An Evolution of Color

Sherwin-Williams Unveils colormix™ ‘09 Forecast Showcasing Latest Design Trends

LAS VEGAS (January 20, 2009) ― Designers can embrace and explore their sense of color with the latest color trend forecast from Sherwin-Williams.

“Our goal with colormix ‘09 is to empower designers to use the forecast colors in their own unique and creative way,” said Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “Organized by color families rather than trends, the collection speaks to the dynamics behind several key market insights and how they influence the 2009 color forecast.”

What colors will help to define architecture and design for the 2009 season? The 24 hues selected by Sherwin-Williams color experts transcend fluidly across four trends: Techno-Color, Conscious Luxury, Local Momentum and Global Tapestry.

Techno-Color
Technology not only allows for the development of new colors, it also drives innovation in design. New fiber technologies are on the rise — such as soya and casein — and recycled fibers including cotton and wool have become more prevalent.

“Techno-Color is inspired in part by new materials and manufacturing ideas,” Jordan said. “Environmentally-preferred materials are now available in color due to technology, and several hues in colormix ‘09 are influenced by this emerging concept.”

Conscious Luxury
The boom of consumers making eco-statements through upscale purchases inspired the Conscious Luxury trend. It is reflected by botanical hues, evoking the exotic destinations of eco-tourism and the sheen of brilliant, conflict-free gemstones.

“In some cases, environmental awareness is becoming a status symbol,” Jordan said. “Conscious Luxury shows how being ‘green’ can translate into being chic.”

Local Momentum
Eco-friendly, urban green rooftops and farmers’ markets are the look of the Local Momentum trend. Recycled materials and handmade items, such as ceramics and wooden sculptures by area artisans abound, along with locally inspired color palettes.

“Local Momentum is about our personal surroundings,” Jordan said. “The colors in our neighborhood landscape and architecture define our unique definitions of local.”

Global Tapestry
In contrast, hues from far-flung outposts provide the inspiration to craft the Global Tapestry trend. Shades from Russia and East Asia continue to be dominant threads, melding with those of a new hot zone, Latin America.

“While our local environment serves as inspiration, so do international influences,” Jordan said. “Global Tapestry features hues from around the world, and we’re especially seeing an increase in colors inspired by Buenos Aires.”

No matter which trends inspire designers, the hues in colormix ‘09 can showcase their creativity and individuality. Here is a closer look at the colors in the latest Sherwin-Williams forecast:

Color Family	Influences
Blue	Water is a source of life, and heightened attention to this natural resource keeps blue in the forefront of colormix ‘09. Hues include the royal Dignity Blue (SW 6804), sky-soaring Quench Blue (SW 6785), serene Aqua-Sphere (SW 7613) and violet-tinged Celestial (SW 6808).
Purple	Plums and violets continue their regal influence, although with more red tones than in seasons past. Colors include the exotic Plummy (SW 6558) and more muted Plum Dandy (SW 6284).
Red	Red is refreshed in colormix ‘09 with a hint of orange, and Enticing Red (SW 6600) stirs the senses of vibrant botanicals with a Latin American flair. Pinks grow in sophistication, ranging from the bold, Generation Y-derived Zany Pink (SW 6858) and luscious Ruby Shade (SW 6572) to the romantic Insightful Rose (SW 6023).
Orange	Orange transitions from a primary, bright shade to a more restrained, elegant hue. The spicy Tigereye (SW 6362) reflects global influences, while Constant Coral (SW 6325) has luxurious, cosmetic feel.
Yellow	Sunny shades of optimism continue to shine in colormix ‘09, as evident in the vivid, blossoming Daffodil (SW 6901) and harvested Gambol Gold (SW 6690). And it’s hard to miss the tech-savvy Eye Catching (SW 6914), with its energetic green undertone.
Green	Greens do shift from yellow-based to grayer, as seen in Grandiose (SW 6404). Nature-inspired shades such as the grassy Lemon Verbena (SW 7726) make a splash, while the jewel-toned Alexandrite (SW 0060) leans toward the blue end of the spectrum.
Neutrals	Taking cues from natural materials such as fibers, wood and stone, neutral hues in colormix ‘09 include the cashmere-toned Wool Skein (SW 6148), sandy Mesa Tan (SW 7695) and roasted Umber (SW 6146).
Gray	Refined grays range from the subtle silver Zircon (SW 7667) to the industrial Keystone Gray (SW 7504) and the urban, concrete Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019).

 

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For over 140 years, Sherwin-Williams has satisfied the coating and color needs of builders, designers, specifiers, property managers and contractors. Sherwin-Williams provides fast, flexible, responsive local service and personalized, expert advice. More than 3,000 stores and 1,800 sales representatives make Sherwin-Williams North America’s largest single-source supplier of high-quality paints, stains, masonry coatings and brand-name wall and floor coverings. Visit sherwin-williams.com. For Green Solutions, visit swgreenspecs.com.

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