Image: Sherwin-Williams
Is it just us, or do trend forecasts arrive earlier every year? Without even a whiff of pumpkin spice or the faint sound of Christmas carols floating through the air, paint manufacturer Sherwin-Williams has ripped several pages from the calendar and released its 2019 Colormix Color Forecast only halfway through the year.
The diverse collection of 42 paint swatches is divided into six themes, or “color personalities” as the company likes to call them — Shapeshifter, Wanderer, Aficionado, Enthusiast, Naturalist and Raconteur. Read on to learn more about the trending palettes, and don’t forget to share your prediction for Sherwin-Williams’ 2019 Color of the Year with us (it has to be buried in there somewhere).
1. Shapeshifter
Photo: Sherwin-Williams
Featuring mostly cool tones with a surprising hit of mustard yellow (à la Gen-Z Yellow), Shapeshifter is described as “visionary and creative.” Inspiration for the palette stems from technology and spiritualism, and it’s well-suited to modern interiors with clean lines.
2. Wanderer
Photo: Sherwin-Williams
Wanderer is earthy and raw, reminiscent of “the baked clay canyons, worn leather and woven wool blankets of the true New West.” The color experts from Sherwin-Williams were influenced by the modern desert aesthetic and Scandinavian style when putting together the collection.
3. Aficionado
Photo: Sherwin-Williams
Already an emerging trend on Pinterest, saturated hues are certainly having a moment. The Aficionado palette is “tasteful” and “timeless,” yet bold in its approach. “It is ostentatious without being fake or showy, and has the right amount of charm,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.
4. Enthusiast
Photo: Sherwin-Williams
As the name suggests, Enthusiast is exciting — described as “a scene-stealing spectrum.” The mix of gold, green, red and blue is catered to those who aren’t afraid to experiment with color. Use the hues in unexpected ways, like a painted ceiling or vibrant front door.
5. Naturalist
Photo: Sherwin-Williams
Subdued and vivid just like nature itself, this bouquet of “freshly picked colors” features pinks, greens and greiges. “From conservancies to hothouses, Naturalist brings you into a chic, French woodland,” says Wadden. “It’s a place where color never fades.”
6. Raconteur
Photo: Sherwin-Williams
The word ‘raconteur’ means storyteller en français, and this rich “atlas of colors” is inspired by storytellers from around the globe. From the plains of sub-Saharan Africa to the spice markets of Marrakech, it’s a palette that “spans space and time.”
