Colors Your Neighbors Love

There is no question that greys, browns, beiges and soft-toned nature colors are currently the top trending colors for interiors.  These colors are relaxed, calming and easy to use with most furniture and accessories.  These colors also cross-over well if you are updating a room using classic furnishings and want a more modern vibe. 

We thought it would be helpful to ask our color experts, those that color consult with you everyday at Diamond Vogel Service Centers to offer their top picks of the colors selling in their markets, giving you a list of tested colors that your neighbors love.

Here is what is trending in these markets:

Candace C. fromAmes, IA
“Lots of greys are big right now.  We are selling 0196 Overgrown and 0197 ThistleGray.  Grey is important in clothes and bedding currently.  Accessories have lots of bright colors and grey goes with it all and really looks great.”

Katie A. fromMaplewood, MN
“Stone colors like 0421 Silverado Ranch, 0448 Ice Flow, 0198 Young Colt, 0205Wood Shadow and darker greenish/blues like 0465 Earthen Cheer, 0471 Miracle Bay, 0472 Micropolis (my favorite) 0485 North Beach Blue and 0486 Paradise City (my second favorite!) They’re handsome, versatile and not beige!”

Rebecca V. fromFargo, ND
“Grey tones are very popular here.  We are seeing a lot of interiors of whole houses painted in this way.  We are using 0539 Place of Dust and 0540 Praise Giving.”

Joann R. from Scottsbluff, NE
“I love the oranges like 1008 Mango Tango and pink that a few brave souls are using.  Mango Tango is surprisingly versatile, I painted this in my home; it goes with purple, green, brown or charcoal accessories.”

George E. fromGreen Bay, WI
“It seems beiges and taupes remain more popular.  These colors seem to blend with most interior furnishings.  We are selling 0537 Dove’s Wing, 0418 Onion Skin, 0538 Santo, 0341 Loch Ness.  These colors seem to have worked where the user is a bit shy of stronger colors.”

Faith C. fromSioux Falls, SD
“Sea colors, softer grays and gray-browns.  A lot of our decorating market is currently showcasing natural elements such as grass-twines, leather, dyed palms and jeweled tiles.  Influxes of new residents from the East Coast are causing more contemporary, darker stains and cooler palettes.” 

Sherry L. fromOmaha, NE
“I think we have moved away from beige and tan.   The greys have again been noticed as a neutral with all the choices that opens up.  Warm greys 0539 Place of Dust and 0541 Smoky Tone and the cooler  0524 Nomadic Travels and 0525 Marseilles. These are great backgrounds.”

Joe P. fromLongmont, CO
“We enjoy the lighter browns and heavier off whites.  They work with everything.  These colors cover great and work in any application and are a calming, soothing type of color we can all appreciate at the end of the day.”

Diamond Vogel® Paint Fall 2014 Color Palette
Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

0552 North Island (Sioux Falls, SD) This magic color works with everything. It is shadowy, flexible and offer a modern edge. So versatile, it pairs well with most colors.	0227 Moonscape (Des Moines, IA) This aged organic takes its cue from mid-century modern design.  Great accent that pairs well with many of the greys and browns currently trending.	0537 Dove’s Wing (Green Bay, WI) This feather soft, lightly toned white captures a cloud- like feel, a fresh canvas for your walls. Pairs well with any color
0541 Smoky Tone (Omaha, NE) With a nod to industrial influences, this cool grey is a great foundation for modern design, pairs well with black and white and soft toned colors.	0570 Grey Locks (Santa Fe, NM) Hovering between grey and brown, this sophisticated chameleon is the perfect deep neutral to pair with most colors.	0186 Christmas Ornament (Burlington, IA) Authentic and earthy, this rich brown is the ultimate luxury neutral.  Very popular for accent walls and pairs well with trending colors like blue, orange and popular greens.
0448 Ice Flow (Maplewood, MN) Peaceful and serene… this softly toned blue creates a quiet haven, an escape from the world.  Pairs well with cream, chocolate and yellow.	0198 Young Colt (Wichita, KS) A transformative taupe that bridges the gap between brown and grey. An easy neutral that pairs well with natural wood tones as well as blue, green, soft yellow and orange.	0273 Sandstone Palette (Albuquerque, NM) The perfect color to combine and coordinate, this pale sandstone is adaptable as it shifts personality depending on how it is paired.
0500 Bowman Blue (Mankato, MN) An oceanic blue that is as calming as it is stimulating.  This complex hue pairs well with deep reds, rusts, greens and oranges.	0212 Big Spender (Loveland, CO) An inspired grey-beige with depth and personality.  Sophisticated and chic, a neutral well suited to pair with any color.	0052 Spiced Carrot (Burlington, IA) This friendly terra cotta offers a warm welcome and pairs well as an accent to both warm neutrals and cool greys.
0295 Spanish Cream (Fremont, NE) The earthy side of yellow, this soft cream creates energy in a space when paired with greys, browns and neutrals.	0465 Earthen Cheer (Maplewood, MN) Approachable and easy-going, Earthen Cheer is a great stand-alone accent, but also adds interest to a space when paired with beige, grey or other trending neutrals.	0240 Spiced Rum (Sioux Falls, SD) A naturally soft-toned gold that appeals and pairs with many wood tones and popular browns.
0214 Wildwood (Loveland, CO) Earthy and real, Wildwood emerges from the ground as an accent for both warm and cool colors.  Great with brighter colors such as peach, orange and blue.	0540 Praise Giving (Fargo, ND) The foundation of a great color palette, this soft grey has a modern edge and balances any color it’s paired with.	1008 Mango Tango (Scottsbluff, NE) This soft orange’s strength is in its upbeat energy and ability to deliver a versatile punch of color.  Pairs well with brown and grey along with blue and green.
0184 Macadamia Brown (Columbus, NE) This hard-working hue will deliver a warm, inviting feel.  With the popularity of browns in all shades, this is a proven winner!   Pairs well with wood-tones as well as soft nature colors.	0687 Stillwater (Ames, IA) A light and clean teal blue that adds energy with its upbeat nature.  Pairs well with whites, browns and greys.

Not sure what color to select?  Diamond Vogel® offers two great ways to preview color.  Color Sampler is a quart sized sample that helps you test color before you buy.  There is no better way to try a color than to paint out a sample in the space, so it can be viewed with your own furniture, lighting and accessories.  You can also try testing out color in our Envision software found at diamondvogel.com/envision, use the pre-loaded projects or upload a photo of your own space and visualize any of our colors before you paint.  Stop by your nearest Diamond Vogel® Paint Center to find the perfect color for your project.

Trending Now is a delightful shade of slate-blue.  The color is versatile, unique and soothing.

0669 - Frozen Stream

Blue shades are considered to be symbolic of calm and peace, giving off vibes of positive energy, abundance and prosperity. Bamboo is a popular material to incorporate with this shade, It’s sustainable and ecofriendly. Most people do not see bamboo in its natural state; soft combinations of blues and greens cover its stalks.

The home décor sector will continue to see a trend of Mother Earth-inspired tones that offer a sense of peace and serenity. Blues and greens are good companion tones to rusty reds and mid-tone oranges, as well as with coppers and gold shades.

Pintrest

Homeowners looking to incorporate this hue can be assured that it has staying power—it’s included in the 2015 Color Marketing Group forecast of trending colors.

If you’re thinking of adding a new color to your home, you may want to consider this great accent color. 

Trending Now is a great looking yellow with a fabulous name: I’m a Local. This yellow has life and warmth; it’s bold but not glaring. It’s really a range of yellows: mustard, goldenrod, or Dijon that brightens and relaxes a room without feeling chaotic. This pleasant color goes well with the cool and warm grays that are still so popular. It can be a neat wall color, but it seems to be trending more as an accent color, trim on a drapery, a splash of color in a piece of artwork and on statement pieces like sofas or side chairs.

0863 - I'm a Local

I’m a Local is a great complimentary door color for a home with a charcoal exterior and creamy white trim.

Thibaut Geometics	Color Essentials 0863 I'm a Local	Tobi Fairley Interior Design via Houzz
www.housetohome.co.uk	www.homeadore.com	www.homeadore.com
www.sunset.com		Suburban Oasis by Kristina Wolf Design

Technology and innovation continue to drive new and better ways to complete life’s everyday tasks.  Shopping, home automation and communication are now all at our fingertips.  With the changing speed of life, we long for simplicity and balance in what is otherwise a complicated world.  To help create this, design trends have focused on natural and handmade elements that are authentic in their design.  A new romanticism is also emerging out of this desire for vintage looks and comfortable, private spaces.  Our winter trend palette highlights the soft, smoky colors emerging from these looks and the deep accents that pair well with them.

Design Trends
Coinciding with the still popular look of industrial spaces, metallized finishes of platinum, bronze, oxidized copper and rusted steel are popular finishes. Smoky pastels denote a romantic influence.  Natural woods, woven textures, knits and lace designs align with our search for cozy and comfortable spaces. Patchwork and stitched designs are driven by the trend for handmade and authentic elements.  Hexagon, chevron and ikat designs are growing in use and add modern styling.

0393 Inviting Gesture - Organic and muted, a merge of green and yellow for a subtle, yet modern edge.  Pairs well with grays, blues, charcoal and copper tones. 0018 Dove White - Like a soft feather, Dove White offers a gentle but versatile backdrop and pairs with most colors.     0372 Historic Shade - How can history be wrong? A classic khaki that pairs well with popular grays, browns and muted golds. 0554 Sparrow - Take flight with this complex gray that is sophisticated, chic and ready to mix and match with any color.

0523 Felicity - Felicity blends and connects the colors it is paired with.  A softly toned white, use as an accent with cool colors. 0582 Paved Path - Inspired by stone, a shadowy green with the magic to stand on its own or complement neutrals like browns, creams and grays. 0567 Hearthstone - Warm and cozy, this soft beige is welcoming and pairs well with most colors; a perfect back drop to any interior. 0390 Olive Tint - Uplifting and cheery, a creamy yellow with a touch of green.  Coordinates with browns, warm gray, sage green and blue.

0517 Cool Elegance - Simple elegance is the key to this cool and slightly-toned gray.  Its sheer presence plays well with most colors.  Perfect match with blues, greens, pinks and purple. 0489 Whirlwind - This mint bows to its mid-century roots, but offers a fresh, modern vibe that pairs well with popular neutrals like grays, browns and chocolate. 0131 Cliffswallow - A soft, romantic pink that whispers feminine mystique.  Its powdery influence pairs perfectly with deep charcoal, soft blues and grays. 0575 Greystoke - Influenced by industrial furniture and art, this complex green can be used to accent lighter colors like mint, yellow or soft greens or star as a bold accent.

1320 Blackwater - Is it blue or is it black?  A mysterious ultra-deep accent that adds interest to lighter colors like citron, brown, beige and orange.  0583 Billowing Smoke - A moody chameleon, this earthy green pairs well with warm-toned golds, terra-cotta and cinnamon.  0883 Follow the Leader - This welcoming gold adds an upbeat feel when paired with neutrals like grays, browns, greens and blues. 0556 Smokescreen - This deep gray-brown is a great base for showcasing stronger colors or smoky pastels.  Perfect to pair with greens, oranges, blues and corals.

Not sure what color to select? Diamond Vogel® offers two great ways to preview color.  Color Sampler is a quart sized sample that helps you test color before you buy.  There is no better way to try a color than to paint out a sample in the space, so it can be viewed with your own furniture, lighting and accessories.  You can also try testing out color in our Envision software found at diamondvogel.com/envision, upload a photo of your project and visualize any of our colors before you paint, it is just that easy!  Stop by your nearest Diamond Vogel® Paint Center to find the perfect color for your project.

From bold color to dusty, natural hues, we take an advance look at the gorgeous palettes predicted for 2016. Here’s your chance to get in on the frontend of these up-and-coming colors sure to evoke emotion and create stunning spaces.

Farm to Table Inspiration


style me pretty

2016 will bring together natural elements, stunning metals, and clean tones.

Think weathered wood meets smooth cement, spirited bohemian meets organized architect. Imagine gathering fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden to scatter on a reclaimed wood table. Getting dirt under your fingernails and rinsing your hands in the farmhouse sink. Sipping sweet sangria out of steel goblets.

We’ll see colors go back to the basics with hues derived from natural elements, which will complement and contrast more industrial looks.

Get the look:
Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

0396 Wing Man	0635 Aquafir	1136 Romp
0795 Martina Olive	0753 Baby Vegetable	1067 Sweet Baby Rose

Color Without Season


We see a blur and mixing of holidays, traditions and cultures that is changing our understanding of ‘seasonal’ color rules.  Color associated with seasons and holidays are widely being accepted for everyday use.  Colors inspired by autumnal hues like crunchy leaves, fall flowers, and earthy gourds as well as gold will shine brightly in 2016.

Get the look:

0129 Arrowhead	0368 Folk Tales	0935 Yellow Shout
1053 Sun's Rage	0551 Orchid Shadow	1215 Purple Shadow

style me pretty

Expect to see soft “winter” colors -- dusty roses, deep purples, and frosty grays continue to be an important statement for simple, modern styling. These feminine, romantic tones draw inspiration from soft textures like powdery snow and cashmere sweaters.  Dusty blue-mauve, winter berry, and blue-reds will also be trending, which will go well with the Scandinavian influences we’ll see in design like untreated woods and mid-century lines.

Get the look:

0551 Orchid Shadow	0049 Auburn Wave	1215 Purple Shadow
1062 Albino	0497 Restful Retreat	0140 Cozy Cover

Comfort & Happiness

layla grayce and flickr

Get cozy! Warm grays will continue to play an important role in residential and commercial spaces paired with uplifting hues. Look for inspiration from fresh, healthful foods, such as roasted red-brown almonds, creamy green avocados and earthy-tan crackers. This warm gray pairs well with happy yellow as well as mossy green and deep gold.

Get the look:

0285 Eugenia	0795 Martina Olive	0561 Indian Hills
0864 Lioness	0522 Octavius	0336 Soft Leather

An Ocean of Color

all the best blog

Dip your toes in an ocean of teals, aquas and emerald, from bright to moody, blue-greens will continue to trend at the top into 2016. 

This cool palette reflects the power of the ocean and soft, cleansing feel of water itself.  We’ll see a beautiful muted plum that pairs well with this group – a deep accent in a relaxing palette.

Get the look:

0688 Cold North	1222 Grape Soda	0334 Sedona
0497 Restful Retreat	0620 Star Studded	0144 Film Noir

*Due to variances in computer monitors, colors displayed may vary from actual paint colors. For best results, visit your Diamond Vogel Service Center and refer to our color chips or samples.

Pantone has chosen Marsala, a naturally robust and earthy wine red, as the Color of the Year for 2015.

To get the look, choose Diamond Vogel’s 0059 Quintessential.

Through the Pantone Color Institute, Pantone charts future color direction and studies how color influences thought, emotions, and physical reactions.

Donna Vining

What makes this tone the color of the year? Pantone puts it this way: “Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”

Marsala is a warm, full-bodied color that works as a unifying element for interior spaces.

This elegant choice is “a natural fit for the kitchen and dining room,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Diamond Vogel’s Quintessential is a gorgeous hue for your home, whether it’s on its own or as an accent to other colors.

Inspired by Pantone’s color projections, we’ve created some no-fail color palettes featuring Quintessential and complementary colors.

Whether in a flat or gloss paint finish, Quintessential works well with neutrals, including warmer taupes and grays. Pantone says the color is “highly compatible with amber, umber and golden yellows, greens in both turquoise and teal, and blues in the more vibrant range” because of Marsala’s burnished undertones.

Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

Inspiration #1	Inspiration #2
Inspiration #3	Inspiration #4

Pantone picked “Radiant Orchid” as its color for 2014, and it proved to be an incredibly popular hue. Check out what we had to say about it here. 

*Due to variances in computer monitors, colors displayed may vary from actual paint colors. For best results, visit your Diamond Vogel Service Center and refer to our color chips or samples.

Express Yourself – The Choice is Yours

You have an interior space that you have been planning to paint.  You study design blogs, websites and magazines and the ideas are plentiful, but you still have not pinned down the right color.  I challenge you to toss out the objections that might be holding you back and approach your project as one of self- expression.  Beyond the constant elements in a space like flooring and furniture that must be considered, painting can be done for a relatively small investment and can drastically change a room.  Use color visualization tools like Diamond Vogel’s  Envision  or paint out a sample of the color using Diamond Vogel’s Color Sampler to help you visualize your color pick.  Approach your color decision like selecting a piece of wardrobe, select color expressing your own style and personality.  The design rules have changed, life is neutral enough, why not express yourself and add some color to your world!

Design Trends
Metals have grown in importance, especially the warm tones of copper and gold.  Metals will appear as accents on wood or brushed over paint finishes.   Another design trend is the preservation of heritage.  Classic design styles can hint of a modern update, but are shaped by the past.  Surfaces are tactile and textural with shapes and textures that are suspended or have an underlying aesthetic.  Patinas formed by the harsh reality of nature are gritty, and show resolve and toughness through dark, grainy woods, wrought iron and unfinished raw finishes.  Romantic styles continue to emerge.  These romantic designs are fanciful as luxury finishes return with the improved economy and we indulge in the finer side of design.

Diamond Vogel® Paint Spring 2015 Color Palette
Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

	0557 Evermore - Strong and straightforward, this ultra-deep accent balances brights and offers an organic twist..... pairs well with sage, aqua and popular oranges and yellows.
	0806 Sweet Angelica - A warm optimistic yellow that offers a ‘never setting sun’ to brighten a room with energy.  Pairs well with aqua, orange and popular grays.
	0400 New Foliage - Familiar and versatile, New Foliage is a classic that pairs nicely with accents like orange, browns and soft yellow or a color that can stand alone and offers quiet sophistication.
	1066 Sari - A spice orange filled with motion and life.  Sari transforms a space and accents perfectly with gray, brown and black as well as other saturated colors.

0503 Water Droplet - Light and cleansing, a cool blue-gray that offers refreshing renewal.  It pairs well with most colors both light and dark.
0667 Blessed Blue - Nostalgia meets clean and simple.  A classic aqua with a modern edge.  Pairs well with brown, orange, purple and most neutrals.
0399 Sawgrass Cottage - Deeply rooted in nature, an organic green that is calming and balanced.  Pairs well with gray, beige, orange-reds and purple.
0581 Fossilized - Modern - yet raw and natural, this cool gray takes us on a journey of discovery as it pairs perfectly with most colors.

	0510 Sacred Spring - As nature emerges from winter’s sleep; this misty gray transitions and offers a subtle background balancing light and dark colors.
	0385 Howdy Neighbor - A friendly, easy yellow that pairs well with many of the toned colors found in furniture and accessories. Great for open floor plans where you need to transition and combine many colors.
	0202 Powder Cake - A warm toned neutral with a versatile personality. Pairs well with most colors or lets bolder colors take center stage.
	0125 Pout - A flirty, romantic pink that pairs with popular sheer colors as well as deep neutrals like chocolate brown and charcoal grays.

0093 Herald of Spring - This earthy red offers the promise of renewal.  Toned softly to complement other muted colors like gold, deep blue or moss-green, Herald of Spring offers timeless appeal and partners perfectly with gray, black and charcoal.
0203 Whale Bone - Gentle like beach sands and tough as concrete, Whale Bone complements stronger colors and helps connect open concept rooms where many colors must be balanced.
0276 Gold Taffeta - This warm and welcoming gold offers a nod to the emerging popularity of this metallic that is replacing the cool silvers and grays that have been so popular.
1285 Jazlyn - This ultra-deep accent morphs between blue and purple and pairs well as a neutral.  Its sentimental tone and boost of passion create harmony all around.

Not sure what color to select?  Diamond Vogel® offers two great ways to preview color.  Color Sampler is a quart sized sample that helps you test color before you buy.  There is no better way to try a color than to paint out a sample in the space, so it can be viewed with your own furniture, lighting and accessories.  You can also try testing out color in our Envision software found at diamondvogel.com/envision, upload a photo of your project and visualize any of our colors before you paint, it is just that easy!  Stop by your nearest Diamond Vogel® Paint Center to find the perfect color for your project.

The Journey of Discovery

Summer is the perfect time to slip off your shoes, slow down and reconnect.  Time with family and friends allows sharing of experiences, humor and memories of the past.  This time can offer perspective and make you see and think in different ways.  Use this time to gather and create new experiences and ideas which lend themselves to experiencing new color.  Color creates harmony in the home and lets you express yourself as an individual.  Sensory experiences are created through nature-inspired color from plants, flora and natural lighting.  Soft bright colors convey happiness and gratitude.  Chalky color connects us to emotions of the past.  During these warm weather months, take time to discover inspiring color for your home, you may find it in the most unexpected places.

Design Trends
Much is reported today on a product’s provenance, history or source. This type of thoughtful design comes from our desire for authentic, natural connections and influences how and why we buy.  We look to the past for ideas and motifs that are familiar and offer comfort. Checks and plaids as well as paisley and chevron designs take us back in time, but are also fresh and modern to a new generation.  Nature continues to shape product styling with worn, aged or oxidized finishes.  We value beauty of finishes and colors that are organic, but also dynamic. True to life colors, without any added special effects embrace these natural connections.  The rise of individualism and custom design give us relief from the ordinary.  Watch as 'design on demand' continues to move forward with advances in digital and 3D printers.

Diamond Vogel® Paint Summer 2015 Color Palette;
Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

stoheim/fabricut chevron kimono rj dailey construction via houzz artistic designs for living via houzz	0218 Drifting Sand - This warm gray-beige offers an earthy alternative to cooler neutrals and helps support accent colors like orange-red, blue and yellow.
	1053 Sun’s Rage - Summer’s perfect color, vintage worn and easily going.  Sun’s Rage pays tribute to the best of summer; heirloom tomatoes, rhubarb and ripe peaches.
	0273 Sandstone Palette - The perfect color to combine and coordinate, this pale sandstone is adaptable as it shifts personality depending on how it is paired.
	0868 Shortcake - Soft and creamy, Shortcake offers an upbeat vibe, perfect to pair with neutrals like chocolate brown and grey or colorful accents like blues, greens and purples.

0282 Vintage Gold - This heirloom color gives us a glimpse into days gone by; a classic that pairs with many of today’s trending colors like aqua, deep purple, red-orange and greens.	high fashion home via houzz anna french – french suzani hive wall flats/inhabit by 2modern
0687 Stillwater - A light and clean aqua that adds energy with its upbeat nature.  Pairs well with whites, browns and greys.
0186 Christmas Ornament - Authentic and earthy, this rich brown is the ultimate luxury neutral.  Very popular for accent walls and pairs well with trending colors like blue, orange and popular greens.
0295 Spanish Cream - The earthy side of yellow, this soft gold creates energy in a space when paired with greys, browns and neutrals.

stylex seating nestle york wallcovering medallion w/scroll jeff andrews design via houzz	0489 Whirlwind - This mint bows to its mid-century roots, but offers a fresh, modern vibe that pairs well with popular neutrals like grays, browns and chocolate.
	0372 Historic Shade - How can history be wrong? A classic khaki that pairs with popular grays, browns, deep blue and muted golds.
	1320 Blackwater - Is it blue or is it black?  A mysterious ultra-deep accent that adds interest to lighter colors like citron, brown, beige and orange.
	0194 August Moon - Summer’s soft, hazy light influences this toned white.  August Moon pairs well with saturated accents like red, purple and blue or alone adds a soft touch of any room.

0336 Soft Leather - Beauty is found in this soft, muted hue reminiscent of worn leather.  This mid-tone neutral offers comfort and complements well with many colors including greens, blues, reds and oranges.	vietri regalia robert mace via houzz interiors by agostino’s via houzz
0399 Sawgrass Cottage - Deeply rooted in nature, an organic green that is calming and balanced.  Pairs well with gray, beige, orange-reds and purple.
0386 Hippolita - A modern gold that offers a warm welcome.  This earthy hue creates happiness all around.
0866 Apple Sauce - Fresh picked and naturally good, Apple Sauce hints of yellow and delivers a soft tone that is calming and balanced.

Not sure what color to select?  Diamond Vogel® offers two great ways to preview color. Color Sampler is a quart sized sample that helps you test color before you buy.  There is no better way to try a color than to paint out a sample in the space, so it can be viewed with your own furniture, lighting and accessories. You can also try testing out color in our Envision software found at diamondvogel.com/envision, upload a photo of your project and visualize any of our colors before you paint, it is just that easy!  Stop by your nearest Diamond Vogel® Paint Center to find the perfect color for your project.

The Best Warm Grays For Your Walls

Photo From: Decoist

Known as “greige” – this perfect paint color is a beautiful blend of gray and beige – a no-fail neutral that plays well with cool and warm tones. 

Why We Love It
Mixing the ultra-popular gray of today with go-to beiges from year’s past, greige is the ultimate chameleon color. The warmth of this modern color pops against wood tones as well as cooler blue tones. For those looking for a neutral that works well throughout the home, greige is a great pick, because it complements its surrounding colors. Navy accents in your living room? Go with greige. Oak cabinets in the kitchen? Greige looks great there, too.

Finding The Right Color
Selecting the right warm neutral for your walls doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here’s what you need to know about selecting the perfect shade of greige.

●  Pay attention to undertone. What might seem like a safe neutral can reveal an unwanted tint. Examine potential paint colors in different lighting to ensure you won’t end up with a seemingly perfect greige with hidden hues. Need help understanding undertone? Check out our helpful tips here.

●  Check out the swatch. Here’s a helpful hint for finding your greige’s color family. When you find a swatch with colors you’re interested in, check out the dark shades at the bottom of the stripe card. The darkest hues will give you an idea if the lighter color you’re drawn to has red brown undertones or if it boasts shades of green or blue.

Photo From: Brunch at Saks

Try it out. Once you’ve whittled down your color choices, compare your neutral paint samples or swatches to a white poster board or paper to easily determine the undertone. Take the sample from room to room to see how the color will look in different lighting and around different colors in the room. You may just find yourself swooning over colors you thought you didn’t like, and passing on the colors you were originally drawn to.

10 Gorgeous Shades of Greige for Your Home
Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

With these tips and go-to greige colors, you’ll be on your way to refreshing your home with a timeless neutral.

For more on neutrals, check out our Whites and Neutrals Color Chart.

Selecting the right color can be challenging and very personal.  We want to create spaces that are an extension of ourselves and express current trends in design and home furnishings.  To help, Diamond Vogel presents Top Color Picks; an insider’s look to the hot trends in color. Use the tabs below to tour our picks, let these colors inspire your next painting project.

Trending  Looking for trend-setting color? This group of forward-looking color delivers visual punch and drama, perfect for those who want to be on the cutting-edge of color & design.

Retreat  Relaxation is the key to this palette that offers soft, comfortable color; helping to create the perfect restful haven for your home.

White & Neutrals This palette of versatile whites and dramatic neutrals represents the best of this popular color scheme.  Coordinated to deliver simple sophistation, these colors are Diamond Vogel’s top selling whites, greys, taupes and dark neutrals.

Once you have narrowed your search, try these colors in Envision.  Upload a photo of your own room and visualize your new color in your own room, or select a room from our photo gallery.

Colors your Neighbors Love 2015

Diamond Vogel again this year offers you a unique look at the top colors selected by your neighbors for their recent painting projects.  Color selection is very personal, but knowing what colors are popular in your market can provide confidence in your own selections.  We surveyed Diamond Vogel Service Centers in search of the most popular paint colors for interiors, exteriors and cabinet and trim, offering you insight into the best of color, the color your neighbors love.

Here is what is trending in these markets:

Eric A. from Minneapolis, MN
“Grays have been very popular here including 0527 London Road.  Also bright yellows like 0848 Yellow Tail are gaining popularity as yellow coordinates well with grays and neutrals and accents with chocolate brown like 0192 Dapper and blues like 0486 Paradise City.  Colors that were popular in the 70’s have also made a big comeback like 0382 Mount Olive, a deep olive green used for accent walls.”

Judy N. from Omaha, NE

“We showcase 0547 Tin Man on a large wall in our store and love this gray!  This tone is a perfect backdrop for contemporary or traditional designs.  0216 Earthling fits into many design scapes, its soft appearance does not interfere with other colors.  0247 Apple Crisp is a rich golden brown that is beautiful against white cabinetry and wood work. Apple Crisp can also soften the appearance of older golden oak wood tones.  A soft white that is beautiful on wood work and cabinetry is 0600 Melting Glacier, a clean white without appearing sterile or stark.”

Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

Honeycomb by York Wallcovering Marica Moore Designs via Houzz Ken Gutmaker via Houzz	0679 Everest (Mason City, IA) This ‘feel good’ blue is clean and simple. Take a color journey with this modern hue that reflects playful optimism.  Great paired with chocolate, gray and yellow.
	0214 Wildwood (Norfolk, NE) Earthy and real, Wildwood emerges from the ground as an accent for both warm and cool colors.  Great with brighter colors such as yellow, green and blue.
	0848 Yellow Tail (Minneapolis, MN) Illuminated with energy and freshness, this lively yellow is uplifting and vibrant.  Use to create a striking room or add as an accent with chocolate brown, orange, peach or mint green.
	0785 Misty Valley (Omaha, NE) This fresh yellow-green boosts a botanical influence, a spunky color popular as an accent wall or pairs with neutrals to add personality.

Alana B. from Mason City, IA
“Our most popular accent color by far is 0679 Everest! A great blue for nurseries or bathrooms.  Also favored when doing a chevron look. 0183 Moth Wing is a very rich and warm neutral color. I find my customers are always drawn to it. Also 0530 Metrois soft and inviting, not too dark or intimidating. Metro is a good color to help ‘break away from the norm”. 0542 Captain Nemo is a bold gray and acts as a great contrasting color. Very popular alongside bright colors such as 0679 Everest. H106 Mineral Pointfrom our Historic Lifestyles Collection is an oldie but a goody! The perfect beige! This color holds its spot as a favorite for all varieties of customers!” 

Allen M. from Grand Junction, CO
"Earth tones and grays seem to be the choice for interior walls. Dark grays like 0205 Wood Shadow offer a dramatic accent when combined with 0195 Mossy Shade, a good soft gray.  0148 Oak Plank, a light red-brown is gaining popularity, and combines great with blues and dark greys.  On the warmer side, 0287 Muslin Tint and 0237 Flan are traditional beiges and still a popular choice."

The Plaza by York Wallcovering Loloi Rugs Kenton Collection	0539 Place of Dust (Fremont, NE) This shadowy gray is flexible and offers a modern edge that pairs well with most colors.
	0102 Earthly Pleasure (Loveland, CO) A deep organic red that is rich and authentic. An ‘almost neutral’ with an influence of brown and cinnamon. A great accent for grays and yellows and a perfect accent for exteriors.
	0919 Venice Square (Topeka, KS) This earthy yellow offers a soft, yet gritty spirit and pairs well with gray and charcoal as well as popular blues and earth tones.
	0535 Zen Retreat (Spencer, IA) This intuitive neutral seems to move and morph when paired with both warm and cool colors. Grounded and earthy, a mystical hue with never ending possibilities.
	0418 Onion Skin (Madison, WI) An almost white and popular choice for trim and cabinet. Softly toned, Onion Skin works well with popular gray and neutral walls.

Lillian C. from Sioux City, IA
“A great color for open concept interiors is 0183 Moth Wing, especially used with white woodwork. Customers are choosing this color for exteriors also.  0188 Baguetteis a great neutral color what blends well with a mix of carpet choices today. Customers are also looking for gray tones, 0547 Tin Man is a popular option for bringing grays into the decorating scheme since taupe and khaki have been saturating the market for years.”

Katie A. fromMaplewood, MN
“Our most popular greige color is 0231 Desert Mirage.  It is a very versatile neutral color that is actually a color and not just another boring off-white or beige.  Desert Mirage goes with anything and is perfect with many accent colors!  Blue-greens are all the rage, they are tranquil without being boring.   0485 North Beach Blue is perfect for places where you want to relax like bedrooms, living rooms, dens and bathrooms.  0539 Place of Dust is a very flexible gray with a slight yellow/red undertone.  It is not steely like a lot of grays are.  It’s a perfect color to go along with many accent colors. Purples, especially dusty purples are a very popular color for master bedrooms.  1310 Velvet Dawn is serene and simple, yet not your average wall color and pairs beautifully with gold accents.”

Amelia Hallsworth Photography via Houzz Diamond Oasis by York Wallcovering Elizabeth Monical Interior Design via Houzz	0372 Historic Shade (Grand Island, NE) How can history be wrong? A classic khaki that pairs well with popular grays, browns and muted golds.
	0192 Dapper (Minneapolis, MN) Earthy and easy-going, Dapper is a great stand-alone accent, but also adds interest when paired with blue, orange, peach and other trending neutrals
	0485 North Beach Blue (Maplewood, MM) Peaceful and serene… this dusty blue with a touch of aqua creates a quiet haven, an escape from the world.  Pairs well with cream, chocolate and yellow.
	0557 Evermore (Burlington, IA) Strong and straightforward, this ultra-deep accent balances brights and offers an organic twist..... pairs well with sage, aqua and popular oranges and yellows.

Kim H. from Lincoln, NE
The grays are strong here and people are liking the cool gray look of 0539 Place of Dust, it goes with really anything you put with it.  An accent color in many of the new homes here is 0206 Thatched Cottage. A nice neutral gray which also pairs with any color.  A lighter version of Thatched Cottage is 0198 Young Colt which people go for to achieve a great taupe look throughout.  0190 Village Crier is warm and goes great in a huge open floor plan with lots of windows and high ceilings.” 

Jenn L. from Dubuque, IA
“Blues like 0470 Dreaming of the Day have been on the upswing for use and people are asking for interior color combinations that involve this blue.  Several salons as well as baths and bedrooms are doing variations and I see the trend of blue not ending any time soon.  It’s a relaxing, calming color.  0531 Snowglory is a true light gray and can stand on its own as a color or as an accent color.  It is also light enough not to overwhelm small spaces where light needs to be reflective.  0532 Rand Moon has also become a popular choice as it is still a true gray in color.  It is often used in combination with 0531 Snowglory, however Rand Moon provides a greater depth to the gray for more contrast when placed next to other colors like blues, greens and reds.

Rikki Snyder via Houzz Natalie Younger Interior Design via Houzz Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc. via Houzz	0547 Tin Man (Omaha, NE) A cool urban gray influenced by industrial metals.  Tin Man offers a soothing contrast to our busy, connected lives and pairs well with most colors.
	0275 Highlight (Marshalltown, IA) An emerging trend color, this soft gold is earthy and energizes a space. Use as an accent with gray, or it can be a star when used with soft blue, chocolate and deep reds.
	0479 Stairway to Heaven (Sioux Falls, SD) An earthy gray with a hint of blue, a deep urban gray that blurs the lines between industrial grit and nature.  Pairs well with tan, gold, blue and toned reds.
	0470 Dreaming of the Day (Dubuque, IA) Balance is the key to this soft spa blue that offers a relaxed, meditative feel.  Pairs with most grays and neutrals as well as yellow, gold and rusty reds.
	0148 Oak Plank (Grand Junction, CO) Oak Plank blends an earthy neutral with a touch of dusty red to create an artisan hue that is up and coming. This restful hue pairs nicely with greys, browns, charcoal and blues.

Tom G. from Madison, WI
“For painted wood work and cabinets 0558 Queen Anne’s Lace and 0418 Onion Skin are popular choices.  These off-whites offer a soft tone and coordinate well with popular neutrals and gray walls.  0530 Metro is a good interior gray for walls that is not too dark and works with anything.  0600 Melting Glacier has been popular for those looking for a good off-white or ceiling color.”

Shellie S. from Loveland, CO
“An excellent interior color is 0183 Moth Wing, not too dark for a main color, but darker than many neutrals. For exteriors, 0528 Greybeard is a nice gray, dark exteriors are very popular in Colorado and Greybeard is not too blue or too brown. GS221 Willow Mist from the Grain Stain Solid Color Stain Collection is also popular for exteriors – it blends perfectly into the landscape. 0102 Earthly Pleasure is a great wine red color for exterior accents and a bold color for front doors.”

TOP NEUTRAL COLORS

Eclectic Patchwork by York Wallcovering Spencer Chest by Smart Furniture Darren Palmer Interiors via Houzz	H106 Mineral Point (Chillicothe, MO) (Historic Lifestyles Collection)
	0183 Moth Wing (Sioux City, IA)
	0175 3am Latte (Lincoln, NE)
	0530 Metro (Sioux Falls, SD)
	0532 Rand Moon (Burlington, IA)
	0542 Captain Nemo (Norfolk, NE)

TOP EXTERIOR COLORS	TOP TRIM & CABINET COLORS
0337 Urban Charm (Topeka, KS)	0600 Melting Glacier (Omaha, NE)
0535 Zen Retreat (Spencer, IA)	0011 Sugar Dust (Madison, WI)
GS221 Willow Mist (Loveland, CO) (Grain Stain Solid)	OW03 Cotton White (Burlington, IA)
0102 Earthy Pleasure (Loveland, CO)	0558 Queen Anne's Lace (Sioux Falls, SD)
0919 Venice Square (Topeka, KS)	0342 Velum Smoke (Topeka, KS)
0212 Big Spender  (Spencer, IA)

Not sure what color to select?  Diamond Vogel® offers two great ways to preview color.  Color Sampler is a quart sized sample that helps you test color before you buy.  There is no better way to try a color than to paint out a sample in the space, so it can be viewed with your own furniture, lighting and accessories.  You can also try testing out color in our Envision software found at diamondvogel.com/envision, upload a photo of your project and visualize any of our colors before you paint, it is just that easy!  Stop by your nearest Diamond Vogel® Paint Center to find the perfect color for your project.

Source: Decor Pad

New paint colors can take your laundry room from drab to fab. Create a fresh, clean space you won’t mind spending time in with these on-trend laundry room paint colors.

Lights & Darks
Mix and match these versatile laundry room paint colors for a variety of looks -- just remember to consider your lighting. If your space lacks natural lighting, opt for colors with high light reflectance value (LRV). A color’s LRV measures the amount of visible and usable light that reflects from (or absorbs into) a painted surface. Simply put, LRV measures the percentage of light a paint color reflects. Learn more about that here.

We’ve Done The Dirty Work For You!
Whether your utility room is small or spacious, these clean hues work together to complement a variety of laundry room styles. Painting a laundry room is an easy weekend project with lots of wow-factor. We’ve sorted through the best of the best for an on-trend paint palette that will get you on your way to a lovely laundry room!

Source: Houzz

	What it is: Cape Hope (0496) Why it works: This clean, cool blue gives an updated spin on a more traditional sky blue. With just a hint of green, it freshens any space -- perfect for a laundry room. Mix it up: Give your laundry room dimension and depth with wainscoting! Add wainscoting to the bottom half of your room, and paint it a cool off-white like White Kitten (0022). Then, use Cape Hope to add color to the top half the room for an updated, preppy beach feel.
	What it is: Sawgrass Cottage (0399) Why it works: This hard-working hue is light enough to brighten your space, but bold enough to bring life to a dull or dated laundry room. Mix it up: Finish the look by giving the rest of your laundry room a facelift, too. This contemporary color pops against deep espresso cabinets and bright white trim.
	What it is: Buffed Plum (1317) Why it works: Gray is gorgeous no matter the hue, but we’re partial to this chic color that has just a hint of purple. Mix it up: Since this mid-range shade is a bit darker, opt for crisp white cabinetry and appliances for a chic-look that may just actually make you want to do a load of laundry!

Source:Houzz

What it is: Luna Moon (0017) Why it works: This delicate off-white creates a dreamy vibe. It’s light and bright, making it a stellar choice for small spaces or dimly-lit basement laundry rooms.. Mix it up: Whites aren’t wishy-washy! Painting your laundry room a clean neutral allows you to stick with neutrals or accentuate with color in creative ways -- think fun fabrics for curtains or pretty, patterned rugs!

What it is: Cape Cod Bay (0633) Why it works: Navy is trending! We love this deep, muted shade that almost has a slate-gray tint.. Mix it up: Use as an accent wall behind your washer and dryer for a room that wows! For the rest of the walls, go up a few shades and paint your walls Star Mist (0630) or Polished Cotton (0629). This will give you a classic monochromatic take that echoes trendy ombre and graduated-gradient looks.

Simplify with a Relaxed Modern Style

Modern simplicity showcases much of today’s design style.  As we turn to 2016, themes of creating restful havens within our home continue to take focus. Stepping away from computers, phones and embracing downtime helps us towards this goal. Design elements taken from nature are a perfect partner in the quest for modern stylings.  Their timeless story helps us balance our lives. Modernized versions of wood grains that have been hand scraped, textural surfaces that mirror exotic finishes and updated geometric designs add to this refreshed style.

Also influencing color are global styles incorporating the exciting and unusual. With the opening of Cuba, the spotlight on Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Games and our emerging awareness of lands near and far, our 2016 Winter Palette honors these influences and our quest for usable colors that add spirit and personality.

allmodern.com zippidy embroidery by anna French gemma indigo boho medallion by ‘a’ street wallcovering

0589 Celestial Horizon This relaxing violet-blue that reaches to the heavens and delivers a low key vibe.  Use as a soft romantic accent or a pop of color to add mystery.   0196 Overgrown  The perfect background. Calm, relaxed, peaceful.. this soft beige perfectly pairs with all colors.   1008 Mango Tango This soft orange’s strength is in its upbeat energy and ability to deliver a versatile punch of color.  Pairs well with brown and grey along with blue and green.   0556 Smokescreen This deep gray-brown is a great base for showcasing stronger colors or smoky pastels.  Perfect to pair with greens, oranges, blues and corals.   0806 Sweet Angelica A warm optimistic yellow that offers a ‘never setting sun’ that brightens a room with energy.  Pairs well with aqua, orange and popular grays.

Not sure what color to select?  Diamond Vogel® offers two great ways to preview color.  Color Sampler is a quart sized sample that helps you test color before you buy.  There is no better way to try a color than to paint out a sample in the space, so it can be viewed with your own furniture, lighting and accessories.  You can also try testing out color in our Envision software found at diamondvogel.com/envision, upload a photo of your project and visualize any of our colors before you paint, it is just that easy!  Stop by your nearest Diamond Vogel® Paint Center to find the perfect color for your project.

Forecasted color trends for 2017 include everything from warm, inviting tones to icy hues. Here are some color stories we’ll likely see emerging for interiors and exteriors.

It Takes a Village

URL: www.heavenlybloomsblog.com	We’re more connected now than any other time in history. This connection will bring stunning colors inspired by other nations and cultures. Thanks to an ever-evolving global connection and increasing social media, there will be an emphasis on our shared spaces. We’ll see color palettes shaped by influences from China, Cuba, African and Middle Eastern countries.
Red is an important color for many cultures: It symbolizes action, confidence, and courage. Expect to see a resurgence in a multicultural red representing courage and bravery. A happy, harvest-influenced yellow will also make the rounds. This rich yellow tone has a hint of earthiness, and works well with a grounded blue and an earthy twist on classic red. Riding the tails of this palette’s positivity and optimism, yellow-green works as an uplifting accent.	URL: www.houzz.com
URL: www.flickr.com	Gray will still be popular, but this time it’ll make an appearance in a bit warmer hue. This urban gray mirrors cement, evoking clean slates and new beginnings. It acts as a great backdrop to bold hues. URL: www.flickr.com

Get the look:
Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

0102 Earthly Pleasure

1067 Sweet Baby Rose

0914 Child of the Moon

0801 Rain Slicker

0597 Himalaya Sky

0552 North Bend

Forever Young

URL: www.houzz.com	This palette is all about striking a balance between seemingly opposing tones. We’ll see an emphasis on simplicity and pared-down design.
Youth is an attitude -- not an age. As generations become more fluid, color palettes will morph and evolve as well. In 2017, expect to see celebratory colors that create inclusiveness and blend technological advancements with nature. Technology continues to play a key role in our lives, and it’s that evolving technology that inspires the dark, powerful grays we will see in the coming year. A bold yellow and strong orange bring a sense of vitality and health into the future.	URL: www.houzz.com
URL: www.houzz.com	Earthy, natural greens will continue to emerge, representing simplicity, growth, and endurance. A deep, plum-black provides the substance and soil for the brighter colors to take root.

Get the look:
Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

1320 Black Water

0549 Emu

0868 Shortcake

1075 Cherry Blink

0746 Mother Nature

Breath of Fresh Air

URL: www.lovegrowswild.com

As consumers become more conscious about wellness and more intentional about connection, we will see more deliberate color choices, too. 2017 will put a fresh spin on natural colors and textures. These cleansing organic tones encourage connection, health, and considerate living. Simple, balancing hues promote a temporary disconnect from the digital realm in favor of getting back to the basics. These simplified colors are packed with longevity and manage to be forward-thinking without being too trendy.

Soft, romantic colors, such as sagey yellow-greens and dusty, tried-and-true blues, will make prominent appearances. Expect to see believable, authentic greens along with grounded, earthy red browns. URL: www.houzz.com

URL: www.houzz.com

Get the look:
Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

0415 Fresh Pear

0269 Sahara Wind

1003 Sweet Sue

0607 Brush Blue

0597 Himalaya Sky

0547 Tin Man

Looking for additional inspiration? View additional color trends from Diamond Vogel here.

Color for How You Live

Color and design, especially for interiors has such a big impact on how we relate to our homes.  This use of color supports the feel and attitude we want to create for our living spaces.  Current color trends are driving the use of soft, muted color as a way to provide visual relief from a busy day.  It is not surprising we seek spaces that help us relax, promote wellness and re-energize us from work, family and activities.  Today life is less about what you own, but more about how you live. Our homes can provide the groundwork for supporting and enhancing our lives and color can be the key to enhancing our experience.

An emphasis on classic style continues to influence today’s modern interiors.  Many emerging styles and design pieces have roots in the past, making it easy to transition favorite furniture and treasured items into updated interiors.  Soft, complex colors are the perfect background for showcasing art and design pieces that define our decorating style.  This palette of 2016 Spring Colors offers usable color that pairs with and enhances any style.

renewal design-build via houzz lissee interiors via houzz jeff andrews design via houzz

0792 Footie Pajamas Romantic, yet modern and this fun youthful green is optimistic and pairs well with gray, chocolate and warm tans. An enthusiastic accent that offers a perfect splash of color. 0144 Film Noir  Lose yourself in this ultra-dark brown, the comfortable side of black. An accent color that pairs with any color.  0925 Jonquil Trail Instant smiles await with this warm and sunny yellow. Pairs with most neutrals as well as blue, violet and greens for easy and simple style.   0404 Translucent Vision Calming and soothing, Translucent Vision offers an organic vibe to spaces wanting a touch of color.  This quiet sage is a great backdrop for bolder accents like dark gray and deep chocolate 0414 Plume Grass Muted sages dominate trends with their earthy appeal and offer alternatives to gray for interiors walls. The chameleon effect of this toned green offers easy pairing with both warm and cool colors .

wayfair.com allmodern.com trend-fabrics.com

0561 Indian Hills This beige is a great neutral that complements any color it is paired with; or alone can be the star of the room! 0180 Fresh Linen This near-white delivers a fresh look when paired with other ethereal colors. Slightly toned, Fresh Linen looks great with white trim, offering a touch of color on the walls that does not overwhelm. 0622 Serene Setting A harmonious balance between blue and gray. This light and airy hue lets you relax and promises a new beginning. 0381 Sonata Deeply rooted in nature with a vintage twist, Sonata pairs well with many of the greys and browns currently trending. 0311 Life Exotic Rich with patina, Life Exotic celebrates authentic workmanship and keepsakes. This toned gold offers timeless luxury.

Not sure what color to select?  Diamond Vogel® offers two great ways to preview color.  Color Sampler is a quart sized sample that helps you test color before you buy.  There is no better way to try a color than to paint out a sample in the space, so it can be viewed with your own furniture, lighting and accessories.  You can also try testing out color in our Envision software found at diamondvogel.com/envision, upload a photo of your project and visualize any of our colors before you paint, it is just that easy!  Stop by your nearest Diamond Vogel® Paint Center to find the perfect color for your project.

Every Home Tells a Story

Every home tells a story.  Walk through the front door and you quickly get a sense of the people that live inside.   Sentimental pieces, hand-me-down furniture, artwork from the kids or grandkids and dishes in the sink all add up to ‘you’.  The right color added to a home can help pull together these elements and set the stage for your home's unique tale.  Are you looking for calm and serenity? Cool colorslike green, blue and purple can deliver.  Looking for comfort, light and energy?  Warm colors like red, orange and yellow offer this welcoming feel.

Color selection can be crazy-hard.  You might be reading this post as you are wanting to know what is popular and trending in color or simply looking for color inspiration.   Be an artist of your own environment.  Curate colors for your home that inspire and make your space comfortable, positive and motivating.  Our 2016 Summer Colors offer a mix of neutral favorites, restful hues and trending pops of color.  If you need more inspiration or help in visualizing color, check out Envision , Diamond Vogel’s color visualizer that helps you view color prior to painting or stop into your local Diamond Vogel Service Center.  Color is powerful, use it to tell the best story, the story of your home.

Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

pembroke by york wallcovering diamond vogel 0388 shiny gold   archetype cyan by fabricut

1095 Empower ’Empower’ offers confidence and strength that only this spunky orange-red can deliver.  An updated twist to classic red, use this accent with brown, gray or soft earth tones to spice up any space. 0340 Nightfall This earthy deep green lies just beyond nightfall.  Use as a backdrop on walls for dramatic effect or as an accent with cream, whites and light tones. 0334 Sedona Sedona offers a soft ‘white light’ and energy to a space.  Pairs well with both light and dark colors, a universal choice for any room.   0388 Shiny Gold This edgy green offers a fresh look at nature’s influence on color.  Use this as an accent with orange, coral, violet or blue to add a twist of ‘attitude’ to your color scheme! 0486 Paradise City A dark blue-green with personality!  Edgy and youthful as well as moody and mysterious, pairs with brights for a youthful vibe or with grays and neutrals for trend-setting style.

Looking for additional inspiration? View additional color trends from Diamond Vogel here.

Not sure what color to select?  Diamond Vogel® offers two great ways to preview color.  Color Sampler is a quart sized sample that helps you test color before you buy.  There is no better way to try a color than to paint out a sample in the space, so it can be viewed with your own furniture, lighting and accessories.  You can also try testing out color in our Envision software found at diamondvogel.com/envision, upload a photo of your project and visualize any of our colors before you paint, it is just that easy!  Stop by your nearest Diamond Vogel® Paint Center to find the perfect color for your project.

Colors Your Neighbors Love 2016

We have completed our yearly color survey of the most popular paint colors for interiors, exteriors, cabinet and trim as reported by your local Diamond Vogel Service Centers.  This year’s palette showcases the strong influence that gray has on both interior and exterior color trends.  It can be debated how long this popular neutral will be part of our color experience, but there is no denying the soft, restful nature of gray and the ease in pairing it with almost any color.  The popularity of mid-century modern styles and the use of ebony, espresso and gray in flooring, counters and furniture helps to elevate gray’s importance.  A long with gray, soft blue-green tones round out the color palette with splashes of spirited orange and blue. 

Read on to learn more about what is trending in color; these are the Colors Your Neighbors Love:

Stacy L from Aberdeen SD
"Shades of gray are pretty popular for interior walls and for ceilings too. 0539 Place of Dust  is a good choice and we are also seeing it used also for exteriors for both siding and trim.  0273 Sandstone Palette is a neutral beige being used for those wanting to add some color to interior walls but not use gray. 0406 Home Body is a ‘cool color’ accent that is popular and still fairly neutral and easy to use with gray. 0687 Stillwater, another ‘cool’ accent adds a pop of color and is popular as an accent."

Angie R from McCook NE
"0454 Marble Green is a soft, subtle green great for living rooms and kitchens.  Another great accent color is 0681 Cyan Sky, it can be used with gray and black for a pop of color on walls and we have seen it used for health/beauty salons and as an accent color on exterior front doors.  Gray continues to be popular and 0530 Metro is used for open concept spaces and works well with brighter accents."

ShaNea S from Bismarck ND
"A popular color is 0511 Cystern, a beautiful blue-grey color mostly used on walls. Also 0022 White Kitten, a very light gray has been popular for trim with gray walls. 0530 Metro is also popular as a wall color, what can I say, grays are in."

Note: On-screen and printer color representations may vary from actual paint colors.

villa nova aymara serendipity by york wallcovering shift interiors via houzz	0454 Marble Green (McCook, Nebraska) This light mint is calming and balanced.  Plays well with chocolate brown, gray, purple and popular oranges.
	0406 Home Body (Aberdeen, South Dakota) A soft sage with two lives.  A new classic that pairs nicely with accents like deep charcoals and grays, or a color that can stand alone and offers quiet sophistication.
	0539 Place of Dust (Lincoln, Nebraska) This shadowy gray is flexible and offers a modern feel that pairs well with most colors.
	0511 Cystern (Bismarck, North Dakota) Inspired by stone, a confident blue-gray that can stand on its own or a quiet accent for colors like yellow, green and purple.

Lisa S from Norfolk NE
"A nice accent color is 0701 Plunge for interiors.  It can be used in kid’s rooms or even bathroom/laundry rooms and is a favorite in our market. 0542 Captain Nemo is a true gray, people like it for a good bold exterior color for siding.  Looks very good with lighter shutter colors.  0175 3am Latte is a good warm beige that goes well with a lot of the new flooring and counter tops in our area.  When customers do not want dark walls, 0006 Little Dove is a popular color and it goes well with Old Masters Spanish Oak/Espresso wood stains and also 0535 Zen Retreat.  When paired with darker colors, Little Dove really pops and look very good."

Tim S from Appleton WI
"A very popular gray is0532 Rand Moon for interiors, this color looks great in any room.  OW3 Cotton White continues to be our most popular white, great for everything!  0214 Wildwood  is a good color for exterior trim, it complements most gray or tan color exteriors."

martha o'hara designs by houzz villa nove montrose david michael miller associates via houzz	0791 Plunge (Norfolk, Nebraska) A mid-century mint with a modern edge.  Softly toned, Plunge pairs perfectly with deep berry, browns and oranges and gray.
	0562 Sultry Castle (Mankato, Minnesota) This warm gray is a sophisticated accent and great as a backdrop to other colors that may take a leading role.  Pair well with blue, aqua, yellows and oranges
	0273 Sandstone Palette   (Appleton, Wisconsin) The perfect color to combine and coordinate, this pale sandstone is adaptable as it shifts personality depending on how it is paired.
	0532 Rand Moon (Orange City, Iowa)  On the edge of moonlight describes with dusty grey.  Use as an accent with other cool colors like blues, greens and purples.
	0687 Stillwater (Aberdeen, South Dakota) A light and clean aqua that adds energy with its upbeat nature.  Pairs well with whites, browns and greys.

Kim H from Lincoln NE
"0539 Place of Dust  is huge right now and is being used throughout the main areas of the house then adding different warm colors in bedrooms or baths.  We’ve noticed that 0542 Captain Nemo has been a hot color for exterior siding paired with white trim then an accent color for the front door.  OW3 Cotton White is a real popular white for cabinets and trim.  Customers don’t want straight-up white, but want a white that is slightly muted.  We sell a lot of CottonWhite in SureFlo Acrylic Latex Enamel for cabinets.  Also a popular beige is0175 3am Latte, it’s is our most popular color and goes with pretty much anything."

Rob W from Orange City IA
"0573 Chintz is a good gray/beige that works well with most color schemes and popular open concept interiors.  0015 White Glove is being used for ceilings, gives a slight tint instead of using just white.  A dramatic dark color for exteriors is 0535 Zen Retreat, gives a home a rich look.  0532 Rand Moon offers a neutral gray with no blue undertones, goes well with everything."

moe's home collection contemporary kitchen via houzz chevron by york wallcovering	0530 Metro (Des Moines, Iowa) Metro blends and connects the colors it is paired with.  A soft white that can be used as a neutral with cool colors.
	0542 Captain Nemo (Spencer, Iowa) This complex gray is sophisticated, chic and ready to mix and match with any color.
	0483 Indulgence (Scottsbluff, Nebraska) Peaceful and serene… this light aqua creates a quiet haven, an escape from our busy lives.  Pairs well with cream, gray, chocolate and yellow.
	0383 Natural Whisper (Marshalltown, Iowa) A sun-kissed white, cheerfully delivering a soft yellow glow to any room.

Shellie S from Loveland CO
"0186 Christmas Ornament is a great exterior accent color, rich chocolate goes well with neutral exteriors. A great open concept color for interiors is 0183 Moth Wing, it is not too dark and pairs with many colors.  Dark colors are also very popular for exteriors and 0534 Subtle Shadow is a nice gray, not too blue or brown. 0542 Captain Nemo is another popular gray for any exterior feature of the house, body, trim or accent."

Rita H from Worthington MN
"A great all around color for bedrooms, living rooms and main color is0175 3am Latte.  Goes great with any accent color also with popular brown leather furniture.  0313 Chic Magnet is pretty versatile used on ceiling, trim and cabinets, it gives just the right amount of color to make any accent color pop.  0539 Place of Dust  is a soft gray that is used on ceilings and as a main color.  Nice color when you want to go with trending grays and but still have tan and brown accessories or furniture in your home.  1019 Orange Ballad is an excellent accent color for kitchens. Goes well with dark wood cabinets and black & brown tile floors, backsplash & counter tops.  For exteriors 0528 Greybeard paired with white trim makes the house have a clean look that stands out."

diedre shaw interiors via houzz lumisourse rockwell accent chair lisa michael interiors via houzz	0183 Moth Wing (Loveland, Colorado) Warm and inviting, this warm beige has a slight gray undertone which makes it pair well with most any color, the perfect neutral.
	1019 Orange Ballad (Worthington, Minnesota) This down-to-earth orange is friendly and comfortable, an orange for those looking for the perfect accent color. Pairs well with gray, aqua and blue.
	0561 Indian Hills (Columbus, Nebraska) This beige is a great neutral that complements any color; or alone can be the star of the room!
	0681 Cyan Sky (McCook, Nebraska) This blue-green beauty reflects off cool waters and bright sky to deliver an up-beat happy vibe.
	0175 3am Latte (Fort Collins, Colorado) Taking its lead from the other soft browns and beiges trending now, 3am Latte is a winner with its warm golden undertone, classic but never boring.
	0006 Little Dove (Norfolk, Nebraska) The perfect background. Calm, relaxed and peaceful, this soft beige perfectly pairs with all colors.

Erik B from Ft Collins CO
"MH04 Rushmore from MyHaven Exterior Collection is a beautiful color for siding and goes well with white trim. Also for exteriors GS201 Spice Brown from the Grain Stain Solid Collection is very popular, it is used for fences and it is a good basic chocolate brown for exterior jobs.  For interiors, OW2 Antique White is a classic warm white that we sell often for apartments."

Joann R from Scottsbluff NE
"0530 Metro is a nice neutral for interiors, not too gray or too brown.  For exteriors 0583 Billowing Smoke has been popular, it is a deep green-gray that does not seem too heavy, but has presence."

TOP EXTERIOR COLORS

Diamond Vogel	Diamond Vogel	Diamond Vogel
0272 Mineral Water (Scottsbluff, NE)	MH04 Rushmore (Fort Collins, CO)	0531 Snowglory (Marshalltown, IA)
0197 Thistle Gray (Mankato, MN)	0583 Billowing Smoke (Scottsbluff, NE)	0547 Tin Man (Omaha, NE)
0561 Indian Hills (Columbus, NE)	0578 Philosophically Speaking (Marshalltown, IA)	0542 Captain Nemo (Norfolk, NE)
0191 Dusty Path (Minneapolis, MN)	GS201 Spice Brown (Fort Collins, CO)	0534 Subtle Shadow (Loveland, NE)
0186 Christmas Ornament (Loveland, CO)	0557 Evermore (Omaha, NE)	0528 Greybeard (Worthington, MN)
0214 Wildwood (Appleton, WI)	0109 Kung Fu (Omaha, NE)	0535 Zen Retreat (Orange City, IA)

TOP CABINET & TRIM COLORS

easy breezy via houzz	woodmont cabinetry via houzz	martha o'hara interiors via houzz
OW3 Cotton White (Omaha, NE)	0011 Sugar Dust (Minneapolis, MN)
OW1 Acoustic White (Kearney, NE)	0383 Natural Whisper (Marshalltown, IA)
0018 Dove White (Mankato, Minnesota)	0313 Chic Magnet (Worthington, MN)
0022 White Kitten (Bismarck, ND)
0562 Sultry Castle (Mankato, MN)

Not sure what color to select?  Diamond Vogel® offers two great ways to preview color.  Color Sampler is a quart sized sample that helps you test color before you buy.  There is no better way to try a color than to paint out a sample in the space, so it can be viewed with your own furniture, lighting and accessories.  You can also try testing out color in our Envision software found at diamondvogel.com/envision, upload a photo of your project and visualize any of our colors before you paint, it is just that easy!  Stop by your nearest Diamond Vogel® Paint Center to find the perfect color for your project.

Shedding Light on the Situation: What is LRV?

A color’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures the amount of visible and usable light that reflects from (or absorbs into) a painted surface. Simply put, LRV measures the percentage of light a paint color reflects. 

Light Reflectance Value

LRV is measured on a scale that ranges from zero (absolute black, absorbing all light and heat) to 100 percent (pure white, reflecting all light).
Building and design professionals (everyone from architects and engineers to interior designers and color consultants) use these measurements as guidelines to predict how light or dark a color will appear. The values are also used by lighting designers to calculate the number and type of light fixtures needed to provide a certain amount of light for interior spaces.

The Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) recommends a 70% light reflectance value or higher for those with impaired vision, but this is not a strict requirement. There are a number of color combinations in the 60-70% range that work well, which is why 70% is not a requirement. 

Knowing a color’s LRV is helpful when coordinating colors or creating a mood. (It also helps businesses, schools, and homes stay energy efficient – choosing a color with a larger LRV probably won’t require as much lighting or air conditioning as a color that soaks up light and warms easily.)

Examples of LRV

ColorEssentials 0665 Monet Magic – LRV 66

Monet Magic, a soft blue from the ColorEssentials Collection, adds a splash of cool color above this bedroom's wainscoting. Monet Magic has an LRV of 66, so reflects much of the room's natural and artificial light. Colors with an LRV above 50 are lighter and bounce back more light than they absorb. Higher LRVs help create an illuminated "daytime" feel.

ColorEssentials 0177 Weaver’s Tool –LRV 25

The walls of this open dining room gain welcoming warmth with Weaver's Tool, a warm brown from the ColorEssentials Collection. Weaver's Tool has an LRV of 25 -- much lower than Monet Magic. Any LRV less than 50 will be on the darker side -- soaking up more light than it reflects. Additional lighting, such as the fixture above the table, is necessary to add more light to the room, since the walls absorb much of it. The color's low LRV creates an intimate dining space, while a color with a higher LRV might make the room seem more expansive.

Where to Find a Color's LRV

Now that you know the importance of LRV, remember where to find the number! Diamond Vogel has made it easy with three ways to find each color's distinct LRV:

Back of Color Samples

Browsing paint samples? Check for the LRV on the back of our color samples or indexed in the back of our fandeck.

Diamond Vogel's Color Information Center

Hatching a plan? Our Color Information Center is an easy-to-use online database that allows you to sort by paint number, paint name, or LRV percentage.

Diamond Vogel's Color Finder

Looking online? Visit the Color Finder, an interactive, visually-enhanced spot to learn important details about each color, including the LRV.

Reflect on this: A paint color's LRV is commonly looked over, but by understanding the number's value (pun intended!), you can simplify your selection process and be on your way to uncovering the best color for your space.

A modern yet classic blue-gray with confident presence, yet simple style.
Ocean Storms is a muted blue combining the best of two trends,
the popularity of blue denoting classic styling along with the appeal of
restful gray delivering easy living and modern flair.

Perfect for Interiors Ocean Storms delivers a modern vibe, a great color to showcase furniture, artwork, and accents without overwhelming. Blues in all tones have continued to trend, but with the popularity of gray, Ocean Storms delivers both trends in one great color.
		And Exteriors... For exterior settings, Ocean Storms is great as the central color and pairs well with white, cream and soft gray as well as charcoal for trim and accents. Exterior colors have been moving toward deep, rich tones and this hue fits this movement.
And Doors Too Even if you are just looking for a quick update, Ocean Storms is perfect for adding a dash of style. Blue doors are symbolic of calm and peace, inviting positive energy, abundance, and properity for all who enter.

Great Color Information That You Can Use
2017 Color & Design Trends Forecasted color trends for 2017 include everything from warm, inviting tones to icy hues. Here are some color stories we’ll likely see emerging for interiors and exteriors. Learn More	Quarterly Color Trend Reports Find out the latest trends in color. Our color experts distill what is happening in the design community so you know the latest movement in color.   Learn More	Our Coatings   Great colors need great paint. We manufacture a wide variety of coatings to ensure we have the perfect solution for your project. Find out more here.   Learn More

Selecting the right color can be challenging and very personal.  We want to create spaces that are an extension of ourselves and express current trends in design and home furnishings.  To help, Diamond Vogel presents Top Color Picks; an insider’s look to the hot trends in color. Use the tabs below to tour our picks, let these colors inspire your next painting project.

Trending  Looking for trend-setting color? This group of forward-looking color delivers visual punch and drama, perfect for those who want to be on the cutting-edge of color & design.

Retreat  Relaxation is the key to this palette that offers soft, comfortable color; helping to create the perfect restful haven for your home.

White & Neutrals This palette of versatile whites and dramatic neutrals represents the best of this popular color scheme.  Coordinated to deliver simple sophistation, these colors are Diamond Vogel’s top selling whites, greys, taupes and dark neutrals.

Once you have narrowed your search, try these colors in Envision.  Upload a photo of your own room and visualize your new color in your own room, or select a room from our photo gallery.