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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Five Easy Ways to Add a Touch of Spring to Your Home Decor

The arrival of spring has long been celebrated by people of every faith and from every corner of the globe as a time to say farewell to the cold and gray of winter and to welcome the return of warmth and color and the beginnings of new life.

While spring is breathing new life into the outdoors, it's also a perfect time to add a little seasonal oomph to your indoor environment. Here is an assortment of tips for brightening your home in celebration of spring.

* Change is in the air. Spring is a perfect time to bring the outdoors in. Spring flowers, arranged either in one large bunch or in several mini-bouquets placed in nooks throughout the house are not only a visual treat, but emit refreshing springtime scents.

* Brighten up. Adding seasonal touches to your home can be as easy as painting a piece of furniture, a single wall or the trim in the sunniest room in your home. The best colors for spring are light, clean, refreshing, and natural as opposed to either pale pastels or deep, color-drenched hues. Consider paint colors inspired by nature, such as shamrock, violet, slate and goldenrod.

* Lighten up. It's hard to imagine that spring has sprung in a room decked out in velvet or other heavy fabrics. Warm days and spring breezes call out for sheer or lightweight curtains, slipcovers in natural solid-colored or floral fabrics, and decorative pillows that bring splashes of color into the room. It's not necessary to replace all of the fabrics in a room to usher in a new season. Sometimes simply changing out pillows and removing warm winter throws is enough.

* Floor it. Don't forget to give your floors a spring facelift as well. Substitute lighter cotton, sisal, jute or seagrass rugs in natural shades for the heavy wool rugs that feel so right when the weather turns cold. (Spring and summer are also perfect times to have wool rugs cleaned and/or repaired.)

* Re-view. Shifting the arrangement of the furniture and decorative pieces in a room can have a major impact on its look and feel. During the cold winter months, it may be comforting to be nestled in a chair that faces a fireplace. But once the weather warms up and the flowers begin to bloom, the best view in the house might well be out the window. Invite spring into your home with a furniture arrangement that is oriented toward a window or other source of natural light. Then sit down and enjoy the view.

Tags: spring home decor painting

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