Sherwin-Williams' 2018 Color of the Year Is Here.

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS’ "OCEANSIDE- evokes optimism."

By Lauren Smith
Oct 3, 2017

Move over, neutrals: Sherwin-Williams just announced its 2018 Color of the Year pick and it's the opposite of muted and subtle. The company says when picking a hue prediction for 2018, it wanted to speak to the public's growing desire for color that's "both accessible and elusive." The results: a deep and moody shade called Oceanside.

"People today have a growing sense of adventure, and it is making its way into even the coziest corners of our homes. We are craving things that remind us of bright folklore, like mermaids and expeditions across continents," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "Oceanside is the color of wanderlust right in our own homes."

People in the design industry are fans of Sherwin-Williams' foray into more statement-making picks, too. "I love a color that's also a state of mind — that's what Oceanside feels like to me," says Editor in Chief of House Beautiful, Sophie Donelson. "It's a cocoon color. We often see similar hues chosen for libraries and studies, because its depth makes it comforting, but also bold and adventurous. It's like watching a Nature channel deep-sea exploration from the comfort of your sofa!"

Designer Jeffrey Phillip is a fan, too. "I like that it's a versatile color that will work with a traditional style, but can also work well with a modern style. It's a color that can bring drama and warmth to almost any room in your home, and since it's part of the blue family, it maintains soothing qualities while still being dramatic."

If you can't picture how the average person can use this color in their home, designer Francesco Bilotto has it all figured out: "I'd like to see it paired with crisp white moldings and used as a backdrop to just about any upholstered or wood furnishing, because it's sophisticated yet tranquil vibe would easily elevate the home."

Or, if you aren't ready for a bold choice in a big room, Phillip recommends trying it in a small entryway or powder room. "It will also pair quite well with Dutch Boy's color of the year, Sandstone," he says.

Even though in recent years most colors predictions included toned-down neutrals, Sherwin-Williams isn't the only company to go bold this year. Glidden Paint picked Deep Onyx, a no-fuss shade of black that encourages a "less is more" approach to decor.