there a “new neutral”? Keep reading to find out!  

I said 2018 was going to be a BOLD year. Let’s start with Pantone, the world’s leading color experts and the undisputed creators of “Color of the Year”.

Pantone 2018 Color of the Year: Ultra Violet

“The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design, it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” according to Pantone Color Institute’s Laurie Pressman. Ultra Violet, Pantone explains, conjures mindfulness, spirituality, creativity, experimentation, and non-conformity.”

Pantone doesn’t only predict what colors will be trending, they make it happen. In addition to creating special edition cosmetics by partnering with brands like butter LONDON, Pantone also worked with Saatchi Art to provide consumers with works of art identified by color.

Ultra Violet differs greatly from last year’s Color of the Year, Greenery:

Our 2017 Interior Design Trend Predictions called for a surge in Jungalo Chic-inspired designs. So, where does this mean for 2018?

That question can be answered with the Sherwin-Williams 2018 Color Mix Forecast!

Affinity

“We’re remapping our sense of community,” says Wadden, Sherwin-Williams’ Director of Marketing. “Landlocked cities are becoming global hubs of crafts and gastronomy… Home and car sharing, as well as e-learning, have created a culture of everyday nomadism and the wanderlust-obsessed.”

Connectivity

“Inspired by the progressive movement of virtual reality, productivity and youth culture, the high-tech Connectivity palette serves up colors we crave: pixelated in orange, violets, digital greens and high-def yellow.”

“In Silicon Valley, Austin, Berlin and Beijing, techies are the new hippies, full of breakthrough ideas and utopian ideals,” said Wadden. “Connectivity is modern and playful, bringing in dark watery tones of blue that are balanced with neutrals, warm yellow and energetic purples.”

Sincerity

“Sincerity is about mindful living and creating an environment to disconnect and recharge. Soft, washed neutrals, greens and sanctuary pinks work together to create harmony,” says Wadden.

Like where the surf meets the sand, the organic feel of the muted colors in this entire palette mesh together effortlessly. If you worry about stepping out of the safety of a determined color scheme or if you have experienced painter’s remorse in the past, the Sincerity Palette is a perfect place to start. Just relax and let it all blend…

Sherwin Williams’ 2018 Color of the Year: Oceanside

From contemporary to traditional, Mediterranean-inspired to mid-century modern, Oceanside is universal when it comes to design style.

As soon as I saw that Oceanside was chosen as the Color of the Year, I remembered seeing this color somewhere before… Look what I found in my portfolio from a few years ago!

Look how FANTASTIC Oceanside looks when paired with the 2017 Color of the Year, Poised Taupe!

Grays have really been embraced over these past few years. At Design Connection, grays have been featured in many of our interior design projects throughout the Kansas City area.

Here’s a few examples of my 2017 interior design projects that feature grays and blues together:

Unlike many trends that are “in” one year and “out” the next, grays have unpacked their boxes and moved in… Which is why it’s no surprise that our current obsession with this cloudy color has continued to heavily influence emerging color trends. Last year we saw a shift towards gray-influenced jewel tones with the help of Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends 2017 Palette.

What I love most about Benjamin Moore’s color palettes is that any color combination looks amazing together. Emeralds, sapphires and amethysts bring richness and depth while opal-inspired tones add shimmer and shine. This year, we are seeing less earthy tones, more grays, and more opal-inspired hues.

Benjamin Moore 2018 Color of the Year: Caliente

“Caliente is the signature color of a modern architectural masterpiece; a lush carpet rolled out for a grand arrival; the assured backdrop for a book-lined library; a powerful first impression on a glossy front door. The eye can’t help but follow its bold strokes. Harness the vitality.”

—Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore & Co.

What is not to love about this bold color?

It’s powerful and commanding; I can understand why some of you reading this may feel apprehensive about committing to an intense color like Caliente. Accents, focal walls and exterior doors are the perfect way to incorporate the bold colors you love without dominating your space.

PPG 2018 Color of the Year: Black Flame

“In past years, consumers have gravitated toward open, airy spaces that are thought to leave room for exposure,” said Dee Schlotter, PPG’s senior color marketing manager for Olympic paint. “However, in the current day, consumers often feel uneasy, restless, or like their privacy is being invaded, so they crave deep, comforting colors that offer a welcomed escape from the chaos of daily life.”

“Black Flame acts like a black curtain, allowing your other décor elements to take center stage,” said Dee Schlotter, PPG senior color marketing manager. “It’s a fantastic blend of black and indigo, two classic hues. Black creates the silence we crave in an information-heavy world, while the indigo offers possibility and a deep hopefulness. The blend of two colors makes it incredibly versatile – use it on a statement wall, with a matte finish on a ceiling, with high gloss on a naturally-lit staircase, on cabinets, interior and exterior doors and in many more places. The versatile hue can also provide strength and a modern luxe vibe to spaces with a lot of whites, blush pinks and soft pastels.”

Olympic Black Magic

“In past years, consumers have gravitated toward open, airy spaces that are thought to leave room for exposure,” said Dee Schlotter, PPG senior color marketing manager, Olympic paint. “However, in the current day, consumers often feel uneasy, restless or like their privacy is being invaded, so they crave deep, comforting colors that offer a welcomed escape from the chaos of daily life. Olympic paint’s Black Magic perfectly satisfies consumers’ desire for privacy.”

Black Magic is also a DIYer’s Delight. This bathroom by Navy Bean Lane was revamped using Black Magic and it looks fantastic!

Glidden 2018 Color of the Year: Deep Onyx

“Using a black paint color like Deep Onyx on your walls or in your decor may feel intimidating at first, but it’s  actually one of the easiest colors to use to create the low-key, easygoing style that’s trending for 2018,” said Misty Yeomans, PPG color marketing manager, Glidden paints. “Black can be overlooked as a neutral color, but it works well on an accent wall or as an alternative to white paint on doors, trim and cabinets. The sense of ease and authenticity it brings to a home can’t be denied. Just like a little black dress, Deep Onyx is a classic, timeless staple.”

Do you long to update your home, but you’re not sure where to start? Talk to us!!! Take advantage of our complimentary in-studio interior design consultations. Our knowledgeable Design Team can help update your space and tackle your home décor dilemmas, from selecting the perfect paint color to creating custom furniture to masterminding an entirely new floor plan, the seasoned professionals at Design Connection, Inc. can help.

We’re nearing completion on a number of projects; don’t miss out as we update our Before and After portfolio—read our monthly newsletter for all the latest Design Connection, Inc. projects, interior design advice and home decor trends!