Experts reveal the hottest paint colours for 2018

Behr Paint Expert

For the first time ever, Behr has declared a colour of the year and for 2018. It’s In The Moment T18-15, a cool yet tranquil blue. According to Erika Woelfel, vice president of colour and creative services at Behr, “In The Moment speaks to our society’s desire to disconnect and be present. Spruce blue, soft grey and lush green coalesce into a fresh shade that evokes a sense of sanctuary and relaxation amid our always-on lives.”

It's a calming colour, so consider using it in a high-traffic spot to create a serene feel.

Benjamin Moore Expert

At the other end of the spectrum, Benjamin Moore’s 2018 colour of the year, Caliente AF-290, is anything but calm. It’s a vibrant red, full of life and drama. “Strong, radiant and full of energy, Caliente AF-290 is total confidence. It is pleasing, passionate and makes people feel special, like ‘red carpet treatment’,” says Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore Director of Strategic Design Intelligence.

Make a statement on your home's exterior with a bold, "look-at-me" door colour.

PARA Paints Expert

Color Journeys by PARA Paints announced its colour palette for 2018 and the hottest colours within it are Glamour (405 A) and Malachite (405 E). Glamour is a delicate grey neutral that’s perfect for the minimalist while Malachite is a deeper slate colour with a strong grounding in nature. The entire palette was conceived with an eye to the sensibility and sustainability of Scandinavian design.

If you’ve got a den or reading nook in need of an update, this colour will add a meditative mood.

SICO Expert

Do you dare to go darker? That’s what the colour experts at SICO are asking and encouraging you to do! The 2018 colour of the year from SICO is Cast Iron (6173-83), an unexpected and intense neutral that’s a deep black hue. A big departure from the light and airy neutrals we’re accustomed to seeing, this colour, when used thoughtfully, can add a sense of sophistication and grandeur to almost any space.

Spice things up in the bedroom with this dramatic shade that’s seductive and sexy.

CIL Expert

CIL has named Deep Onyx 00NN 07/000 the colour of the year for 2018, continuing the trend of deep and dramatic hues. “The colour acts like a beautiful backdrop in your room and really offers a tranquil elegance to any space,” said Misty Yeomans, PPG colour marketing manager for CIL brand paints.

Consider a look that's seriously trending right now, and paint your powder room in this dramatic hue.

Sherwin-Williams Expert

A rich jewel tone inspired by wanderlust and adventure, Sherwin-Williams’ 2018 colour of the year is Oceanside SW 6496. “People today have a growing sense of adventure, and it is making its way into even the coziest corners of our homes,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “We are craving things that remind us of bright folklore, like mermaids and expeditions across continents. We believe Oceanside represents the dominant sentiment in design in 2018, and it is a color that speaks to how people are feeling in this moment.” 

Paired with everything from whites to to gold ro millennial pink, Oceanside makes a dramatic statement in a living room.

Beauti-tone expert

When you need to take a break from life’s hectic pace, you’ll appreciate the tranquility of Beauti-tone’s 2018 colour of the year. Green Peace SC158-4 is a soft botanical green that makes it easy to bring the beauty and serenity of nature right into your home. “I call it my neutral with attitude,” says Bev Bell, Creative Director at Beauti-Tone Paint. “It’s the perfect hue for harmonious living, a shade to nurture your spirit elevate your soul and add joy to your life,” she says.

Gracing the walls of your bedroom, this colour will bring a feeling of calm and quiet, perfect for a restful night’s sleep

Premier Expert

One of the hottest colours for 2018 from Premier by Canadian Tire is Pink Sandstone PR16J04. This soft pink tint is pretty and feminine. “It’s a perfect contrast to darkened navy, and pairs beautifully with rich Bordeaux tones,” says Tracy Platt, AVP Product Development, Canadian Tire Corporation. “Its warm, coppery undertone lends a softness to minimal concrete grey or sandy taupe.”

Consider using it in for an accent wall in an unexpected place like in the living or dining room.

VALSPAR Expert

This year, Valspar has released a palette of 12 colours that will dominate home décor in 2018 but our favourite is Glass Slippers 1003-8A (found at Lowes). This calming shade of dusty lilac is soft and peaceful, making it the perfect shade for a space you want to retreat to at the end of the day.

Paint the walls of your bedroom or paint the cabinets in your washroom in this lovely lilac to create a quiet and tranquil space.