“Colors in interior design should not be selected in isolation but for how well they harmonize with other hues,” suggests Sherwin-Williams Designer Account Executive Amy Milani, PhD. Creating color harmony involves combining shades, tones, and finishes that will create the most cohesive effect throughout a space, and there are several ways of approaching this essential part of the design process.

Color theory plays a pivotal role in this alchemical process, but there’s plenty of room within the framework to explore the boundaries of what’s possible with color. Inspired by our newly revealed Color of the Year, Upward SW 6239 (224-C1), and its hand-selected accompanying hues, we asked color and design experts to give us their perspective on the art of achieving color harmony. Here’s what they said.

Color harmony is an essential part of integrating various tones and materials, zones and finishes into a design in an intentional way. Whether the challenge is blending warm and cool tones, as Account Executive Makayla Condie shared, or matching the hard and soft finishes in a space, as Mariah Hebenthal mentioned, many experts rely on color tools to figure out what works.

Account Executive Annie Conway uses the color strips on her fan deck to illustrate color harmony, or starts with a foundational palette of neutrals to build upon. And Stephanie Maley, another Designer Account Executive, uses our Palette Guide to identify appropriate undertones for the finishes that designers or their clients have chosen, then uses the ColorSnap app for coordinating colors.

When Sherwin-Williams develops palettes, we seek newness and a sense of never-before-seen. We also consider combinations that can be applied to the variety of coatings we offer through Full Spectrum Possibilities. “Understanding the business of color is important,” says Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing. “Tracking the current landscape, making the appropriate color data and regional considerations—there are hundreds of small details that influence the palette development process.” 

As pictured below, our Color of the Year can be brought to life with to our SofTop^™ SL decorative elastomeric flooring system; Resuflor^™High-Performance Epoxy or Terrazzo flooring; Firetex^® intumescent fire-protection coating; H&C concrete enamel/stain; Fluropon coil and extrusion coatings; custom color and proprietary finishes for wood, and much, much more.

As the trend seasons come and go and the colors of the moment shift and evolve over time, color theory remains the foundation for creating cohesion within a project. Specially curated color forecasts, like our latest Colormix^® collection, Anthology: Volume One, as well as Colormix for Commercial Spaces, can provide a regular touchstone for designers as they select trending colors around which to build complete palette harmony.

“So much of forecasting has to do with mood, and open discussions help set that tone and influence the final results,” says Wadden about the process of determining the key colors and combinations of 2024. “It is amazing how themes and ideas fit together in a colorful connection of ideas and concepts.”

When the Color of the Year is chosen, our expert color forecasting team sets about predicting the coordinating hues that will best tell its story. For Upward SW 6239 (224-C1), our choice for 2024, a sense of perfect balance and harmony were key in finding accent colors to complement its cool and airy tone.

Crisp Snowbound SW 7004 (256-C2) and lightly tinted Drift of Mist SW 9166 (238-C2) provide a soft accompaniment, while colors like Tricorn Black SW 6258 (251-C1), Gale Force SW 7605 (279-C3), and Palm Leaf SW 7735 (278-C7) give strong contrast to balance the light tones. Honeydew SW 6428 (155-C1) adds color adjacency and Antiquarian Brown SW 0045 brings warmth. These accents are gathered from the top trend colors of Anthology: Volume One and all primed to define designs when used across connected and adjacent spaces to create a harmonious flow.

Beyond its select coordinating colors, Upward’s adaptable and refreshing hue can be complemented by a wide variety of materials and design elements. “Modern design often incorporates natural and organic materials that create a sense of harmony and connection with the environment,” offers Wadden. “Light blue colors can be beautifully paired with materials such as light-toned woods, bamboo, rattan, and jute to create a serene and tranquil atmosphere.”

Wadden also suggests pairing clean lines and minimalist styling with light blues to contribute to a sense of openness and airiness, or using metallic accents—such as stainless steel, chrome, or copper—to add a touch of sophistication and modern elegance to breezy blues. Soft and textured fabrics in Upward can add depth and coziness, she says, or transparent materials like glass and lucite can create an ethereal atmosphere. “Glass furniture, such as coffee tables or shelving, can add a touch of modernity and openness to the design.

“Light blue colors work well in spaces with ample natural light,” advises Wadden, “and to help define different areas in open floor plans without creating visual barriers. Combine light blue walls with a neutral backdrop, such as white or light gray, to enhance the overall brightness and modern aesthetic of the room, and use light blue accents to delineate spaces while maintaining a sense of continuity and flow.”

Color harmony plays an important role in cohesive design and can be achieved by referencing the latest trends and current color palettes using forecasting reports, mood boards, and visual presentations that demonstrate how different colors can work together harmoniously in various spaces and applications. We asked several of our Designer Account Executives and other color and design experts to share how they approach the topic of color harmony. 

Amy Milani, a Designer Account Executive for the Charleston–Savannah Southeastern Division, recommends using physical samples to determine the compatibility between various colors in a design project. “You can see a reaction when colors touch. Do they make each other look better, or is there tension?” 

If there’s tension, Milani says, there’s no forcing it to work. If a designer or their client gravitates toward a color, it’s more advisable to find harmonious pairings for that color than to force a favored color into a design scheme within which it doesn’t fit. “Let go of colors that don’t harmonize with your selected materials, even if they are beautiful on their own,” she advises.

Sherwin-Williams Division Manager of Design Emily Grundy points out that, when selecting colors with designers, context matters. “We aim to create a seamless integration of colors that support the designer’s vision and project scheme. By selecting just the right value and tone, a wall color can create the perfect backdrop for a harmonious space.”

When it comes to choosing these picture-perfect hues, Cindy Seepersaud of the Metro New York area has one tried-and-true starting point. “I’m always referencing our Emerald^® Designer Edition^™ Color Collection for colors that flow smoothly throughout a project. Whether a designer wants to create a space with a minimal and modern look or their client prefers a cool sanctuary, there is a palette for everyone.”

Finally, some parting words from Sue Wadden: “Designers can highlight the versatility of color combinations and how they can be tailored to suit the client’s personal preferences and lifestyle. Through these educational efforts, clients can gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of color harmony in interior design and make more informed decisions about their color choices.”

Connect with your own Designer Account Executive to receive all the tools and support you need to create truly stunning and harmonious designs, and order your exclusive Color of the Year sample kit, featuring Upward and its coordinating colors, complimentary with your Pro+ account.