Plum color

Photo: Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

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Or Try the More Toned-Down Color of the Year
Pantone isn't the only brand to crown a color of the year. Sherwin-Williams's Exclusive Plum was selected with décor in mind, and the steely purple feels like the next evolution of the gray trend that's been gaining momentum over the past two years.

Rich, brown leather and copper accents—like a lamp, picture frame or serving tray—warm up the muted purple, keeping the room from feeling dark and lair-like, says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.

(Note: Benjamin Moore chose a pale blue for its color of the year, called Breath of Fresh Air. You can find decorating ideas using it here.)