Sherwin-Williams annual color trend report reveals three distinct palettes representing a global collision of influences

CLEVELAND (June 12, 2017) – From vivid blue and digital green, to high-def yellow and rusty auburn, the Sherwin-Williams 2018 Colormix^® Color Forecast exhibits three unique color palettes that draw from emerging global trends. The collection predicts the colors that will drive conversation and inspiration for the coming year, offering new perspectives on societal influences and their impact on color and design trends.

The Sherwin-Williams Color Forecast team, led by Sue Wadden, director of color marketing, identified 36 colors drawing from fashion, nature, pop culture and global design, to create the Colormix palettes Sincerity, Affinity and Connectivity.

“Like blue meeting yellow to make green, every color in the Color Forecast is a collision of influences with every palette bringing a new chance at community,” said Wadden. “The connection to experiences, thoughts or moments in time is an important facet to life which deeply influenced the color trends that are primed to take hold next year. We eagerly await to see how these trends will unfold in the creation of unique new spaces.”

Sincerity

There is a growing need for minimalism, daily meditation and the concept of lagom – “just enough.” The hushed tones of Sincerity play out in sand, complex grays and hazy botanicals. There are no harsh lines, but rather, blending and fluid movements that create peace and space.

“Less is more as we declutter and move possessions into the cloud. With the Sincerity palette, silence is no longer empty, but instead is rare and rich with possibility,” said Wadden. “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.”

Affinity

The Affinity palette reflects our need for roaming as we seek to make connections with new places and cultures, and the celebration of indigenous patterns and artisan crafts we find along the way. The bright folklore of this story is told in memorable pops of peacock color, animated fuchsia and grounded browns.

“We’re remapping our sense of community, landlocked cities are becoming global hubs of crafts and gastronomy,” said Wadden. “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.”

Color Exploration and Selection

Explore the Color Forecast and beyond with ColorSnap, an integrated system of colors and tools designed to help consumers and professionals make confident and efficient paint color selections. Download the ColorSnap Visualizer app to view the forecast on your iPad.

Discover more about Sherwin-Williams 2018 Colormix Color Forecast and other color selection resources at www.swcolormix.com.

– See more at: Sherwin-Williams