Color of the Year 2014

Color of the Year 2014

It’s always exciting when new colors come front-and-center in the New Year. The Colors for 2014 did not disappoint, with offerings for just about every style and designer – from hot Radiant Orchid to soft Breath of Fresh Air. Here are my takes on ways to relate and incorporate 5 of the ‘It Colors’ for 2014.

Color of the Year 2014 Pantone Radiant Orchid

Pantone announced Radiant Orchid 18-3224 as its top color pick for 2014. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society,” stated Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

Radiant Orchid is an eye-catching hue that works well for accent pieces and accessories. Radiant Orchid can liven up gray, beige, and taupe without overpowering. My favorite use of this color is to mix it with yellow-green, turquoise, teal, and even yellow-orange to keep the hue vibrant and youthful.

Color of the Year 2014 Sherwin-Williams Exclusive Plum


Another top pick from the purple family is Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2014. Exclusive Plum (SW 6263) is a sophisticated violet that balances cool blue and feisty red, with a splash of gray. “This dusky, filtered violet is refined without being stuffy, elegant yet easy, and layered with romantic potential,” says Jackie Jordan, Sherwin-Williams director of color marketing.

I like the versatility of this color. It can become masculine paired with copper, tan, and well-worn leather, sophisticated when layered with gold, gray and white, or even contemporary against white subway tile or with chrome fixtures. Like with Radiant Orchid, my favorite Exclusive Plum schemes include pops of magenta, chartreuse, or teal.

Color of the Year 2014 PPG Pittsburgh Paints Turning Oakleaf


The PPG Pittsburgh Paints® brand named Turning Oakleaf a soft but energetic buttercream yellow as its 2014 Color of the Year. “Homeowners have moved away from the muted hues influenced by economic factors in recent years. Turning Oakleaf, which is soft enough to be neutral but bright enough to generate sunshine-like energy. It represents a trend toward warmth in harmonious living, deep appreciation for the surrounding natural elements, and a thorough understanding of enlightened philosophies,” said Dee Schlotter, Brand Manager, The Voice of Color program.

As a complement to purple, Turning Oakleaf will infuse a room with positive energy. It is equally lovely, paired with calming and natural greens, warm grays, or sandy brown. Rejuvenate bright blue, red-orange, or even black and white with the fresh look of Turning Oakleaf.

Color of the Year 2014 Dulux Private Lagoon

The top trend color 2014 selected by Dulux, Private Lagoon, combines the natural balance of green with the tranquility of blue. The toned-down teal has a gentle character, which is deeper and more sophisticated than turquoise. There is a subdued richness to teal that works best when combined with neutral shades and wood tones.

Partner with contrasting hues such as coral, ochre yellow, or warm pinkish tones.

Create a tone-on-tone scheme by layering teal with indigo, denim, mint, duck egg, or emerald. For a neutral combination, choose any muted shade that looks like it could have come straight out of nature.

Vibrant, warm, sophisticated, energetic, and fun are all represented in on-trend color choices for 2014. This palette can appeal to any style and can be adapted quickly as the seasons or your tastes change. I am delighted with these five selections and excited to incorporate them in the year to come.

Color of the Year 2014 Benjamin Moore Breath of Fresh Air

Benjamin Moore's 'It Color' for 2014 is Breath of Fresh Air. Touted as a gentle yet, whispery blue that is a "new" neutral. Gentle and soft, this color encourages comfort and simplicity.

Couple this blue with warm brown tones for contrast or highlight it against silvers or white for a more dramatic feel. Instantly brightening a space, this hue has the power to "turn the lights on" in a darker or smaller space.

However, you style it, 2014 will be chock full of fun color and softer choices. These five trend colors will offer homes and closets a fresh and modern edge. Creating new neutral options and pops of color, I am very excited to start planning fresh looks for the new year.

Read Time: 3 min
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Kate Smith
Kate Smith is an optimistic, expressive, artist, designer, writer and color fanatic. With her warm and witty style, Kate teaches you to clearly see, understand and be inspired by color. Then she guides you step-by-step to develop your own unique color sense-ability and achieve results you never dreamed possible.
  • Rose says:

    What light turquoise color would you recommend to go with “Turning Oakleaf” by Pittsburgh? It is a small bedroom. Thanks!

    • Kate Smith says:

      Hi Rose, I am traveling so I don’t have access to my paint decks. Look for a color like Watery Blue
      PPG1035-1. Just make sure the blue looks clean/clear like the Turning Oakleaf.

  • Sophie says:

    Oh I love this colour it’s really versatile and goes with both cool and warm shades! Great for the home and to wear!

    • Kate Smith says:

      Yes, it is vibrant and works with so many other colors making it a great accent.

  • I am thrilled. The purples are my favorite!

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