November 25, 2013

Sherwin-Williams has joined the mix and announced its 2014 Color of the Year: Exclusive Plum (SW 6263), a sophisticated, versatile shade of purplish-gray. 

Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams, said she and her team chose this color because people have been craving an “adult purple” that can be both masculine and feminine. 

“This shade has a calming quality to it with a little bit of energy,” she added. “Blue is calming and red is energetic, so this is a blend of the two with a hint of gray.”

Every year, Jordan and her team of color experts research color influences around the world to determine the Annual Color Forecast, and she then determines which shade – out of all of the palettes – represents a new trend moving forward as the Color of the Year.

“This is a color we know works well with so many others – it is not limited to a certain space or style,” she said. “It can be soothing when paired with soft grays and metallic, or it can be more energetic mixed with yellow-based greens and magentas.” 

The Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2014 features 38 colors grouped into four palettes: Reasoned, Diaphanous, Intrinsic and Curiosity – the group that Exclusive Plum is in. 

“The Curiosity palette is reflective of raw minerals, science and experimentation,” said Jordan. “It’s a look at jewel tones in a different way and extracting those beautiful, raw gems from the earth.”

In a kitchen, she says Exclusive Plum pairs well with warm wood tones and copper fixtures. As it is a darker shade, it would also work with white subway tiles and stainless steel materials. It can be used as an accent wall in a bathroom, accented with chrome or brushed nickel fixtures for a contemporary look.

“Every company has their own interpretation of the trends – you rarely see the same color across two companies,” said Jordan. “Our team feels strongly about our choice and what is driving interest in this color.”