Benjamin Moore and Sico Paints both announced their 2018 Colour of the Year this month and both leading paint companies have a bold vision for the coming year. Benjamin Moore declared its Colour of the Year 2018 as Caliente, a vibrant, charismatic shade of red, while Sico choose Cast Iron, an elegant and sophisticated black shade.
Benjamin Moore made their announcement to leading interior designers, architects and influencers at an exclusive event held at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York.
“Strong, radiant and full of energy, Caliente is total confidence,” said Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore director of strategic design intelligence. “It is pleasing, passionate and makes people feel special, like ‘red carpet treatment.’ Whether used as one note or on four walls, the spirited personality of red turns heads, signalling surprise and adventure. The eye can’t help but follow its bold strokes.”
Benjamin Moore also unveiled Colour Trends 2018, a curated palette of 23 highly influential hues that enliven any room by adding depth and energy. The palette incorporates a full spectrum of reds, from hints of blush to deep oxbloods, while ensuring seamless pairings with a carefully selected range of whites, neutrals, and complementary bold hues. The Benjamin Moore Colour Trends 2018 palette includes: Caliente AF-290, Deep Poinsettia 2091-30, Cherry Wine 2080-30, Cranberry Cocktail 2083-20, Texas Rose 2092-40, Pleasant Pink 2094-60, Saddle Soap 2110-30, Incense Stick 2115-20, Smoked Oyster 2109-40, Excalibur Gray 2118-50, Wolf Gray 2127-40, Stone 2112-40, Black Beauty 2128-10, Silver Marlin 2139-50, Carolina Gull 2138-40, Dreamy Cloud 2117-70, Moonshine 2140-60, Sharkskin 2139-30, Elk Horn AF-105, Peau de Soie AF-60, Golden Retriever 2165-30, White Opulence OC- 69 and Coastal Path AF-380
The Benjamin Moore Colour & Design team annually forecasts colour trends following a year-long research journey to 30 cities across 12 countries, travelling nearly 160,000 kilometres. The team attended more than 20 industry shows capturing more than 42,200 photos that illustrate points of inspiration from the arts, design, architecture, pop culture, fashion, home furnishings and more. Their collective findings demonstrated an emergence of red hues, embodying the change, strength, confidence and vitality that permeates cultural movements around the world.
According to Sico colour experts, black paint highlights a perfect mix of modern yet timeless sophistication and offers a flexibility in design that is often overlooked. Similar to your favourite black handbag, Cast Iron pairs beautifully with almost any design style.
“Cast Iron is a perfect choice for do-it-yourselfers who crave a grounded room that is enveloped in comfort and coziness, beginning with their paint colour selection,” said Mylène Gévry, senior marketing manager, Sico paint brand by PPG. “This colour is hard to ignore and provides a certain grandeur or simplicity to a space because of its flexibility.”
While black commands attention on its own, Sico colour experts recommend pairing it with a variety of other tones. Layer this deep, rich midnight hue with a variety of trending softer neutrals, such as Vanilla Orchid (6188-21), a nutmeg-tone like Roma Antiqua (6231-63), a brown-grey like Flawless Grey (6212-31) and a warm white like Zen (6222-11) for a tranquil and minimal look.
To make a dramatic statement, pair Cast Iron with a dark burgundy like Venetian Wine (6082-85), a mid-tone grey like Industrial Grey (6212-52), a soft beige like Gobi Dunes (6194-42) and an off-white like Ground Coriander (6218-21). Combined with brass or gold accents, this colour palette will give the appearance of elegance and luxury.
The colour was unanimously selected by PPG’s more than 20 global colour stylists, who specialize in industries that include consumer electronics, architectural, automotive and aerospace. These experts study consumer insights, building material trends, decor trends and more to select a colour forecast that resonates and is reflective of current consumer attitudes.
“Sico paint’s Cast Iron perfectly complements the various trending black building materials and home accessories that we’re seeing in the marketplace. From timeless black windows to matte black kitchen appliances, this hue will fit in perfectly with modern or traditional design elements,” Gévry noted.
“Black is often overlooked and underappreciated when choosing paint colours for the home, but its ability to refine, subdue and add strength to a space makes it a perfect choice,” said Misty Yeomans, colour marketing manager. “It brings solace and a peacefulness to any space, creating a haven in which to retreat from our always-connected, high-pressure society. Its versatility in pairing with other colours adds to its allure in home decorating.”