comfort colors Just like the comfort foods we return to when searching for familiarity and simplicity, the comfort color palette provides a pleasant association with uncomplicated times and a respite from our hectic, technology overloaded life. Their warmth envelops us and provides a simple reward and feeling of security.
Biscuit and wheat neutrals, cocoa brown, pumpkin orange and cinnamon apple pie, are just a few of the comfort colors that will wrap your room with warmth and promote a stress free space.
The comfort color palette is an especially good choice for kitchens and family rooms.
back to nature A growing focus on the environment and sustainable products continues to push natural, earthy hues to the forefront. Yellows and blues, leaf like greens, along with organic browns combine to bring the outdoors in. Add translucency and a glass like quality by incorporating varying paint sheen levels. As a subtle accent color, add rust or copper metallics into the scheme.
Bathrooms and bedrooms are perfect places to incorporate the back to nature hues or in rooms where an accent wall is employed.
stark contrast What is black and white and red all over? The 2007 stark contrast palette! With the 2008 Summer Olympics just around the corner and a keen and continuing interest in Asian culture, these and other events have helped to shape this bold and striking group. From clean, clear reds and deep plums to the sophistication of black and white, this color group works both as an accent and as an elegant backdrop for many living spaces. Polished brass metallics complement this scheme.
Dining, living rooms and especially powder rooms will benefit from this bold and spicy palette.
reprinted from an article by the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
future trends modernizing color...
In the ever evolving world of trends, it is important to update and modernize your thinking and to look at color and styling influence through "modern eyes." Even those of the following palettes that are not generally thought of as modern now include more contemporized looks and, most importantly, newly invented color combinations. As ever, home furnishings colors are influenced by leading lifestyles and playstyles, pop culture, international influences, entertainment and social issues, but most of all, the comfort levels that best express individual taste and sensibilities.
classic chic Classic Chic invokes both neoclassic and newly classic...the always in style, tasteful tones and timeless lines that promise lasting value. Gray provides a real presence in both light and deeper tones, while the sister shade of silver and a lustrous champagne add a glamorous sparkle. A mineralized yellow and a sensuous red bring a ripple of excitement to cappuccino brown. A classic palette would not be complete without the ubiquitous yang and yen of black and white, often used with the cappuccino colors.
simply elegant The first palette, titled "Simply Elegant," is a prime example of the marriage of tradition and modern day, the continuing eclectic approach where new technologies, especially in fabrication, finishes and styling adeptly enable (and encourage) the use of unexpected mixes and textures. Color treatments are equally unique in beautiful blends of mahogany and silvered mink, silvery blues, elegant purples and deep bronzed tones set off by the glint of pale gold, frosty almond and copper.
lumens Luminous finishes, shiny or slightly delustered surfaces, and technically correct lighting (both dramatic and low key) all reflect the sleek simplicity of uncluttered lines interspersed with multifaceted hues. Lumens includes the dazzling waterborne blues, jewel like emerald or opaline greens, ultraviolet, vibrant rose, metallic silver, and the piercing clarity of bright white.
melange Flavored by melon, apricot, strawberry and orange, Mélange is an assortment of tantalizing shades guaranteed to stimulate the visual appetite. In addition to the warm fruit flavors, and feeding the need for fresh, vital combinations, there is a toasty tan, a vibrant poppy red, a vivacious yellow, a balancing blue... all well grounded by a rustic khaki.
reprinted from the home & housewares show preview
image shown at top of page..."Segmentation" by Eve St. Germain
special thanks for permission to reprint from...
larson juhl... canadian art prints... winn devon... color marketing group... international housewares association photography by erich mcvey of fuse design
