With the holidays hot on our heels, it’s only a matter of time before we ring in the New Year. And with the New Year comes exciting new trends in home decor. With most 2016 predictions still yet to come, we’re excited to share some color trend announcements from two trusted authorities – Pantone and Benjamin Moore.
This week, Benjamin Moore announced their 2016 Color of the Year and it’s definitely caused a bit of stir. Drum roll please…Simply White. Yes, you read that right. Of all the colors in the spectrum, white (or the very absence of color), is having its moment.
And yet, the color choice really does align well with today’s lifestyle. As buzzing technology and information overload become the norm, uncluttered and streamlined environments that calm, rather than stimulate the mind offer tremendous reprieve from our busy lives. White space is a design essential, giving our eyes and brain a break.
To many of us, white walls feel somewhat sacrilege, especially after a decade or more of designers touting white walls as the ultimate design faux pas. However, just because stylistically we may be transitioning away from boldly colored accent walls and bright paint colors, doesn’t mean our homes are expected to be stark white. Your home should be a reflection of your personality, and for most of us, life is colorful.
White walls give us permission to add even more color throughout the home, as furnishings and walls no longer compete as the focal point. Furniture, drapery, art and accessories can more easily play the starring role in your room and decorating scheme.
It’s no secret that the 70s and its signature earth-toned color palette is back in vogue. Pantone’s Fall 2015 color line-up features many wonderful colors reminiscent of this decade, including Dried Herb, a soft military green and Oak Buff, a yellow similar to mustard. For a feminine touch, Marsala, an earthy wine color and Cashmere Rose, a beautiful blush, pair exceptionally well with metallics like brass and bronze which are still taking the design industry by storm.
Interested in embracing more white, but can’t quite stomach white walls? Then consider dipping your toe into the trend in a different way, such as swapping your colorful duvet for fluffy white bedding or add sheer white window treatments to your windows for instant softness and privacy. Or it could be time to turn that rustic kitchen white, complete with quartz countertops and white glossy cabinets worthy of Pinterest.
Are you surprised by Benjamin Moore’s 2016 Color of the Year?
Cover Image Credit: Resolution: 4 Arctitecture
