It was only a few years ago that we were into bold colors such as Tangerine Tango, Radiant Orchid and Exclusive Plumb. Lately, though, we’ve shifted to the other side of the tone spectrum. In a short time, our desire for bold and strong has morphed into the desire for a “soothing sense of order and peace.”
And apparently, for 2016 this soothing sense is not represented by much of any color at all.
It was Pantone’s first ever selection of two colors, Rose Quartz and Serenity that keyed me into this whimsical trend. Next, Sherwin-Williams chooses Alabaster for its ability to provide an “oasis of calmness.” Now, Benjamin Moore makes it official with its color of the year: Simply White (OC-117). The color trend of 2016 is officially: Not A Color.
Diffused light and layers
Benjamin Moore chose Simply White for its color of the year for its ability to diffuse light. See how the interplay of whites and light creates nuance and subtle beauty in the image below.
Surrender to the complexity of white. In this abstract artist’s townhouse, the interplay of whites and light creates nuance and subtle beauty.
For contrast and definition
Simply White can also be used to create striking contrasts with bold lines. White can be complimented very well using an accent wall, such as in the image below.
Upshot
Pantone, Sherwin-Williams and, now, Benjamin Moore’s choices of light, airy colors for 2016 actually actually provides quite a broad palette of tones and hues to work with. Use the “whites” provide contrast and to create definition. Layer them to provide a sense of shifting light. Use Rose Quartz and Serenity to create a perfect balance of warmth and cool.
At first the choices for Colors of the Year made me scratch my head a little bit. I mean, is white actually a color? As I have pondered further, I am beginning to see just how many possibilities these choices provide. I am excited to see what the Market has in store for these colors in 2016.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abHPbfZZaD8#t=27
Color of the Year: Simply White | Benjamin Moore