As our team of experts craft the Colormix^® Forecast, they hand-select key commercial colors, and weave them into each palette. The result is Colormix^® for Commercial Spaces—an exclusive design resource applying the trend-forward collection of Anthology: Volume One to the commercial landscape. From stunning blues and greens to dramatic darks and deeps, these hues are poised to play an influential role in shaping the unique space of commercial design. 

The 48 colors that make up the forecast will be meaningful across multiple industries and applications, and brought to life in the comprehensive range of Sherwin-Williams coatings and technologies—from powder coating to liquid, soft touch to metallic finishes—provided through our Full Spectrum Possibilities. Here we’ll unveil the major trends that will shape and influence these colors within commercial segments: healthcare spaces, hospitality environments, office design, multi-family residences, educational institutions, and new residential construction.

A spirit of innovation is paramount in the healthcare world, especially in the various avenues being explored for delivering the best possible patient care, in person or virtually. 

Together with a notable surge in mental and behavioral health awareness, designers in this segment are making an effort to provide more holistic, inclusive, and reassuring experiences for the fullest range of human diversity.

Color plays a beautifully supportive role in these environments, aiding in cognitive processing for patients, visitors, and providers who may find themselves in stressful or overwhelming circumstances. Soft and muted hues and gradients provide serene and inviting backdrops for patient rooms, waiting areas, and telehealth zones. 

Blues and greens bring harmony and even heart rate– and blood pressure–lowering benefits, and purples promote a tranquil and focused environment. Darker colors create coziness and an inviting, relaxing atmosphere, and white is favored in healthcare spaces for its association with cleanliness and ability to alleviate stress and anxiety, supporting patient recovery in healthcare settings.

Reflecting a place’s rich history—both its cultural and natural heritage—has become a key trend in designing for hospitality spaces.

To evoke the spirit of a locale, iconic landmarks are a fantastic source of inspiration, while built environments uphold a sense of adventure and specialness even after visitors have reached their destination. Lush greenery, nature-inspired color palettes, and hybrid indoor-outdoor oases allow guests to unwind and reconnect with nature.

The right colors can embody the essence of the area. Color-immersive designs capitalize on the power of color to evoke specific moods and emotions, whether a vibrant burst of energizing tones or a harmonious blend of soothing shades, to design memorable and photo-worthy experiences, with dynamic visual appeal to stimulate conversation both in the space and on social media.

“Office life is changing, and we’re seeing that reflected in the trends today,” says Michael Plank, Director of Color Marketing and Design Studio at Sherwin-Williams. The strategic use of color in design can help meet the changing needs of these modern workplaces and cultivate environments that encourage concentration, socialization, collaboration, and calm among employees. “Everything from well-being and place-making to hybrid work environments and also exploration and experimentation,” muses Kiki Redhead, the Global Color Material Finish and Trend Manager for industrial and coil and extrusion divisions of Sherwin-Williams. “These types of elements bring a lot of new information into people’s lives, and they can translate that through color.”

The colors driving adaptability and comfort for this segment are wide-ranging. Blues and greens are known to promote a sense of calmness and reduce stress, whereas shades of baked clay, reds, beiges, blush, and plum instill an atmosphere of creative expression and freedom. Darker colors serve up a bold modern vibe of artistry and individuality, and lighter whites and tints can be used to interplay with natural or artificial light to promote harmonious commercial spaces.

According to Redhead, surprising synergies have emerged across different regions and various industries. “In a lot of our research,” she says, “we’re talking a lot about layering in, fusing things together, and finding very similar color spaces for many different industries.” For the multi-family residential segment, this fusion is inspired by wellness, sustainability, flexibility, technology integration, and community engagement. Residents’ needs and desires are evolving rapidly, and the offer of wellness amenities, environmental consciousness, multipurpose spaces, smart-home tech, and biophilic touches help property owners keep pace and remain competitive and covetable. 

“We talked a lot about repurposed buildings and how a lot of former office buildings and commercial spaces are becoming residential,” says Plank of the forecasting process. “I think it’s one of the most exciting things from a sustainability standpoint, but there are a lot of new buildings out there that are on the cutting edge of commercial design.”

By incorporating color, designers can harness proven psychological and physiological benefits. Blues and greens calm and refresh, hues in the red family grab attention with an exciting energy and encourage liveliness and engagement. Dark colors serve as a versatile and timeless foundation and can blend and interact with various materials to create unique compositions, whereas delicate tints can enhance the perception of space, making smaller rooms feel more open.

Designing for educational environments has grown to emphasize inclusivity and foster a sense of safety, respect, and well-being in students, teachers, staff, and visitors. Designers of schools must accommodate a wide range of learning styles, needs, and abilities, striving to remove physical and cognitive barriers. Considering diverse perspectives allows every student to feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

For various spaces and types of schools, color psychology can be one tool for promoting academic success. Softer color palettes may encourage relaxation, bright tones can spark creativity and self-expression, and nature-inspired patterns or murals can bring a sense of tranquil whimsy.

Evidence-based science can guide designers in understanding the impacts of various colors in educational environments, allowing for intentional and meaningful applications that support creative energy, functional focus, and active engagement.

New construction is not the act of simply building houses, but building homes—uplifting sanctuaries that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and socialization. Today’s customization-driven approach to residential design has ushered in the rise of designated multipurpose living spaces tailored to suit homeowners’ unique needs and to help them get the most of their home’s layout and square footage.

As Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager for Sherwin-Williams Color Marketing and Design Studio, says, the experts on our color forecast team have seen a renewed focus on spaces that bring joy and a sense of well-being through design. “We want to home in on contentment and joy and the power of design and color to bring contentment into spaces, whether residential, commercial, public, or private.”

Incorporating certain colors and design elements can signify a commitment to environmentally friendly practices, and an intentional use of color can support the intended purpose of and desired emotional response to a space. Striking contrasts create visual interest and highlight specific architectural features, furniture pieces, or decorative accents. 

To explore the curated color collection and learn more about their growing importance when designing for commercial environments, click here to download the exclusive online lookbook, use your PRO+ account to order free color samples, and explore Sherwin-Williams Full Spectrum Possibilities to learn more about how our team can work alongside yours to create beautiful commercial spaces.

Top photo: Thaden School by Marlon Blackwell Architects, photo by Tim Hursley Photography.