Benjamin Moore's "Color of the Year" casts a dramatic Shadow

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Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press •October 29, 2016

As someone who lives, sleeps and breathes color, I have always believed that popular color trends somewhat reflect what is happening in the world around us.

When Benjamin Moore Benjamin Moore announced its Color of the Year 2017 – Shadow 2117-30, a rich, royal amethyst, I thought, this is it. A shadowy, brooding, deep color that speaks for itself.

Shadow, Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year, makes a dramatic statement in an entry.  Photo: courtesy of Benjamin Moore.

If you are tired of looking at all-white and grey rooms that need lots of color to make them work, you will love this color. It stands on its own. And it’s also a great color to use in an existing white or grey room.

Beautiful with white trim, ceilings, draperies, Shadow stands on its own without a lot of fuss as Color of the Year.  Photo: courtesy of Benjamin Moore.

“Allusive and enigmatic, Shadow is a master of ambiance. It is a color that calls to mind a ‘past’, yet it can also make a contemporary, color-confident statement,” said Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore Creative Director. “Shadow is sophisticated, provocative and poetic, it can bring energy to a space or harmony and a moment of respite.”

Benjamin Moore has announced its Color of the Year 2017 – Shadow 2117-30, a rich, royal amethyst, a shadowy, brooding, deep color that speaks for itself. Photo: courtesy of Benjamin Moore.

It’s a lot of pressure to put on a color but honestly, don’t we all need some energy, harmony and respite after surviving this campaign season? 

The Benjamin Moore Color Studio forecasts color trends annually after a year of research attending major industry shows around the world, while also taking cues from standouts in architecture, fashion, textiles, home furnishings and the arts. In addition, the color trends palette for 2016 includes 23 colors that work beautifully with Shadow.

For use with Shadow, the Color Trends 2017 palette features 23 rich and sophisticated hues ranging from muted pales to saturated deeps. Photo: courtesy of Benjamin Moore.

You may remember last year’s Color of the Year was Simply White. Well, Shadow is the total opposite. It’s a bold step. The color is dramatic, rich and says, “Here I am. Just look at me.”

It’s a color that stands on its own without a lot of fuss.

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I spend a lot of time doing color consultations for my clients.  I always advise against following a color trend just for the sake of the trend. But they can be fun and bring a little energy to a room that needs some refreshing.

How would I suggest using this color?

In a library, office, powder room or accent wall. And I am thinking about a closet makeover using this color and a sparkly chandelier. Luscious.

Also: wall coverings and fabric for pillows or window treatments.

I can also see painting an eclectic piece of furniture in Shadow. Picture it see it on a Simply White wall. Yummy.

Shadow was selected by the Benjamin Moore Color Studio after a year of research attending major industry shows around the world, while also taking cues from standouts in architecture, fashion, textiles, home furnishings and the arts. Photo: courtesy of Benjamin Moore.

So, if you are feeling like adding a little pizazz to your space, give it a try. If it speaks to you, buy a pint and test it out. You just may love it!

 

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and certified gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her column appears the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 949-1808 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog