Cleveland, Ohio—Sherwin-Williams announced its 2021 Colormix Forecast, a collection of 40 hues across four palettes that celebrate the Rhythm of Color—the balance between fast and slow, quiet and expressive and virtual and physical. The forecast is designed to bring the pulse of color to any space: Sanctuary, Encounter, Continuum and Tapestry.
“We started telling a story last year about using color to help us feel grounded as we were headed into a new decade,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Now, we are continuing that inward journey by exploring the past, examining the present and looking at what this all means for our future. The rhythm of color is examining where we’ve been to help inform where we’re going and to help us create that central hub that is so vital to our everyday living and working now.”
Wadden and the Global Forecast Team of color professionals at Sherwin-Williams spent time researching color, design and pop culture trends across the globe. They held a workshop to discuss and debate their research, leading to the final forecast of bright and bold blues, muddy greens, muted reds, bright pinks and warm whites.
Colormix Forecast 2021 Collections
Sanctuary
Rooted in the idea of nature, Sanctuary focuses on the connection that the natural world has to nurturing wellness and calm. Invite the beauty of the outdoors inside. Nature’s tranquility captures the calm simplicity we’re seeking, while warm neutrals and natural tones create a nurturing environment where less will always be more.
INFLUENCES: Wellness + Biophilia | Nesting | Warm Minimalism | Scandinavian Design
Encounter
Defined by heirlooms and the stories behind them, the Encounter palette is complete with special meaning and rich texture. Hyperlocal connection and storytelling, a modern bohemian aesthetic and natural materials complement the earthy tones. We’re taking in the rich experiences, locally and globally, to create an earthy palette that reflects where we’ve been.
INFLUENCES: Hyperlocal | Modern Bohemian | Natural Materials | Storytelling
Continuum
The Continuum palette tells the story of smart living and how technology ties into how people live and the desire for it to blend seamlessly into the whites, charcoals and pops of color in everyday environments. The palette takes its cues from the hybrid of synthetic and natural, sea and space and sculptural modernism and minimalism.
Look forward to the future with innovation and optimism – just like mid-century modernists did. As our digital lives blend with our everyday experiences, a daring palette of natural hues and forward-thinking colors seamlessly comes together.
INFLUENCES: Synthetic + Natural | Sea + Space | Sculptural Modernism | Engineered Environment
Tapestry
Creative expression is a top influence on the Tapestry palette. The happy and modern hues are meant to signal joy and layer together to tell a story through texture and pattern. Additional influences, such as security, reinvented classics and sensory exploration, can be found in standout, vibrant colors.
Lavish jewel tones and layers of style tell a story that throws caution to the wind because the most fun is had when you’re coloring outside the lines. This dramatic palette is the sincerest form of self-expression for a space that chooses authenticity over perfection.
INFLUENCES: Security | Creative Expression | Classic Revisited | Sensory Exploration