Every year paint companies select a color of the year from their vast collection of hues, shades and tones. I’m always in awe of the colors chosen and rarely are the colors similar. This year two of the hues are close neighbors on the color wheel. There’s a lot of thought that goes into each selection and it usually stands out in a curated selection of complimentary colors. Today, I’m doing a round up of color of the year selections.

Pantone

Pantone isn’t a paint company but they are the leading authority on color. Their choice influences fashion, cosmetics and home decor. This year’s Pantone color of the year is Ultra Violet.  It’s a bright purple commonly found in nature and pairs well with reds, greens and yellows. It’s a shade darker than Pantone’s 2013 color of year, Radiant Orchid, which was more of a laid back lavender. If you are looking for a bold color especially in a small space I would consider Ultra Violet. It lends itself to a cozy relaxing feel without being boring.  To buy this paint head to your local Lowe’s and check out the Valspar display. Valspar has been partnering with Pantone to bring their color of the year to consumers for a few years now.

Sherwin Williams 

Sherwin Williams announced their color of the year would be Oceanside.  It’s a rich blue with a touch of deep green, reminiscent of a day at the beach as you look out over a deep blue sea. It’s a color that evokes a sense of luxury known and unknown. It combines the allure of something old and the excitement of something new.  Personally, I think it’s a great accent color with some longevity but as a primary color it may tire quickly as it’s a bit dark and overwhelming.  I’m thinking the best accents would be painted furniture, pillows or lamp shades. Small pops of color paired with a bright white like Extra White  would be perfect.  It lets you layer in other shades of blue, yellow, or bright pink.

Beher

I love Behr’s color of the year.  It’s called In the Moment, a dark sage green with hints of blue undertones. Unlike Sherwin Williams’ Oceanside, In the Moment is more muted. It’s a soft hue that provides a refreshing and relaxed feel. It works well with the concept hygge providing a sense of calm and well-being.  It’s not a bold color which makes it perfect for those looking to take a leap and try color on their walls. For a more dramatic look, pair it with a dark and dusty purple.

PPG

PPG opted to go in a wildly different direction by selecting Black Flame. It’s a dark charcoal gray; almost black. It’s very dramatic and bold. As a great neutral, any bold color will pair with it nicely. I would steer clear of blues and lean more towards light greens, soft creams, dark yellows and bright oranges for a bold accent.

Benjamin Moore 

As bold colors go, this year’s Benjamin Moore color of the year, Caliente is very bold.  As it’s name suggests, it’s red hot. It offers a a sense of luxury, drama and sophistication. Used in a boy’s bedroom it’s a nod to the Americana decor still popular. It’s a bolder take on the farmhouse look too.  Painted on a front door offers guests a red carpet of sorts. It’s truly a fabulous primary red.