Happy New Year In Color

Happy New Year In Color

Happy New Year – it’s time to talk about various “Color of the Year” trends. Pantone has named “Living Coral” as its Color of the Year, and this coral is a very happy color! It leads me to think of beaches, sunshine and tropical settings, but it’s a great color for cool climates too. For interior use, it would be wonderful in a fun sun room, in a bathroom contrasting with white fixtures, a white vanity, and white or gray tile, in a dining room with white millwork and trim and lots of fun accessories, or in a living room to create warm and upbeat surroundings. It works well with white or gray fabrics, as well as blues, greens, yellow or even black (in limited quantities).

In contrast, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year is “Metropolitan,” a sophisticated, soft gray that works beautifully on walls as well as trim, and works well with a variety of rich colors in the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2019 Palette. The entire palette is understated and elegant, and could be used well for both traditional and contemporary interiors. I’d love to use Metropolitan as a trim color in combination with Black Pepper, Kendall Charcoal or even Hale Navy on the walls.

Coming back around to another warm color, Sherwin Williams’ Color of the Year for 2019 is “Cavern Clay,” which could provide a beautiful background for a dining room or living room and would look great with either white trim or stained wood trim. Per Sherwin Williams’ description, it’s earthy yet modern, casual yet refined. I can see it combined with brown tones, soft greens and warm off whites to create a beautiful room, and it would work well with a variety of softly toned antique or Turkish area rugs with earthy colors.

Farrow and Ball has introduced some beautiful, vibrant and sophisticated new colors as well (plus fun photos and descriptions too)! I’d love to use some of these colors for a home office, library or study, a dining room or even a bedroom.

I’m not always keen on the “Color of the Year”, and I recommend avoiding trends by selecting colors that feel right for each interior design client and project, but I like many 2019 ”Color of the Year” selections and will be excited to recommend them for upcoming projects.