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what you're seeing, in any number of iterations, in both matte and polished. Lots of accessories are coming up in copper and gold, really pretty metals, with a lovely warm look. Copper is the quintessential color for the kitchen." Part of the appeal of these metal colors, he believes, is that they uplift the entire space. For instance, he cites an old kitchen with Uba Tuba granite that looked dated and tired – until a French Gold faucet was added. "It was kind of astounding, it pulled a different color out of the stone, and updated the entire look." And, he adds, "The polished industrial look – when it's sparkling brand new, not the warehouse feel – that look is hot." Benjamin Moore Color & Design Manager Hannah Yeo agrees: "Metals are important in both kitchen and bath for the upcoming year. From oil-rubbed bronze to warm, tinted gold, warm metals adds texture." These can be enhanced with a vari- ety of sheen levels in paint, she adds, with higher sheen paints reflecting more light that creates ambiance in the room. Yeo sees colors "generally shifting toward deeper and warm- er hues," and notes that, "deep violets in particular are preva- lent." As such, the company selected Shadow 2117-30 as its color of the year, explaining, "This deep, luscious hue works in tradi- tional homes, modern lofts and everything in between. Shadow also pairs well with many other hues, allowing [designers and homeowners] to transform their space for years to come." With the shift to warmer hues, Yeo sees "palettes and textures [that are] moody and organic. Browns, ochre, copper tones and even deep rich greens are also emerging." Pantone's top ten colors for spring of 2017 offer a palette that includes earthy hues, as well as some brighter colors that reflect a sense of energy and vitality. Niagara, a classic denim-like blue, was chosen as the most prevalent color for spring 2017, while Primrose Yellow suggests a renewal of hope and enthusiasm. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, "From the warmth of sun- ny days with Primrose Yellow to the invigorating feeling of breathing fresh mountain air with Kale and the desire to escape to pristine waters with Island Paradise, designers applied color in playful, yet thoughtful and precise com- binations to fully capture the promises, hope and transformation that we yearn for each Spring." Clean whites will continue to see strong interest, according to designer Courtney Cachet who says, 'White on white is not a trend, it's a look.' Designer Kelley Kerrie loves to use navy as a neutral, citing its comple- mentary tones that can be 'easy and livable or upscale and formal.' Silestone Trendspotter Mark Williams went for a more masculine feel with this design, which incorporates darker hues and a smoky style. GRAY & WHITE Of course it's no surprise that gray continues to be a strong favor- ite, but gray is evolving, particularly in the kitchen. Woodman says, "The early versions [of the color] are expanding to trans- parent gray on wood, which is kind of interesting because you can get a warmer gray with a red finished wood; the neutrality is holding on." He also sees grays expanding into charcoal shades. Kujawski also predicts the continuation of gray, stating, "We see evidence of this in the purchase of gray investment pieces like couches, chests and entertainment units. People purchase these items with the expectation of using them for a long period of time. The same can be said about kitchen cabinets, especially since kitchens are becoming more open, 'home-y' and tied in with furniture elements compared to years past." Clean white looks are as hot as ever, and Yeo maintains, "The classic white kitchen cabinets will always be in style. Gray will continue its popularity as well. The kitchen is the heart of the home where family and friends connect with one another. Neutral colors become the perfect backdrop to pre- pare food while nourishing our minds, bodies and well-being." She also sees grays and charcoals working well with the white marbles and marble looks that are coming into vogue. Kujawski also believes that consumers continue to be enamored with white. "The popularity of white cabinets will definitely continue. With the vast shades of whites available and the trend of inserting pops of color in a space, white is still the top-selling painted cabinet color and will remain a mainstay." Woodman agrees: "The white kitchen isn't going anywhere soon – and it's also going to end up expanding. While grays ex- pand to charcoal, white will do the same thing, with more shades of white, and with undertones expanding from warm to cool." MAJOR INFLUENCES Color trends are being influenced by a variety of sources – everything from nature and the fine arts to the presiden- tial election and changing demographics, according to top color experts. Woodman sees nature and health and well-being playing a significant role in influencing color trends, noting, "Nature is a big influence, but it starts Benjamin Moore showcases its color palette for 2017. Photo: Courtesy of Kohler Photo: Courtesy of Kohler December 2016 • KitchenBathDesign.com 53 COLOR TREND REPORT