In general we seem to be moving away from the everything-in-white trend and toward moodier, more introspective hues. Shades of black are in, as are watery blue-greens. I was expecting to see hotter hues dominating the field this year, but the only warm contenders are a bold red from Benjamin Moore and a soft tan from Dutch Boy.
We’ve gathered together examples of each color to help you envision how they might look in a room, should you see something you like.
We’ve gathered together examples of each color to help you envision how they might look in a room, should you see something you like.
1. Among my favorite picks for 2018 paint color of the year is Oceanside from Sherwin-Williams, shown above and below. It’s a rich blue-green hybrid that works well in any style of room, from traditional to contemporary.
And, for lovers of white, because it’s a rather deep, dark hue, I think it needs a good bit of white or other light contrast to help keep it from feeling too somber.
Find light-colored accent and arm chairs
Find light-colored accent and arm chairs
2. Heron from Pratt & Lambert is another deep, saturated hue, this one with more blue than green.
I think this is a terrific color in a bedroom, where a cool, calm, soothing vibe is usually desirable. Because it’s a rather dark shade it’s also a good candidate for painting on just one or two walls.
I think this is a terrific color in a bedroom, where a cool, calm, soothing vibe is usually desirable. Because it’s a rather dark shade it’s also a good candidate for painting on just one or two walls.
3. PPG Paints’ choice, Black Flame, is one of those colors that’s difficult to describe. It’s a navy-purple-black hybrid that will seem to transform during different times of the day in the changing light.
This is a dramatic choice, one that’s best reserved for areas of the home where you want a strong visual impact, such as a background wall for artwork or as a headboard accent wall in a bedroom.
This is a dramatic choice, one that’s best reserved for areas of the home where you want a strong visual impact, such as a background wall for artwork or as a headboard accent wall in a bedroom.
4. Behr goes light and breezy this year with their selection of In the Moment. This is a terrific option for those who favor softer hues. I think it would look fantastic in a kitchen or living room. And, because it’s a relatively light color, it works well in spaces that don’t receive adequate natural light.
The Case for In-Between Colors
The Case for In-Between Colors
5. Dunn-Edwards has also selected a greenish blue that’s a nice in-between shade — it’s not too light, not too bright and not too dark. I think The Green Hour is just right for an office, bedroom or bathroom.
6. Neutral lovers, rejoice! Kelly-Moore has a nice pick for you: Bahia Grass, a fantastic light and neutral alternative for those tired of white, beige and gray.
This soft sage has just a touch of yellow, which gives it a nudge to the warmer side, great for those living in cool climates who want a fresh new color in their home.
Help! What Color Should I Paint My Front Door?
This soft sage has just a touch of yellow, which gives it a nudge to the warmer side, great for those living in cool climates who want a fresh new color in their home.
Help! What Color Should I Paint My Front Door?
7. I hate to mention the b-word (beige!), but while Dutch Boy’s selection of Sandstone Tint is firmly in beige territory, this particular shade has a touch of gray in it, which renders it less pink. It’s a solid base that plays well with all colors, allowing you to bring in more assertive hues through furnishings, artwork and other decorative accessories.
Rethinking Beige in a World Gone Gray
Rethinking Beige in a World Gone Gray
8. In my work as an architectural color consultant I almost always present an option that involves Caliente, Benjamin Moore’s pick for color of the year, shown above and below.
It’s the perfect shade of deep red, neither too orange nor too purple. It’s just right for a dining room, front door or accent wall in a room that gets plenty of light.
9. For those looking to go to the dark side, Glidden’s selection, Deep Onyx, is an almost black that packs a punch. Use it sparingly in spaces that don’t get much natural light. It’s super chic in this dining space.
If you want to use this for an accent wall, think about adding artwork or other decorative elements to the wall to break up the expanse of black. It will look elegant and dramatic without being too heavy.
If you want to use this for an accent wall, think about adding artwork or other decorative elements to the wall to break up the expanse of black. It will look elegant and dramatic without being too heavy.
10. Olympic also chose a black as its color of 2018, Black Magic. For those leery of painting an interior wall or walls this dark, think about using it on your exterior doors. It’s one of my favorite options for a front door color.
Your turn: Which is your favorite? Or is there another color you think should have been chosen? Tell us in the Comments.
More
See Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018
12 Tried-and-True Paint Colors for Your Walls
Your turn: Which is your favorite? Or is there another color you think should have been chosen? Tell us in the Comments.
More
See Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018
12 Tried-and-True Paint Colors for Your Walls
These colors look like also-rans from previous years.
Deep Onyx might be nice as an exterior color with Caliente for the front door to create contrast.