Vibrant Magenta
Experts at Pantone have chosen a bolder hue for their Color of the Year. Replacing 2013's Emerald is 2014's Radiant Orchid. "This color is uplifting and bold without being overpowering," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
Related: 10 Unexpected Spots for an Accent Color
Pantone
Modern Touch
"Magenta is a thoroughly modern accent," concurs Erika Woelfel, director of color marketing for Behr Paints. Orchid Kiss (670-B6) made Behr's list of top colors for 2014. "It pairs especially well with white, gray, and black," Woelfel says.
Related: What's the Best Color for Living Rooms? The Experts Weigh In
Apartment Therapy
Lighten Up
Sea-greens, lavenders, and misty blues are all on the radar of Mary Lawlor, Manager of Color Marketing for Kelly-Moore Paints. She predicts a refreshed palette of colors for 2014, including Kelly-Moore’s Soft Blue (KM5032).
Related: 21 "Expert Picks" for Fail-Safe Colors
Kelly-Moore
Seeing Green
A Sense of Serenity
"Blues bring a sense of calm to our homes, which is a welcome antidote to the frenetic pace many of us keep," observes Sharon Grech, color expert for Benjamin Moore. Their Color of the Year for 2014 is the whisper-weight Breath of Fresh Air (806).
Benjamin Moore
A Plum Choice
Sherwin-Williams's Color of the Year is Exclusive Plum (SW6263). "This dusky, filtered violet is refined without being stuffy and is layered with romantic potential," says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.
Related: How to Paint EVERYTHING
Sherwin-Williams
Back to Basics
“This year, some interiors are going back to the basics with minimal color,” says YOLO Colorhouse’s Janie Lowe. Bisque .06, part of YOLO’s Marine Layer Palette, evokes the casual calm of living near water. “It’s as gentle to the senses as walking through fog.”
Go for Gold
“With vibrant accent walls on trend for 2014, bright yellows and oranges are a must for the New Year,” says Behr’s Erika Woelfel. “Sunday Afternoon will illuminate any room.”
Related: Winning Combinations—9 "Can't Miss" Color Schemes
Behr Paints
Seaside Charm
Colors inspired by the seashore and the landscape are also ones to watch in the new year, reports Farrow & Ball's Cole. Another top color choice for 2014 is the atmospheric Stiffkey Blue (281), which she points out, "perfectly encapsulates the natural trend."
Related: Fresh Coat: 10 All-Natural House Paints
Farrow and Ball
A Strong Statement
A New Neutral
“For a relaxed and versatile scheme, Purbeck Stone is a strong neutral,” says Farrow & Ball’s Sarah Cole. “It’s neither too gray to be edgy nor too creamy to feel out of date.”
Farrow & Ball
For More...
If you are interested in more painting inspiration, consider:
The Do's and Don'ts of Choosing a New House Color
10 Welcoming Front Door Paint Colors
Kerry Fidler Design
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