Sherwin-Williams Releases 2023 Colormix Trend Forecast for Industrial Wood Markets

The Industrial Wood Coatings division of Sherwin-Williams has released its annual Colormix trend forecast for 2023: Terra. The forecast presents 32 trending stain colors and finishes developed by the color experts at the Sherwin-Williams Global Color & Design Center (GCDC) in Greensboro, NC.

Terra refers to earth and dwellings, containing stain colors influenced by hues found in nature, such as mushrooms, tree bark and sand. The trending finishes are presented in four collections – Biome, Lore, Nexus and Origin – to equip wood product designers and manufacturers with relevantly curated solutions to meet consumer demand over the next three to seven years.

“Luxury looks different to everyone, and we’re seeing this truth tenfold in the industrial wood market,” says Lauren West, global color and design director, Sherwin-Williams Industrial Wood Coatings. “Consumers are investing in the personalization of their spaces, and we consider it an honor to help manufacturers and industrial designers answer this demand with strategic and proprietary finishing solutions.”

The finishes of Terra have been identified through coordination with industry and color experts. Aligning with the Sherwin-Williams architectural paint Colormix forecast, the GCDC team translates trends into custom color and proprietary finishes for various industrial wood markets, including kitchen cabinets, furniture, building products and flooring.

“Each forecast dares us to harness the creative and collaborative strengths of our Sherwin-Williams color authorities,” says West. “Working closely among Sherwin-Williams cross-divisional efforts to understand the complements between trends, we can provide cohesive and timely solutions for our customers across every industry we serve.”

Terra Color Collections
• BIOME
Inspired by regenerative forest floors and dependable minerals, the Biome collection embraces organic, sculptural forms and grounding finishes. Welcome functionality and sustainability into designs with multipurpose pieces that reclaim comforting shapes and finishes. Light, warm woods such as pine, oak and maple lead the way, taking on gray undertones that mimic tree bark and mushroom hues.

• LORE
Heritage and considerate restoration define the Lore collection. Highly artisanal with a vintage touch, Lore balances simplicity and complexity through smooth finishes and subtly opulent grains. Desaturated finishes with character add depth to the tight grain found in cherry, alder and mahogany.

• NEXUS
Embodying sand and dried earthen terrain, the Nexus collection is home to holistic materials and tactile neutrals. Matte finishes enhance the depth and softness of familiar woodgrains, opening doors to flexible furniture solutions and open-plan living. Experiential finishes for warm walnut, straight-grained oak, reliable ash and distinctive elm contribute to adaptable designs.

• ORIGIN
Whether restoring pieces to their former glory or playfully personalizing with hints of glimmer and metallics, extravagant eras of design mingle in the Origin collection. The mismatched elements of cottagecore meet the peekaboo sheen of the 60s and 70s in dazzling brights and deep stains. Exotic wood species such as burl, mindi, primavera and mango serve as an expressive layer to these finishes, especially through smooth woodgrains and accents that add a nostalgic, vivid appearance.