When it comes to color, the design world has a lot to say. So much to say, in fact, that there’s a company devoted to making sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to color. PANTONE® considers itself the authority on colors in consumer trends, and its color swatches are known worldwide as the standard language for accurate color communication, from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer, across a variety of industries. Extensive research goes into selecting Pantone’s Color of the Year, a color that’s being collectively seen in the worlds of fashion, art, interior design and more.

In late 2014, Pantone announced that Marsala (Color 18-1438) was its pick for the 2015 Color of the Year. Pantone called it “a naturally robust and earthy wine red” that’s “subtly seductive.” Dramatic and at the same time grounding, the rich and full-bodied red-brown brings warmth into home interiors. Soon the new Color of the Year will be released for 2016 … more to come on that.

Simply White was just released by Benjamin Moore as its 2016 Color of the Year. As the paint manufacturer states, “White frames and flatters … [and] is the guide that directs the eye to multiple color encounters.” Hatfield clients love white, especially for use in kitchens, where white-washed walls provide great contrast to warm wood beams and metallic finishes.

According to home remodeling and design platform Houzz, orange and similar spicy hues are still hot, hot, hot – but so are cool blues in navy and royal. And don’t forget about the lemony yellows, or the rich browns and creams reminiscent of hot cocoa.  Check out the other 2016 color trends from Benjamin Moore, here!