Choosing the right paint color can be a challenge. The options seem endless and
the effects of color in a home are both subtle and significant.

Purple has been crowned the “it” color of this year. Sherwin-Williams’ Exclusive Plum is a surprisingly versatile shade that can be used in any room. A sophisticated violet, the hue is a balance of cool blue and feisty red with a splash of gray, and pairs well with a variety of styles to create
color schemes suitable for any room.

Jackie Jordan, Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing shares her tips for incorporating the latest color trend in your home.
“Each year, my team of Sherwin-Williams color experts and I research color influences from around the world to determine the annual color forecast and Color of the Year. We know that purple is going to be big in 2014. The color’s richness will come to life in velvet; it also has great appeal for cosmetics and it is certainly a very wearable color.”

When choosing purple, stick with a sophisticated hue. Sherwin-Williams Exclusive Plum is a regal color, amazingly versatile and works well with a variety of design aesthetics and color palettes.

The color can be used in a variety of spaces as a bold statement or as a

neutral. For a cozy, masculine den, pair Exclusive Plum with accents of copper and well-worn leather. Pops of magenta and chartreuse can liven it up for a more energetic space.

Exclusive Plum is an adaptable color that can be used in a variety of room settings. Depending on the mood you would like to set, it can be used in a well-lit space, or in a room with little or no natural light. The colors will create an intimate and romantic mood when used in rooms with limited natural light.

The less saturated color lends itself well to exterior accents like shutters or front doors. “I suggest pairing Exclusive Plum with other colors from the Sherwin-Williams Color Forecast Curiosity palette, such as Sealskin (SW 7576), Library Pewter (SW 0038) and Anew Gray (SW 7030),” Jackie said.

Paint color can also be a fun and relatively easy way to update a room. When selecting a color, consider the mood of a room. Another important consideration is lighting. Natural light shows the truest color. Test colors on poster board or a large area of the wall. Use a small color wheel as a reference tool — you may be surprised by what combinations work well together.

Visit Sherwin-Williams.com for more information.