No, you didn’t read that title wrong. It does say “Colors of the Year” because today, my friends, I am listing this year’s chosen colors of some of the main paint companies. Since there is more than one paint company, there is more than one Color of the Year. (my intellect is a constant source of pride.)  2018 is the year of deep color it seems. Gone are the cool grays and warm tans of the last few years, and White wasn’t featured at all. Does this mean that you can’t paint your house/rooms gray or beige, or white? Of course not! Your house, your rules, your choices.  I enjoy learning what these companies decide are the “IT” colors for any given year. This year I had a couple of “ye god” moments….what were these people thinking? Who would paint their home Ultra Violet? Someone must have, or will…..and color is the easiest way to personalize your space or make a bold statement.

Even if you want to play it safe, there are still tons of whites, grays and tans to choose from. So go forth….paint something! So how do you use the dark, intense colors in a home decorated in modern farmhouse?  I’d use natural wood with any intense color and keep the décor minimal. Adding large plants instead of small tables loaded with knick knacks will help add life and keep rooms from being “over styled.” Bold colors speak for themselves. Instead of a busy gallery wall, try a set of 4 large botanical or nature inspired prints framed in natural wood over a credenza or sideboard or sofa. Add texture with throws and keep throw pillows large and to a minimum. Sea grass rugs add a natural, neutral foil for deep colors. The easiest way to use strong color is with a monochromatic color scheme. Layer various shades of the same color throughout the room. Have fun with it.

INTRODUCING BENJAMIN MOORE’S COLOR OF THE YEAR:  Caliente, Caliente is a deep, warm red, described as strong, radiant and full of energy. This would be delicious in a large dining room with beefy moldings (see what I did there? delicious and beefy?? ever the clever one I am)

PANTONE: The afore-mentioned Ultra Violet was at the top of Pantone’s list for this year. A rich, sexy, but bold color and not for someone afraid of going bold with intense hues. Probably best for modern, or bohemian spaces, would look stunning in a bedroom. The deep hue pictured below would provide a soothing envelope for sleep.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS:  Oceanside, a green blue described by the company as “opulent and mysterious.” Great for a bedroom or a library, but this color would look great in any room. 

VALSPAR went with “Favorite Green,” intense, invigorating with a touch of blue. I don’t see the blue undertones in the photo that was on the website for this shade, but as always, the light in a room can change how the “color reads” and computer monitors may show a slightly different shade. This is why getting sample pots and viewing a color for a few days in the room under various lighting is a must.

OLYMPIC PAINTS: Olympic’s choice is “Black Magic,” a true black with no undertones, which also describes GLIDDEN’S entry, Deep Onyx, a true black with no hints of blue. Great news for those of us who want to paint…say a door but don’t want a bluish black. My front door was painted in Valspar’s Tricorn and looks blue in the afternoon. So this year I’ll repaint with one of the two new entries for a true black. Black can work in any space,  even a small room would benefit from being painted black, the dark color makes walls seem to disappear and can help give an illusion of space.

Whatever your mood, there is a color for it. Paint is the cheapest and easiest tool in the home decorator’s tool box. If you don’t like it, “It’s just paint,” and for the cost of a couple gallons of another color, is easily changed. Unless your room is 4,000 square feet with soaring ceilings……might want to be careful selecting paint for that.  Just sayin.

Be bold! Or not. Create the home you see in your heart. Create your very own sanctuary, no matter where you live.