Paint Color Decor Trends 2016: Whites Win!

While last year's paint color trends were quite bright and bold, for 2016 many of the big paint companies are turning to a serene state of mind and picking dreamy shades of white! Of course, we're not all going to strip the paint off the walls and redecorate just to please the paint companies. Still it is interesting to see how similar the colors are this year and the reasons given by the paint companies for choosing these classic whites are all the same too: to create a tranquil sanctuary away from our fast-paced world!

Benjamin Moore nominated Simply White as their 2016 Color of the Year. This photo shows how beautifully the layered white tones diffuse light and create a sense of peace and harmony. These white-washed walls make a gorgeous backdrop for the richly toned wood furniture and hand-hewn beams.

Sherwin-WIlliams chooses Alabaster (SW 7008) as Paint Color of the Year for 2016. It is a symbol of new beginnings but the main reason cited by Sherwin-Williams for giving Alabaster a place on the pedestal is as an escape from the noise of the modern world. "Alabaster offers a sense of personal solace and revival to weary minds. It is the true neutral to set the tone for 2016."  It certainly looks graceful in this living room, and the mirror, glass, and silvery reflective surfaces all add to the light and luxurious feeling created by the Alabaster white.

Another oasis of calm is created by the Glidden paint company's 2016 Color of the Year: Cappuccino White.  The creamy off-white creates a soft and relaxing atmosphere, as you can see in this traditional San Francisco living room.

It is always great to get design inspiration for using classic whites, and these pure tones will work on walls in any room of the house and with any decor style.

Wood furniture always looks great against painted white walls but sometimes people like to choose white furniture too for some white walls. This continues the visual flow and sense of spaciousness.

For example, this new white Jonathan Charles French Country Farmhouse cabinet will look very elegant on a white or other pale wall.

Even though the china cabinet is a stunning 7 feet tall, the white painted wood keeps the airy feeling going in a white room, and the glass doors add to the lightness.

Browse all our white new and antique furniture for more bright white ideas!