The world of color is moving in vibrant new directions, and Sherwin-Williams Color Forecast 2015 tells optimistic color stories that reflect a brightened outlook and adventurous spirit for the year ahead. Sherwin-Williams color experts researched trends in art, fashion, science and pop culture to create the colorful, four-palette forecast, which is designed to provide consumers with inspiration for upcoming painting and home design projects.

“We’re seeing a more cheerful approach to design and have forecasted colors that provide inspiration for people to create fresh, joyful interiors,” said Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing, Sherwin-Williams. “Color Forecast 2015 features colors that can work for any space and design aesthetic, whether it’s a dreamy bedroom or a vibrant entertaining space.”

Based on extensive research and the unique drivers of today’s design trends, the 40 colors of the forecast are grouped into four palettes: Chrysalis, Voyage, Buoyant and Unrestrained.
Chrysalis

As technology rushes relentlessly ahead, the colors of Chrysalis evoke a calm oasis — a place to pause and find balance. The palette, with colors ranging from off-black to chalky neutrals and dusty blues, is designed to create a more comfortable interior.

“An important influence for Chrysalis is the appreciation of earth’s natural striations,” said Jordan. “The patterns created by land and sky are driving design inspiration, therefore the palette’s colors are found in nature, from rocks found on the beach to a stormy sky.”

Another driver is the layering and deconstruction of geometric shapes to appear soft, which parallels the monochromatic couture found on fashion runways.
Voyage

From space tourism and undersea resorts, the far-fetched, sci-fi dreams of past decades more viable than ever. The Voyage palette looks to these outer limits, featuring hues that represent the color spectrum imagined while emerging from the water into the atmosphere – undersea teal, bright green kelp, light watery blue and deep space purple.

“The colors of Voyage are supernatural and magical. The palette is largely driven by unusual atmospheric events, including a decade-best aurora borealis, that will be keeping our eyes focused on the heavens,” said Jordan. “The lighter colors of the palette create a space that is uplifting, while the deeper tones can be combined for a more dramatic design.”
Buoyant

“We’ve weathered the recession and are finally seeing hopeful signs of growth and expansion. Our revived good spirits echo the optimism that followed World War II, when GIs returned home from exotic locales, bringing a wave of tropical prints and tiki-inspired looks,” said Jordan. “Like that era, we’re expressing our enthusiasm with big, bright florals in fashion and interiors.”

The colors of Buoyant are reminiscent of vintage floral patterns – light and deep greens, violets and a pop of coral. In addition to renewed optimism, the palette is also inspired by the natural healing of botanicals, as well as the incorporation of green spaces into even the most densely urban environments. Backyards, once a landscaping afterthought, are now as important as front yards, with builders investing in rear “curb appeal” and outdoor rooms.
Unrestrained

From bold, ethnic-inspired colors and designs to the Bohemian lifestyle, the Unrestrained palette celebrates a carefree spirit, wanderlust and pulsing color. The palette features saturated primary hues, including sunny yellow, lively turquoise and bright blue, as well as black and white. Each can be used on its own for a pop of color, or combined, to create a vibrant, energetic space.

“South Africa’s colorful art scene and focus on the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro have strongly influenced a Carnival-like spirit. This spirit is inspiring design with a zest for life, and the vibrant colors of Unrestrained are a reflection of that design aesthetic,” said Jordan.
Color Confidence

Using Sherwin-Williams suite of easy-to-use color selection tools, people can explore Color Forecast 2015 and more than 1,500 Sherwin-Williams colors. Online tools include Chip It!, which creates a colorful palette from any picture, and Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer, which enables consumers to virtually “try on” paint colors.

The ColorSnap smartphone app allows consumers to create a palette from a photo or explore colors by family, while the ColorSnap Studio iPad app offers color inspiration and allows consumers to virtually paint a wall with a swipe of a finger.

All Sherwin-Williams color resources can be found at http://www.sherwin-williams.com/color.