Can't get enough of color trends and how-to tips? Ann McGuire, color consultant for Valspar Paints and Coatings and founder of Beehive Studios, shared her favorite picks as well as some great suggestions for bringing them into your home. Read on for her report.
Color Trends for the New Year
As we look to color as an inexpensive and easy way to create comfort and happiness in our homes during a dreary economy, it will become ever more prominent in our home décor this year.
Purple is hot. The Color Marketing Group claims that purple is the must-have color of 2009. We saw it come out of its hiding place during last spring's runway shows and fall's fashion trends, and it's been showing up everywhere since. There is a range of purple shades, from soft, sophisticated grayish-lilac to rich, delicious plums. When working with purples, try pairing them with silvers and warm off-whites that have a touch of gray in them—this will provide a sense of balance and freshness while letting the purple be the star.
Blue is the new "green." The environmental message that we have all embraced was traditionally represented with greens, but it now includes blues as well. We will see ocean blues and royal blues roll out this spring. Try letting these strong blues play against warm, creamy whites or sandy colors to mimic a day at the beach.
Neutrals will be more complex with cooler, grayer undertones. Colors like oat bran and taupe make the perfect backdrop for stronger, richer, more saturated colors.
Global influence becomes stronger. Clean, clear reds, oranges, yellows and teals once seemed exotic, but they are now becoming commonplace. When working with such strong colors, keep in mind the overall effect. Sometimes it's great to really go for it and saturate your room with these vibrant colors, while other times it's perfect to let them sparkle as accents, like jewels in a gorgeous piece of jewelry. These colors can really deliver the sense of joy we so badly need right now.
Mauve makes a comeback. Maybe enough time has elapsed since we last saw it in its '80s profusion. It's a warm, soft and gently sophisticated color, and when you combine it with other complex colors, it can be quite elegant. Try it with a warm, grayish-white and chocolate-brown for an updated arrangement.
Post your questions for Ann and weigh in on your favorite colors.
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