<<from previous page

colors in home décor. The latest clear, true blues are being used throughout the house, both as an accent color and as a color scheme anchor. Blue ’s popularity is extending to other colors as well, particularly with the emerging popularity of blue-based greens. The most modern greens take their inspiration from moss, pine and the lush vegetation of the rainforest. Just as in nature, nothing looks more refreshing than a muted landscape punctuated with an unexpected burst of color. Deep, dark chocolate brown, a popular color in recent seasons, will continue to factor into the earth tone palette. However, lighter tints such as beige, tan and other desert-toned hues offer a fresher take on the trend. ”

Black is Back

Karl Lohnes, interior designer and TV host, offers insight into why he says classic black is back in style. The new black is less shiny and more traditional and is more prevalent in room accessories as opposed to large pieces of furniture.  “Wood will be stained black; anything that was gilded before will be painted a matte, flat black, ” says Lohnes. “And, slick, shiny black granite countertops will be honed for a matte, tactile soapstone look. ”  

Black decorative items have numerous benefits. “Black furnishings and accessories help add a bold look to any room,” notes Lohnes. “Further, black elements help balance other strong colors used in a room.”

What other color trends are coming down the pike? “Foggy blue/grey and pale golden blond will be big hits with decorators next spring. Look for it in bedding, window fashions, wall color and upholstered furniture, ” Lohnes says.

Expect the Unexpected

Sico Color representatives say consumers should expect the unexpected in paint color trends over the next two years. To stay ahead of home d écor trends, mix rather than match the colors in rooms. Unexpected color combinations will surface everywhere in home d écor—on walls, furniture and accessories. Topping the list of Sico’s most popular paint color combos for 2010 are: vibrant, saturated greens, blues or yellows mixed with dark, industrial tones; soft florals merged with deeper lively colors; rich green and yellow botanical hues combined with jeweled tones; and chalky whites and muted shades offset by strong purples and dark slate.

Painting a Shared Kids’ Room

Sonu Mathew, a Benjamin Moore Paints senior interior designer, says, “Allowing a child to choose his or her own room color is an experience that helps foster individuality while nurturing creative expression. ”

In a sibling-share situation, there’s always a middle ground when meeting color preferences of each child. For instance, if beds are placed side by side,  children can choose their own color for the wall nearest their bed. Another solution is to create a great divide with each side of the room painted in a different hue. And don ’t worry if the colors aren’t compatible. An unexpected color combination actually works to define each child ’s personal space. “Remember, one of the beauties of decorating with paint is that it’s so easy to change out as kids grow and their tastes evolve,” said Mathew.

New Hues

“Over the course of the past decade, consumers have shown a desire to bring new hues into their living space, ” says Zimmer. “They’re so much more color confident today, especially since they’ve had the opportunity to visualize color through examples on home improvement shows, magazines and radio shows. ” Three trends that Zimmer sees include:

•Back to Nature – Consumer interests in green building and earth-friendly living have found an outlet in natural tones reflecting the world outdoors. Yellows and blues, leaf-like greens and organic browns all star in 2010.

•Comfort Colors – Stress-free shades that wrap a room in warmth continue to be popular. To create a welcoming refuge from the rough-and-tumble world, choose colors that sound as delicious as they look, including pumpkin orange, cinnamon apple pie, cocoa brown, and biscuit and wheat neutrals.

•Stark Contrast – This palette pairs sophisticated black and white with such dramatic tones as deep plums and clean, clear reds. In addition to color, Zimmer recommends using texture to add interest and style to a room. One approach is incorporating different paint sheen levels to lend translucency and a glass-like quality to surfaces, including unexpected and dramatic applications on ceilings.

Six new palettes reflecting the mosaic theme are being offered by Pantone: Molecular – deep dark colors; Macrobiotics – dehydrated and preserved greens; Mimetic – bits and touches of colors that form an organized whole image; Deconstructing / Reconstructing –

Kelly-Moore Paint Company has launched a color palette specific to six western architectural styles. The “Historic Lifestyles of the West” palette features historically accurate and modern regional color adaptations that bring an authentic flavor to both modern and historic homes. Architectural styles, spanning 110 years, are Victorian, English Revival, Spanish Revival, Arts & Crafts, Jazz Age and Retro.

Kelly-Moore color stylist Mary Lawlor’s favorite colors from each period are: Victorian (1850-1900) – a dark, deep green and a warming, exotic rust; English Revival (1890-1950) – true chocolate brown and dusty pink; Spanish Revival (1890-1940) – moss blue and cream; Arts & Crafts (1910-1940) – warm charcoal and a lively yellow; Jazz Age (1915-1940) – neutral gold with antique influences—a perfect complement to purples, spruce greens and teals and a “performance” red; Retro (1930-1960) – classic cherry red that shouts and an earthy, optimistic orange.

From Benjamin Moore comes four global trends that predict important color directions for the future. Elegance and luxury have been replaced with sensibility and cultural awareness. A respect for nature is deep within the emerging color trends. Natural Purity – the softest whites to the darkest grays with a faint whisper of green blue and beige; Organic Village – mid-tone brown encompassing yellow-toned greens as well as rich soil brown. Rattan and shadow blue compose the neutral colors. Precious metals of copper and bronze express the earthen elements. Nocturnal Habitat – green, orange, red and blue influenced by night fall’s deep rich tones that are not bold but serene. Global Oneness – dramatic colors that announce “Look at me!” range from mango orange to regal purple and aqua blue to deep lime green. Shimmery elements of gold and silver are the rich companions. Deep metallics share the stage with black and desert rose.