While we were busy ringing in a New Year, Pantone announced their 2016 Colors (yes, there are two!) of the Year: Rose Quartz and Serenity. If you’ll recall, 2015 was the year of Marsala, a bright wine shade of red that influenced all types of design from interior design, to graphic design, to fashion design. With Pantone’s recent color trend of vibrant hues, this year’s softer pink and blue hues are a sharp change in direction. Still, these colors aren’t nearly as neutral as Benjamin Moore’s 2016 Color of the Year: white. Specifically, Simply White.
Some wonder how such a “bland” color could be the Color of the Year, but at Strickland’s Home, we know that shades of white are not as simplistic as they may seem; Benjamin Moore, for example, has over 250 shades of white! That creates a lot of choices when it comes to choosing a color palette for your home.
The undertones in white are what matter. Some whites have green undertones, while others may have yellow, blue, or red. These notes are important to consider when decorating your home. Which white paint will best pair with your furniture? How will the amount of sunlight affect the color? Whites with yellow undertones mimic the effect of sunlight hitting a neutral space, which works wonders for trying to brighten a small room; however, shadowy rooms cast darkness onto white paint, making them look aged and depressing.
While the color trends in paint and the color trends in interior design might seem to contradict each other, they actually complement each other beautifully. Houzz.com says that “accent color is to a room what jewelry is to an outfit.” For example, neutral walls allow you to maximize accent colors. Marsala drapes would pop vibrantly against a white wall, and Pantone’s 2014 color Radiant Orchid would pair stunningly with a white that features blue undertones.
Whereas painting the walls a vibrant color would constrain some design choices, a neutral wall creates limitless options for bold design accents, including your window treatments. Neutral colors like white also allow you to update your space seasonally just by changing window coverings, accent pillows, bedding and other home accessories. Once the Simply White paint dries in your space, visit one of our showrooms in Wilmington, NC or Southport, NC where you can see sheers, shades, shutters, and blinds that will show off the beauty of your trendy white walls.