Sherwin-Williams Announces Their 2021 Colour Trends

It’s that time of year again! As we head into the final few months of 2020, paint retailers across North America start rolling out their Colour of the Year. But before that happens, they release a colour trends report for the new year.

First up is Sherwin-Williams and their Colormix Forecast 2021, a collection of 40 hues across four palettes that celebrate the Rhythm of Colour – the balance between fast and slow, quiet and expressive, and virtual and physical. This forecast is designed to bring the pulse of colour to any space: Sanctuary, Encounter, Continuum and Tapestry.

We started telling a story last year about using color to help us feel grounded as we were headed into a new decade. Now we are continuing that inward journey by exploring the past, examining the present and looking at what this all means for our future. The rhythm of color is examining where we’ve been to help inform where we’re going and to help us create that central hub that is so vital to our everyday living and working now.
Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing, Sherwin-Williams

Wadden and Sherwin-Williams’ Global Forecast Team of color professionals researched colour, design and pop culture trends across the globe. They held a workshop to discuss and debate their research, leading to the final forecast of bright and bold blues, muddy greens, muted reds, bright pinks and warm whites.

Sanctuary

Rooted in the idea of nature, Sanctuary focuses on the connection that the natural world has to nurturing wellness and calm. This palette is influenced by biophilia, nesting and Scandinavian design. The quietness of Pure White SW 7005 is a signal to take respite, slow down and embrace what’s truly important. The warm minimalism of Morris Room Grey SW 0037 is a reminder that less is more.

Encounter

Defined by heirlooms and the stories behind them, the Encounter palette is complete with special meaning and rich texture. Hyperlocal connection and storytelling, a modern bohemian aesthetic and natural materials complement the earthy tones, like Rosemary SW 6187 and Reddened Earth SW 6053, that round out this palette. These colors take visual cues from the past’s humble beginnings, speak to the present and guide the path forward.

Continuum

The Continuum palette tells the story of smart living and how technology ties into how people live and the desire for it to blend seamlessly into the whites, charcoals and pops of color in everyday environments. The palette takes its cues from the hybrid of synthetic and natural, sea and space, and sculptural modernism and minimalism. It features bright, forward-thinking colors such as Novel Lilac SW 6836 and inky hues such as Commodore SW 6524.

Tapestry

Creative expression is a top influence on the Tapestry palette. The happy and modern hues are meant to signal joy and layer together to tell a story through texture and pattern. Additional influences, such as security, reinvented classics and sensory exploration, can be found in standout, vibrant colors like Jaipur Pink SW 6577, Alexandrite SW 0060 and Perfect Periwinkle SW 9065.

Sherwin-Williams 2020 Colour of the Year — Naval SW 6244

Benjamin Moore’s 2020 Colour of the Year: First Light

All photos courtesy of Sherwin-Williams.