Sherwin-Williams Coral Reef-2015 Color of the Year

 Sherwin-Williams 2015 Color of the Year

Sherwin-Williams Coral Reef

Three and a half months after unveiling their 2015 Color Forecast, Sherwin-Williams  introduced the much anticipated 2015 Color of the Year, Coral Reef (SW 6606).  “Upbeat, optimistic Coral Reef celebrates a time for renewal”.

People always wonder how a color comes to be selected as the “Color of the Year”, so I decided to paint a timeline to give a better understanding of some of the factors that come into play when determining the Color of the Year.  A color that symbolizes renewal (as Sherwin-Williams Coral Reef does) is indicative of our world’s economic situation.  The economy has turned a corner and the worst of our nation’s economic woes are behind us.  It’s time to look forward and be optimistic.  Fashion is usually one of the first adopters, and it should be no surprise, as it is probably the industry with the quickest turn around time.

The Spring 2014 runway shows (shown in September 2013) offered a plethora of coral:

High Point Market Spring 2014 (held in April 2014)  picked up on the coral trend seen on the runway earlier in the fall, and showrooms all throughout market sported coral painted and wallpapered walls:

Not only was coral seen on the walls throughout High Point Market, but in furnishings, lighting, and accessories as well.

At about the same time High Point Spring Market was being held,  clothing deliveries that were purchased in the fall were arriving onto the floor, where consumers were stocking up their wardrobes for the season…

Summer 2014, Las Vegas Market was held, where coral again, took center stage in several showrooms I visited:

While Las Vegas Market took place, Sherwin-Williams presented Colormix 2015, their color forecast for the upcoming year.  Colormix 2015 consists of  4 color palettes that reflect what is going on in the world around us.  It encompasses influences in fashion, nature, pop culture and global traditions, and Chrysalis,Voyage Buoyant,  and Unrestained are the names that were chosen to represent each color palette.

…And finally to the Sherwin-Williams 2015 Color of the Year, Coral Reef (SW 6606).   Coral Reef was pulled from the Buoyant color palette. According to Jackie Jordan, Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing, “Coral Reef embodies a cheerful approach to design that we’re seeing for the coming year. Its unexpected versatility brings life to a range of design aesthetics, whether traditional, vintage, cottage or contemporary”

Sherwin-Williams suggests the two following palettes to create color stories that incorporate Sherwin-Williams Coral Reef:

Color Reef (SW 6606)

Coordinating Colors to “energize”Sherwin-Williams Coral Reef:

Coordinating Colors to “relax” Sherwin-Williams Coral Reef (as you can see, this color palette was displayed in CR Laine’s showroom quite prominently): I find that it takes a while for trends to be embraced by the general public.  While an emerging trend may present itself and catch on in major cultural centers such as New York and California a bit earlier, it takes at least two seasons for middle America to catch on and grasp onto new concepts. It is surprising that as soon as it catches on in the mainstream, the higher end markets have already moved on to the next bi thing!

It is interesting to see where 2015 will take us in terms of color.  Look backwards and you will always see what is to come in the future. Judging from what I’ve seen on the runways and furniture showrooms at High Point, I predict  RED, and lots of it. Rich jewel tones, too!

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