Sherwin-Williams Unveils Exclusive Plum (SW 6263) as Color of the Year for 2014

Exclusive Plum (SW 6263), a sophisticated violet, is Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2014. The hue, a balance of cool blue and feisty red with a splash of gray, pairs well with a variety of styles to create color schemes suitable for any room.

“This dusky, filtered violet is refined without being stuffy, elegant yet easy, and layered with romantic potential. It has an amazing quality and can be adapted for nearly any space, whether used as an accent or for an entire room,” said Jackie Jordan, Sherwin-Williams director of color marketing.

Exclusive Plum is a versatile color that can be used in a variety of spaces. For a cozy, masculine den, Jordan recommends pairing Exclusive Plum with accents of copper and well-worn leather. Exclusive Plum can also be layered with gold, gray and white for an elegant, dreamy bedroom, or highlighted against white subway tile and chrome fixtures for a statement master bathroom. Pops of magenta and chartreuse can liven up Exclusive Plum for a more energetic space and when paired with creamy whites or other neutrals, the mellow yet purposeful purple can turn any space into a refreshing retreat.

Each year, Jordan, along with other Sherwin-Williams color experts, researches color influences from around the world to determine the annual color forecast and the Color of the Year. The Color Forecast 2014 is comprised of 38 colors that are grouped into four palettes: Reasoned, Diaphanous, Intrinsic and Curiosity, which is the group Exclusive Plum sits in.

Curiosity
It has been said that what one may see as strange and unique, another may see as beautiful. This is the wonder of the Curiosity palette, which is largely driven by science and geology. Nature at the most molecular level is becoming a resource for patterns, textures and colors. Mined minerals, metals and raw gems also fuel the color story.

“The Curiosity palette is mad science meeting fantasy; it’s avant-garde, experiential, dark and exotic,” said Jordan. “Alluring colors such as Exclusive Plum (SW 6263) and Antiquarian Brown (SW 0045) make perfect choices for a den or romantic bedroom.”

Reasoned
There’s a global race to acquire knowledge, especially in the fields of math and science. Geometry in particular plays a significant role in our world today and helped to define this palette.

“The hues of Reasoned, which include black, gray and whites, represent shadows, negative space and tone-on-tone layering,” said Jordan. “Gray is the new black. We see this as a perfect palette for a home office, study or modern kitchen by layering colors such as Crushed Ice (SW 7647) and Classic French Gray (SW 0077).”

Diaphanous
The delicate nature of this palette embodies the very essence of balance, simplicity and elegance. The colors of Diaphanous are light, delicate and translucent. Society’s need for overconsumption has given way to minimalism and a quiet reality. This palette evokes tranquility, sensuality, serenity and escape.

“We are experiencing this blurred duality all around us, from menswear influences on feminine clothes to the soft-touch material on electronics said Jordan. “Incorporate Diaphanous colors such as Steamed Milk (SW 7554)and Sandbank (SW 6052) in a bedroom, nursery, living room or bathroom.”

Intrinsic
A little bohemian and plenty of color make up the Intrinsic palette. Its focus is around embracing and preserving tradition, culture and design, while bringing in new influences.

“World events like the upcoming Winter Olympics in Russia are driving new appreciation of folkloric costumes, patterns and design,” said Jordan. “Choose hues from the Intrinsic palette like Capri (SW 6788) and Sawdust (SW 6158) for a celebratory family room, kitchen or kid’s room.”
Color Confidence
Using Sherwin-Williams suite of easy-to-use color selection tools, people can explore Color Forecast 2014 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” wall colors.

ColorSnap smartphone app allows consumers create a palette from a photo or explore colors by family, while ColorSnap Studio iPad® app offers enhanced functionality such as Color Visualizer.