October 25, 2024
Sherwin-Williams’ ‘Color Capsule of the Year’ Seeks To Create Design Inspiration
The paint brand selected nine colors to make a design lookbook. Print and promo pros can use the palette to help craft colorful solutions for clients.
Annually, Pantone selects its Color of the Year – a particular shade the experts believe represents the forthcoming cultural zeitgeist through color.
In the past, Pantone has selected two colors that create a varied depiction of the state of things, but nine colors? No.
However, that’s exactly what paint purveyor Sherwin-Williams just did for its Colors of the Year, which it has dubbed the “2025 Color Capsule of the Year.”
Introducing our 2025 Color Capsule of the Year! After 15 years of selecting a single Color of the Year, this collection of hues balances classic with cutting-edge.
— Sherwin-Williams (@SherwinWilliams) October 17, 2024
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Get inspired, order free color chips, and more: https://t.co/bGA9eqJ2V3
.#SWCapsuleOfTheYear #SWColorOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/4TgA3yEqR1
The idea of a “capsule” is all the rage right now, especially in the apparel space, where streetwear brands and designers release small batches of products in well-timed “drops” to spread demand out over time and create scarcity. Many of these capsules even pull in other brands for co-merchandising efforts.
Sure, Sherwin-Williams is creating a color template for interior designers and painters. But it’s also showing how color schemes can work together for applications in the world of print products, apparel, hard-good promotional products, trade show displays and more.
🎨✨Just in! Sherwin Williams' 2025 Color Capsule is here with 9 standout shades, from vibrant yellow-green 🌿to captivating brown🍫& the brightest whites✨These hues reflect the present & future—would you use them in your home? Let us know! #SherwinWilliams2025 #ColorTrends pic.twitter.com/zfLxS4vGNf
— First Texas Homes (@RealFirstTexas) October 23, 2024
The capsule includes the following colors:
Grounded: An earthy brown
Sunbleached: A light neutral gray
Chartreuse: A loud pop of color amid neutrals
Rain Cloud: A deep bluish-gray reminiscent of a storm rolling in
Clove: A dark brown to pull down the light tones
Malabar: A sandy shade with pink undertones
Bosc Pear: A warm orangey brown (or browny orange)
White Snow: Just a few notches below pure white, with a hint of pink
Mauve Finery: A chic light purple
When looked at as a cohesive unit, the capsule is something that product designers, printers and distributors putting together new items or a collection of goods can use for inspiration.
Washington, Missouri-headquartered The Chest (asi/44830) uses these annual color reports as a guiding force in their promotional products, which include branded kits and print solutions.
“Color can make or break a design,” says Sheila James, marketing manager at The Chest. “It is usually the first thing noticed. A lot of time can be spent using the best color to go with [an item], and when the ‘colors of the year’ come out, that can be a big help in making those decisions.”
The use of neutrals in the Sherwin-Williams capsule was notable, as they can work for a wide range of applications or design styles.
“Together – as a complete palette or in expertly picked pairings – the capsule’s alchemy creates something to be treasured in any style or setting,” Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, said in a press release.