The color experts at Valspar have announced their 2018 Colors of the Year timed with the start of the new year. Symbolic of hope and promise, a new year gives us the possibility of change—and change is always in. Instead of a one-size-fits-all Color of the Year, Valspar offers 12 that can accommodate different lifestyles and preferences.

Interiors take on the look of dark glamour this year as consumers bravely select a colour palette of bold elegance, according to Dulux Paints colour experts. The leading brand named two Colours of the Year for 2018: Black Elegance (DLX1004-7), a statement-making black infused with an undertone of the deepest brown, and a beautiful metallic companion, Dulux Effects Finishes LIQUID METAL™ Golden Goose (015LM).

Pratt & Lambert® Paints, an industry leader in innovative and premium quality paint products, last month proudly unveiled Heron (27-18) as the brand’s 2018 Color of the Year. This elegant midnight blue becomes the leading color from Beyond, Pratt & Lambert’s full 2018 color forecast, which draws inspiration from today’s cultural influences across fashion, technology, travel, art and home décor.

The Benjamin Moore Color & Design team annually forecasts color trends following a year-long research journey to 30 cities across 12 countries, traveling nearly 100,000 miles. The team of seven Color & Design experts attended more than 20 industry shows capturing more than 42,200 photos that illustrate points of inspiration from the arts, design, architecture, pop culture, fashion, home furnishings, and more. Their collective findings demonstrated an emergence of red hues, embodying the change, strength, confidence and vitality that permeates cultural movements around the world.

“Black is often overlooked and underappreciated when choosing paint colours for the home, but its ability to refine, subdue and add strength to a space makes it a perfect choice,” said Misty Yeomans, colour marketing manager, Sico paint. “It brings solace and a peacefulness to any space, creating a haven in which to retreat from our always-connected, high-pressure society. Its versatility in pairing with other colours adds to its allure in home decorating.”

Dunn-Edwards has announced its 2018 Color of the Year – The Green Hour – a darker shade of grayed blue-green. “This stunning color has dual personalities of being moody, dramatic and intense, while still grounding and tranquil, acting as a neutral,” explained Sara McLean, color expert and stylist for Dunn-Edwards. “It is dreamlike, mysterious, rich and cozy.”

“Green-blues in deep values, such as Oceanside, respond to changes in light, which is a quality that creates intense dimension,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “It is a tremendously versatile color, and harmonizes with other diverse color groups.”

Extensive research was conducted by the color team at AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Center, together with a group of 11 international experts. It revealed a strong overarching trend of consumers wanting to transform their homes into spaces of retreat from the outside world.

“In The Moment speaks to our society’s desire to disconnect and be present,” said Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr. “Spruce blue, soft gray and lush green coalesce into a fresh shade that evokes a sense of sanctuary and relaxation amid our always-on lives. In The Moment crosses multiple design styles—global, coastal, modern—and pairs well with other subdued colors to create harmony for interiors or exteriors.”

“Using a black paint color like Deep Onyx on your walls or in your decor may feel intimidating at first, but it’s actually one of the easiest colors to use to create the low-key, easygoing style that’s trending for 2018,” said Misty Yeomans, PPG color marketing manager, Glidden paints. “Black can be overlooked as a neutral color, but it works well on an accent wall or as an alternative to white paint on doors, trim and cabinets. The sense of ease and authenticity it brings to a home can’t be denied. Just like a little black dress, Deep Onyx is a classic, timeless staple.”

“In past years, consumers have gravitated toward open, airy spaces that are thought to leave room for exposure,” said Dee Schlotter, PPG senior color marketing manager, Olympic paint. “However, in the current day, consumers often feel uneasy, restless or like their privacy is being invaded, so they crave deep, comforting colors that offer a welcomed escape from the chaos of daily life. Olympic paint’s Black Magic perfectly satisfies consumers’ desire for privacy.”

“Black Flame acts like a black curtain, allowing your other décor elements to take center stage,” said Dee Schlotter, PPG senior color marketing manager. “It’s a fantastic blend of black and indigo, two classic hues. Black creates the silence we crave in an information-heavy world, while the indigo offers possibility and a deep hopefulness. The blend of two colors makes it incredibly versatile – use it on a statement wall, with a matte finish on a ceiling, with high gloss on a naturally-lit staircase, on cabinets, interior and exterior doors, and in many more places. The versatile hue can also provide strength and a modern luxe vibe to spaces with a lot of whites, blush pinks and soft pastels.”