We’re counting down some of the most influential people, projects, paints, and color palettes of the past year in STIR.

As designers, we abide by many all-important maxims. Two of these are: always stay tuned into the latest trends, and seek inspiration wherever it can be found. Here, we’re closing out the year by gathering up all things gorgeous and groundbreaking that inspired us in 2021.

7 Members of the Design Council

The seven talented experts of our Design Council have inspired and revolutionized the world of design throughout their storied careers, and we’ve been honored to work alongside them and learn about which Sherwin-Williams shades they’re using and loving most. Thank you for a year of beautiful collaboration and stylish designs!

6 Exquisite Exteriors

Out of doors, not out of mind—exterior transformations are always a showstopper, and we rounded up six of our favorites from across the country in one article, carefully curated for maximum curb appeal. Don’t drive by this list, or else you might miss a truly blissful beachfront getaway and a historic façade sweetened by pure Southern charm.

5 WFH Spaces That Wow

We’re no longer strangers to shared and double-duty spaces. Even when space is at a premium, these five inspired rooms prove that style need never be sacrificed when making way for work, learn, and play, all in one place. There’s something to suit any style in our roundup of wow-worthy workspaces, all expertly designed to create the perfect background for getting down to business.

4 Masterfully Mixed Palettes

The 2022 Colormix^® Forecast made its debut with a mix of trending shades distilled into four stunning palettes, each with its own design point of view and style influences. From Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden’s perspective, people are embracing color like never before, and these thoughtfully curated color palettes represent a few distinct ways we’ll see this happen in the months ahead.

3 New Courses to Stay Current

The year brought a handful of new learning opportunities at Sherwin-Williams University. Relevant and information-packed courses such as Wellness Design in the Home, a refreshed Paint 101, and Understanding Paint, Coatings & Sealants in Leedv4.1 were added to the library of accredited course options available at swceulearn.com.

2 Super New Formulas

The Living Well collection arrived this year, featuring top shades in 11 lovely palettes selected to inspire comfort and well-being. Even more exciting was the introduction of two new SuperPaint formulas—now with Sanitizing Technology and Air Purifying Technology.

1 Color of the Year

We head into 2022 with the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year, Evergreen Fog—a fresh, organic neutral—and the invitation to “Begin Again.” Sophisticated and serene, comfortable but composed, this shade is going to be our beautiful go-to as we awaken to the possibilities of the new year.