The company says it singled out the rich blue shade "through a study of social and economic trends from around the globe." (Last year's choice, Terra Cotta Rose, reflected "possibilities and take-charge optimism.")

AkzoNobel says Indigo Night "suggests maturity and elegance. The regal, tranquil and introspective hue also conveys a sense of trust and authority."

Indigo Night "makes a bold and confident statement," says AkzoNobel.

Barbara Richardson, director of North American color marketing for AkzoNobel, calls it "a stunning color that can be applied to many areas within the home."

"Even used in small ways, Indigo Night makes a bold and confident statement, whether it's featured in an entryway, place of study, or as a pop of color on furniture, such as the inside of bookshelves."

The Color of the Year is the result of a confab by an international group of experts in the fields of design, architecture and fashion, the company says. The decisions "draw on a variety of cultural influences such as fine art and technology, as well as social and economic trends."

Pantone: Emerald

The New Jersey-based company, which bills itself as "the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries," is seeing green for 2013. (Last year, the choice was Tangerine Tango.)

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature—the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

"Green is the most abundant hue in nature," representing "growth, renewal and prosperity," says Pantone.

“As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

Emerald is also the "color of growth, renewal and prosperity," says Pantone. "For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity."

Sherwin-Williams: Aloe

Sherwin-Williams' Aloe boasts "a hint of mint and lots of moxie," the company says.

“This is no ordinary pastel," says Jackie Jordan, Sherwin–Williams director of color marketing. "Aloe is funky and glamorous, demure and free-spirited."

Aloe is "midcentury meets 21st century," according to Sherwin-Williams.

Aloe is one of 40 colors that make up the company's four-palette 2013 color forecast, which is developed by its color experts.

"While Aloe’s vibe can verge on retro, when paired with caviar blacks, crisp whites or soft grays, suddenly Aloe has a new soul and attitude," says Jordan. "And Aloe is highly adaptable, making it a perfect pick for everyday spaces such as a breezy sunroom or a well-dressed living room.”

For a tranquil aesthetic, Jordan recommends coupling Aloe with natural textiles, aged metals or warm wood tones in light to medium finishes. For a more energetic look, Jordan suggests combining Aloe with vintage chartreuse, floral lilacs and vivid corals.

Benjamin Moore: Lemon Sorbet

Benjamin Moore calls its color of the year "the perfect transitional color between the mid-tones and saturated colors seen in today's home furnishings and the softer, lighter pastels which are emerging for 2013."

Benjamin Moore says Lemon Sorbet is "uplifting without being overpowering."

The company adds, "This beautiful yellow harmonizes with other trending pastels in the mint, coral, pink, blue, and vanilla families. Uplifting without being overpowering, lemon sorbet (2019-60) complements almost any color palette and provides a unifying element for diverse spaces."

Videos by Benjamin Moore senior interior designer Sonu Mathew, ASID, IIDA, offer style suggestions for decorating with Lemon Sorbet.

And Then There's....