In Living Color
Refresh your home - even tight spaces like closets and hallways - by adding bold paint colors, lively patterns and stark contrasts
Image courtesy istockphoto
The colors that are in vogue this season are the ones that aim to help homeowners reinvigorate their living spaces. Experts say to expect a contrast between colors that create a sense of the tranquil outdoors, mixed with splashes of livelier colors and patterns.
"Many of us are searching for ways to refresh our homes and differentiate in the current economy," says Debbie Zimmer, of the Spring House, Pa.-based Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.
Homeowners have become even more eco-conscious in recent months, and Zimmer says they're starting to turn to the sky for inspiration. For instance, one palette could reflect the shifting sky patterns that include botanical hues representative of sunsets and sunrises.
In a bedroom and bathroom, you could use sandy tans and sea-glass greens to create a soothing seaside environment.
Green continues to be popular, particularly mid-tone hues of fern, palm and pine. They can be combined with sand colors to create an earthy feel. To create contrast, she suggests using bolder colors such as purple that carry a touch of royalty.
Other contrasting colors identified by Rohm and Haas include rich cranberry reds and warm browns, along with pumpkin orange - all of which help to create a nurturing and caring environment. A bold new blue is also appearing in the home and on appliances.
Black and white hues also make for opulent living spaces, Zimmer notes. To punch it up, she says to try adding a dramatic red.
She also suggests giving life to unconventional spaces - such as a closet, hallway or kitchen pantry - by adding bold paint color. For instance, try using a bright, high-gloss hue to brighten up a closet.
Jamie Stephens, executive director of the Color Marketing Group in Alexandria, Va., agrees that "economic extremes lead to color extremes."
Concern for the environment has lead to a more natural vintage look. Sunny yellows, true turquoises and warm oranges, inspired by trends in China and India, give that vintage look a more modern feel.
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