Evergreen Fog’s simple sophistication provides just the right restorative touch. Learn about the influences that make it relevant from Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden.

Natural, adaptable and reassuringly familiar are just a few of the characteristics Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden connects to Evergreen Fog SW 9130 (215-C4), the 2022 Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year. “Green is an essential hue, and Evergreen Fog, in particular, resonates across all areas of design,” Wadden says. “It has an organic appeal, bringing a nature-inspired balance to both residential and commercial applications.” It also conveys optimism, she says. “We’re moving toward something better, and there’s hope out there. As we approach 2022, an optimistic color like Evergreen Fog is exactly what we need.”

STIR sat down with Wadden to learn more about what makes the color so relevant right now.

One look at Evergreen Fog and you know it embodies the idea of nature. Tell us about nature as an influence.
When our team and I chose this color, we knew there would be a bit of a long transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic. And people are seeking nourishing, healing, meaningful colors with strong associations to nature. The color green is the color of nature. And because it’s so rooted in the natural environment, it creates a meditative mood you can relax into. For Evergreen Fog specifically, its appeal is so strong because its undertone is neutral, which makes it usable in all kinds of environments. So, it’s not like a verdant or in-your-face green. It doesn’t look like a mossy green or an avocado green. It’s softer, more subtle and more sophisticated — and it goes well with almost everything.

Influences such as nature, conservation and well-being contribute to the appeal of Evergreen Fog SW 9130 (215-C4), ideas that come together in a contemplative dining space.

The idea of familiarity or nostalgia also ties into the appeal of Evergreen Fog, right?
Nostalgia is a big influence. Evergreen Fog is definitely a vintage-inspired color that’s resonating with millennials, who have actually been called the “nostalgic generation” because of their yearning for an era before their lifetimes, which is often perceived as simpler. The idea of nostalgia has only been reinforced during the pandemic because it brings deep-rooted comfort and powerful healing properties that are particularly beneficial at times of crisis. And Evergreen Fog does that, too.

The versatility of Evergreen Fog means it works effortlessly across styles, from clean-lined transitional (left) to nostalgic mid-century modern (right).

Speaking of healing properties, the ideas of well-being and living well represent influences of their own, too, don’t they?
Yes. They’re influences I also talked about as part of our Colormix^® Forecast 2022. Living well gets at things like biophilia, organic products and the materiality of your living space, whereas well-being is about clean eating, working out and bringing your best self forward. The pandemic has really defined that all of this — including living in environments that keep us safe and healthy — is essential to us. And this color plays perfectly there.

Stemming from that, tell us about conservation as a big-picture influence.
Coming off the hottest July in human history, sustainability obviously continues to be something we need to keep top of mind. As we develop and specify new products, it’s important that we remember the earth and prioritize conservation. I look at the idea of a regenerative economy — an economic system that gives back to the environment and society more than it takes — and the desire to harmonize with that.

Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden and the Sherwin-Williams color team looked to the restorative power of nature as inspiration for choosing Evergreen Fog as the 2022 Color of the Year.

You factored other trends into choosing Evergreen Fog as the Color of the Year. Touch on a few of them.
I’ll start with what’s emerged as a style called “cottagecore.” It has this Victorian, vintage, granny-chic quality that’s collected and adorned. Evergreen Fog is perfect for this style. And then we looked at the continuing appeal of modern farmhouse style — how it’s clean and transitional, and how colors like Evergreen Fog fold right in. The same goes for simple Scandinavian designs — this color works really well there, too. So, it’s incredibly versatile. From there, we went outside to the home’s exterior. The color is especially beautiful on farmhouse, craftsman, Pacific Northwest and mountain styles, but its adaptability makes it work across others, too. I honestly think you could pair Evergreen Fog with a front door painted with our 2021 Color of the Year, Urbane Bronze SW 7048 (245-C7), and call it a day. (To learn more about coordinating colors and complementary materials, see “How to Use Evergreen Fog.”)

Want additional resources about Evergreen Fog, the 2022 Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year? See inspirational photos and watch our video here.