Houston Lifestyles and Homes magazine Aug 2009: Paint, Color Trends, Design

By Christie Craig

Few home decorating projects have the power to transform a living space from drab to fabulous the way a fresh coat of paint on our walls can. But far too often, we let our furnishings define our personal style and simply go with a tried-and-true neutral for our walls, rather than experimenting with a more exciting shade. While neutrals are fine, the color palette for our interior walls has changed dramatically over the past few years.

To find out about the latest color trends available, we turned to the experts.

The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI) has been helping consumers, retailers and contractors by offering insight into color trends and innovative methods of using paint since its inception in 1989. According to PQI, this year ’s color style draws inspiration from both nature and
nurture.

“Key drivers for 2009 color choice include aspirations to create a comfortable, tranquil home environment coupled with a return to authentic and sustainable materials, ” says Debbie Zimmer, director of PQI communications and media relations in North America.

Achieving tranquility and being eco-friendly sound great, but what if we’re in the mood for something a bit more exotic for our paint choices?

No problem, says Zimmer of the PQI, who adds that lively color use and bold patterns will also find their place as an alternative to more sedate living areas.

Colors To Reflect Our Lifestyle

So, what are the hot new color trends in paint for

2009? They range from the menswear-inspired greys, navy blues, browns and black to the eco-conscious dusty purples, deep blues, bronze metallics and rosy reds found in an ever-changing sky palette. Continuing the trend toward authentic colors are the sunny hues found in a local farmers ’ market, such as citrus green, mango, apple red, lemon yellow and pumpkin orange.

In short, there is a color and shade likely to please everyone’s particular taste and personal lifestyle.

But colors that instill a sense of comfort and well-being definitely top the list of the hottest new trends.

“There’s clearly a trend for homes to be simpler, pared down and offer relief from the pressures and anxieties of the outside world, ” explains Eileen McComb, director of communications for Benjamin Moore. “And, of course, paint is the perfect solution for simplifying a decorating makeover. Not only is a new coat of color able to provide quick and uplifting results, it ’s one of the most economical ways to refresh and redecorate.”

Benjamin Moore’s vision is reflected in the 18 shades in their new Colors for Your Home Collection, which takes its cues from nature. Two of their hottest new colors are Blue Nose 1678, which is a sophisticated blue with a touch of gray, and Sea Haze 2137-50, a grey with a tinge of brown. Also of note is a gorgeous neutral called Vellum 207, which fuses a muted yellow with the color of wheat.

By contrast, Sherwin-Williams features 24 hues across four new

color trends in their Lifestyles Collection. Techno-Color presents new fiber technologies such as soya and casein along with recycled cotton and wool fibers. New colors in Techno-Color include Gauntlet Gray SW 7019, Zany Pink SW 6858 and Zircon SW 7667, which is probably best described as pale silver. Sherwin-Williams ’ Global Tapestry heats things up by bringing a Latin American influence in shades such as Enticing Red SW 6600 and Umber SW 6146.

To spice things up even more, have fun with colors by opting to go with a blocking pattern of different shades in a variety of different sized block patterns on a wall, or by choosing horizontal stripes of varying hues and sizes. Such techniques can add a touch of whimsy to a small space.

The key, of course, is finding the right color and paint application technique that suits your personal taste and individual style. A quick trip to the local paint store, or even some time spent surfing the Internet can offer a homeowner ideas on different techniques or colors.

“People are seeking to put their own style signature on their homes,” explains McComb of Benjamin Moore. “They value the opportunity to customize and individualize a look.” And with paint being inexpensive, it allows homeowners the opportunity to let their creative side come out and play.