Back to basics trend comes alive in latest paint colours

Colour Trends for 2011

(NC)—According to colour experts, the year ahead in home décor will see a movement towards choosing more heart–warming and nurturing colours to celebrate the simplicity and beauty of everyday life.

“From timeless denim blues and earthy clay and wood tones, to leafy greens, strawberry reds, sunny yellows and airy pastels, the 2011–2012 paint palette is dominated by warm, homey and comforting colours — a reflection of the public mood,” says Dominique Pépin, Marketing Manager for Sico Paints and a Chairholder of the international colour forecaster Color Marketing Group.

She added that in a society of endless choices where we 'have it all,' people are increasingly longing to return back to basics, to a simpler life, and this is being reflected in the colours they are choosing for their home décors. “As a result, in the coming year, we'll see a move away from the once–popular opulent dark tones towards colours that are charming, human and have more nature and nurturing qualities than in the past.”

According to Sico's international team of colour experts, the 2011–2012 palette will be divided into three colour grouping themes defined as Inviting, Authentic and Dazzling, with each reflecting this prevailing mood and attitude in society.

“The Inviting theme celebrates the beauty, contentment and simplicity of everyday life,” explained Pépin. This palette features colours, such as Sico's Slightly Sour (6097–42) sunny yellow, Amazing White (6214–21) and Lunar Month (6009–21) blue, that are perfect reflections of our increasing desire to return to a more relaxed, meaningful and informal lifestyle.

Consumers looking to emanate the timeless beauty of the natural world in their home decor will be drawn to the new “Authentic” theme colour grouping, Pépin predicted. “Demonstrating a growing appreciation among the public for the earth, its materials and creativity, this grouping features timber, clay, earth and denim tones enlivened by a dash of inspiring yellow, as reflected in our Seashore Pebble (6230–31) sand.”

Other popular Sico colours in this group include Avocado Soufflé (6104–21) cream, Galley (6171–41) blue, Cloak (6232–83) brown and Apple Cider Vinegar (6097–32) yellow. Used on their own or perfectly paired together, these soothing shades deliver a desired relaxed, harmonious and peaceful feel in the home.

The “Dazzling” theme features fun and imaginative colours delivered in an energetic expression of simplicity. “Charming, fun and slightly childlike, this palette is refreshingly simple, yet brings back a sense of poetry and pleasure into our lives and a smile to our faces with fun colours such as Pastis (6121–42) lime green, Red Candy (6051–52) hot pink, Lemon Tart (6098–42) brilliant yellow and Splashdown (6150–42) turquoise.” Pépin added. More information on the latest colour trends is available at www.sico.ca.

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2011 Paint Color Trends: Affordable Remodeling Drives New Paint Palette

Individual style, mixed with budget-conscious decorating, will drive 2011 paint color trends, according to Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert at the Paint Quality Institute.

"There's no escaping the state of the economy, even for homeowners who want to beautify their homes," says Zimmer. "Rather than diving into large-scale renovation projects, in the coming year, consumers will search for inexpensive ways to freshen and update their homes. Many will conclude that painting is the perfect solution."

By incorporating a few new paint colors, either as accent walls or throughout a room, consumers will be able to enhance their living spaces economically with paint, she says.

Zimmer shares three likely color directions for 2011:

Back to Basics

"Homeowners seeking comfortable and serene spaces will gravitate toward a range of casual neutral and pastel hues to create warm and inviting spaces," she says.

According to Zimmer, "Neutrals provide versatility and allow homeowners to quickly change the look of a room just by adding a few new accessories, without spending time and money to remodel or repaint again. This is the ultimate in practical remodeling, and the time is ripe for it."

Warm whites, tawny tans, "barely-there" coral, and green are some of the colors that will find their way into countless kitchens, bedrooms, and baths, she predicts.

"Well Worn" Hues

Like a pair of favorite jeans, blue will grow in popularity as not just a wall color, but also as a ceiling choice, says Zimmer. "Well Worn Hues" are represented by blues across the spectrum, from denim dark to blue-grey.

"Since most blues tend to be calming colors, this hue helps to create a perfect retreat from many of life's stresses," says Zimmer. "As a secondary or complementary hue, yellow or yellow-green adds a bit of 'spunk' when used in family spaces," she says.

According to Zimmer, the Well Worn Hues can be used virtually anywhere in a home.

Shimmer and Shine

For thrifty consumers looking for a bit of sparkle, higher paint sheens and metallic finishes are on the radar for 2011, says Zimmer.

"Don't be surprised if you see spaces such as hallways and living areas painted top-to-bottom in a very glossy hue. More gloss means more reflectivity which means more light. Gloss can subtly create a brighter, more upbeat mood in a home. At the same time, it adds style and pizzazz," she says.

According to Zimmer, dining rooms and master bedroom and bath spaces are the perfect areas for this sophisticated choice.

Coupled with the "high shine" trend, gold will return as both an in-demand paint hue and a key metallic choice, she adds.

"Paint color is a homeowner's most versatile decorating tool," says Zimmer. "You can use it to change the appearance of a room, the perception of its size, and even how warm or cool it feels, through the simple use of paint color."

For more information on color and decorating, or to download the Paint Quality Institute's free app, visit www.paintquality.com. 

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