2017 Color of the Year

Sherwin-Williams doesn’t usually like to play color favorites, but in this case we can’t resist. The color we anticipate defining 2017 is Poised Taupe SW 6039. Here’s why: This timeless neutral is modern, classic and a beautiful balance of warm and cool.

As we prepared our 2017 Color of the Year selection, it became clear that neutrals are beginning a transition from the monochrome grey of the past five years to a more complex taupe and brown.

Grey has enjoyed its assent to “favorite” status over the last five years – but 2017 will mark the beginning of a warming trend. Influences such as natural or organic materials, weathered and worn finishes and global cultural preferences have suggested alternatives to a primarily grey existence. Taken from our 2017 colormix™ forecast – our commercial neutrals showcase the best of 2017, anchored by our Color of the Year, Poised Taupe SW 6039.

Our story of taupe is simple. Earthen brown combines with conservative grey and the result is a weathered, woodsy and complex neutral that celebrates the imperfections and authenticity of a well-lived life.

Warm Brown + Cool Grey = Taupe. Poised Taupe SW 6039

Using the Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap^® Visualizer, you can explore the Color of the Year and with the swipe of a finger see it on any wall.

Tag your Poised Taupe Twitter and Instagram posts with #SWCOLORLOVE or upload a photo.

2017 Key color combinations featuring Poised Taupe…

In addition to the “warming up” of neutrals in general, 2017 will see several key colors emerge in combination with taupe.

Cornflower Hues

Faded indigo and lighter cornflower hues, pair with modern white and Poised Taupe for a charming palette, reminiscent of the French countryside.

Organic Re-imagined

Vegetal green, citrus green, weathered bronze and mustard yellow pair with Poised Taupe to create a contemporary organic palette – re-imagined for the modern world.

Vintage Pastels

Pastels take on a vintage vibe with dusty ink, amber, Poised Taupe, sage and oxidized yellow.

Wine & Taupe

Deep wine, purple and Poised Taupe bring warmth to the dark tones favored in 2017. Silvery grey and intense teal provide balance and drama to this rich, mysterious palette.

Eroded

Red and coral are vibrant and ore rich when combined with Poised Taupe and dusky rose. There is a natural feel to this palette, reminiscent of silt, clay and red stained bedrock.

Yellow POP

Yellow takes bold direction when paired with black, white, Poised Taupe and deep teal for a super graphic look.