In the world of color, trends are constantly evolving. To remain competitive, businesses need to stay ahead of the curve as research indicates that color is one of the most important factors in purchasing decisions. PPG color experts tasked with identifying on-trend hues for a wide range of products rely on a rigorous process that is part art, part science.
Introducing PPG's Color of the Year: "Limitless"
After much contemplation, "Limitless" has been designated as the Color of the Year for 2024. A contemporary honey beige with a light airy vibe, Limitless complements both warm and cool tones and pairs nicely with palettes of whites, soft pastels, earthy neutrals, desaturated jewel tones and bold floral hues. It also works well with a variety of metal finishes including black, bronze, brass and polished silver. Depending on the application, it’s strong enough to stand as a leading, primary color, yet has the essence of a neutral to serve in a supporting role.
Along with this signature shade, PPG's color styling team carefully curated 43 complementary hues, cataloged into three distinct volumes. Each has its own mood and aesthetic. Together, the complete collection tells an overarching story of a growing sense of optimism and unlimited possibilities.
"Despite the uncertainties and chaos in the world, cultural undercurrents are shifting in more positive, expansive and creative ways," explained Vanessa Peterson. "We tried to capture this spirit in our 2024 color stories."
Volume one features soft, grounded colors; volume two includes earthy greens, florals and energizing blues; and volume three is a beautiful mix of playful and expressive colors that break all the rules. Limitless, when combined with these complementary colors, feels both very grounded and highly curated.
The Process Behind the Selection
Selecting the Color of the Year is a meticulous process that involves a deep dive into current societal and environmental influences, cultural shifts and emerging design trends. This annual exercise, which is integral to PPG's ambitious color forecasting process, involves nearly 50 PPG color stylists from 11 different regions around the world and PPG businesses like architectural, automotive, consumer electronics and aerospace.
As we look ahead to 2024, it's evident that the world is on the brink of a significant transformation. At this year's color workshop, the color expert team found that consumers are becoming less limited in their sense of self-identities and reliant on tradition and conformity; they are unleashing their creative potential, which is leading to an explosion of new ideas; and they are uncovering new possibilities through their intertwining worlds - environmental, digital and social.
From a color perspective, these sentiments are cultivating a fondness for calming, soothing colors that set the tone for introspection, emotional well-being and personal development. "Around the world, we're seeing a movement from cooler, bolder tones to paler, warmer shades of reds, yellows, beiges and grays," said Vanessa Peterson, PPG global color styling leader, Industrial Coatings.
In Conclusion
As we move closer to the dawn of 2024, Limitless stands at the forefront of the coatings industry, representing sustainable progress, resilience and boundless artistic possibilities. Its warm earthy tones provide a refreshing outlook for the future, instilling a sense of hope and optimism for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
With the Color of the Year now unveiled, manufacturers, designers and consumers are encouraged to explore the endless possibilities that Limitless brings to the world for residential and commercial interiors and exteriors, consumer products and industrial applications.
