Color of the Year.
Color is a very important. For those of us who can see color, it is a communication tool that gives us cues on what is important, what is dangerous, and what is expected of us.
Different colors have different meanings in different cultures. In the U.S., orange is a sign of caution while in Asia it is associated with spiritual enlightenment. In Christianity, brides wear white while in the Hindu religion, widows wear white.
Believe it or not, climate also influences color preferences and meaning. Those who live in warmer countries with plenty of sunlight prefer warm, bright colours whereas people living in cold climes with less sunlight prefer less saturated colors.
Color psychologists study our reactions to different colors, the meanings we associate with them, and the influence color has on our mindsets and behaviors. It is now well-understood that red can boost the energy whereas yellow makes us happier. Mental health units use pastel tones on their walls so that it may create a feeling of calmness, happiness and relaxation. How we can and should use color is a subject that deserves attention.
The people that spend a great deal of time thinking about the use of color are pretty obvious. Anyone working in fashion, makeup, interior design, and product development are greatly concerned with the science and psychology of color.
There are a fair number of companies that like to proclaim a "color of the year". And why not? It gives us some idea about what is going to be trendy in different areas of life, including what colors you should choose for your house, whether you are buying, selling, or want to create a certain feeling. Here are the colors chosen by 8 paint companies as their 2023 Color of the Year.
Benjamin Moore Paints. Benjamin Moore's pick for 2023 color of the year is a vibrant red-orange called Raspberry Blush.
Behr. Blank Canvas, Behr's pick for 2023, is a creamy shade of white that goes with practically everything.
Krylon. For its 2023 color of the year, Krylon selected Spanish Moss, a deep forest green that nods to nature.
Better Homes & Gardens. Reminiscent of Southwestern landscapes, Canyon Ridge is an orange-meets-pink paint color that acts as a near-neutral when applied to walls.
Dunn-Edwards. Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards blends brown and burgundy for a rosy pink that works as both a grounding neutral and a delicate accent.
Sherwin Williams. Redend Point is a blend of blush and beige; Sherwin-Williams's new color features subtle pink undertones to warm up walls.
Glidden. Vining Ivy blends blue and green for a tranquil backdrop.
Dutch Boy. Rustic Greige is a versatile neutral that brings harmony and contentment home.
Just in case you thought we may have missed out on the Big Daddy of color wheels, we haven't. Pantone is one of the most recognized company when it comes to blending the art and science of color. The Pantone Color Institute™ is a consulting service within Pantone that forecasts global color trends and advises companies on color in brand identity and product development. Pantone Lifestyle, the consumer-licensing division of Pantone, offers consumer products inspired by the signature Pantone chip design. They're the ones who designed Tiffany's iconic turquoise. They announce the color of the year in December.