It takes a lot to make a paint color one of the most popular paint colors of all time—not every shade can be a Swiss Coffee or Pink Ground, after all. As Country Living’s Senior Homes & Style Editor, I am always on the hunt for what’s trending in the color world, so when I received an email from storied paint company Sherwin-Williams with data on their least popular paint color, I was intrigued. For the second year in a row, Sherwin-Williams is announcing their “Loneliest Color of the Year.” This year’s winner is Radiant Lilac. Throughout 2024, Radiant Lilac was Sherwin-Williams’ least tinted color. In fact, out of the millions of gallons of paint they create—a process known as tinting—this shade had less than 1,000 gallons tinted. For Some of Our Favorite Paint Colors:A true lilac, this shade is a softer take on the popular muddy plum, which appeared in our 2025 paint trend report after being named a color of the year by both Benjamin Moore and Glidden. “Purple can feel like a bold commitment—it’s not always the first color people reach for, especially if they’re unsure about how to bring it into their space,” says Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden. “Radiant Lilac sits in that in-between space: it’s not a neutral, but it’s not an overwhelming statement either, which can make it feel a little uncertain for some.”As part of the announcement that this soft purple is the company’s least popular shade, Sherwin-Williams teamed up with one of the most popular basketball players in recent years, Paige Bueckers, who was the first pick in the 2025 WNBA draft and won the 2025 NCAA College Basketball Championship with her alma mater, the University of Connecticut. Paige, who now plays for the Dallas Wings, is known for her love of purple and recently wore an iconic Radiant Lilac-colored custom suit created in collaboration with legendary designer Dapper Dan and Sherwin-Williams. Amy Sussman//Getty ImagesWNBA star Paige Bueckers at the 2024 ESPYS in a custom Radiant Lilac-colored suitIf Paige’s love for purple doesn’t have you convinced that the shade is worth trying, its cozy, universally flattering undertones should. “It’s that perfect balance between red and blue, so it feels grounded and calming, yet expressive,” says Sue. If you want to make a statement, use the color to highlight architectural features or statement furniture, Sue advises. She also recommends pairing it with moodier shades such as Roycroft Bronze Green or Rookwood Dark Red. But if you’re in the mood for something lighter, Sue recommends trying Cool Beige or Ice Cube. So, what do you think? Is it time for lilac to make a comeback? For More Paint Colors You’re Sure To Love:Anna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.   #why #most #hated #paint #color