by Mike Morris, editor
Choosing a paint color you’ll love for years can be a daunting task. With so many colors to choose from, it’s easy to just play it safe and go with a standard white or off-white.
Or, you can give your home a fresh look by choosing a trendy new color from the Paint Quality Institute’s hot paint colors for 2012.
“Native plants and flowers, oceans and lakes, and rocks and minerals are the sources of inspiration for the paint colors that will be ‘in’ next year,” says Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. “If you’re thinking about repainting your home interior, look to the great American outdoors.”
Here are some of Zimmer’s suggestions:
Blue is red hot. Blues were popular in 2011 and they’ll continue to be a hot color in 2012.
“From sparkling sea-glass blue to colonial blue-grey, blues are suitable for all living spaces, being a naturally soothing color that is loved — in one iteration or another — by almost everyone,” says Zimmer.
Go green. Greens ranging from all across the palette will be popular, as homeowners try to bring the comfort of Mother Nature into their homes. Dining rooms and kitchens are likely spots for green to pop up, according to Zimmer, as well as bedrooms and family rooms.
Violet will grow on you. We’re not talking Barney purple here. Zimmer suggests the warmth of violet can be used in any number of ways to add some zing to a room.
“A harmonious combination of patriotic blue and red hues, violet can add ‘punch’ to any room when used as an accent color, or serve as the dominant color in a bedroom,” says Zimmer.
Pick a pattern? Patterned paint will be prominent in the New Year, including hound’s-tooth finishes, lacy patterns and color blocking techniques.
“In some cases, pattern will be the main decorating feature in a room; in others, it will provide a subtle, textured backdrop for fine furnishings and artwork,” says Zimmer.
Classic black and white. The timeless contrast of black and white will make a comeback in 2012. Zimmer said you’re likely to see this combination used in a wide range of settings, from contemporary apartments to historic homes.
“The pairing is a great way to freshen an interior with something smart and stylish,” he added.
The great outdoors. On the exterior, shutter colors are expected to shift away from the traditional look of high-contrast red, black or green to a more monochromatic low-contrast approach.
“You’ll see more shutters that are painted just a shade darker than the siding,” says Zimmer. “Owners of homes with stone exteriors can get in on things by matching the shutter color to the dominant color of the stone.”
Information provided by the Paint Quality Institute.
