COLOR TRENDS for 2012

What the experts are saying:

• Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute “ Paint Hues Drawn from the American Landscape”

Blue, the Jewel of the Sea: Blues gained popularity in 2011 and continue to be hot in 2012. “ From sparkling sea glass blue to colonial blue-grey, blue are suitable for all living spaces, being a naturally soothing color that is loved - in one iteration or another - by almost everyone,” says Zimmer.

Green, from Farm to Forest: Greens, ranging from celery and asparagus to fir and fern, allow homeowners to bring the comforting feelings of the world out side into the world within. According to Zimmer, dining rooms and kitchens are the “natural” spots for in vogue greens, but the hue is also at home in family rooms and bedrooms.

Violet, Majestic Purple Mountains: “ A harmonious combination of patriotic blue and red hues, violet can add ‘punch’ to any room when uses as an accent color, or service as the dominant color in a bedroom,” says Zimmer.

• Benjamin Moore states: Live Colorfully
  "Color awakens the senses and elevates your point of view. We've searched the world, exploring the latest trends, to bring you a collection of inspired palettes that offer a fresh perspective on your personal style. These four select color groups will bring life to any home and transform the ordinary into the sublime."
  

Earth & Sky: Nature's hues unite for a style-savvy palette that transcends organic roots - sharkskin(2139-30), fresh olive(2149-30), battenberg(AF-70), storm cloud gray(2140-40), wythe blue(HC-143)

Eclectic Elegance: This diverse palette offers a clean, tailored look that works well with any decor - stardust(2108-40), gypsy love(2085-30), white dove(OC-17), nimbus gray(2131-50), nimbus gray(2131-50)

Spiced Life: A palette of well-seasoned hues that offer a refined perspective - french press(AF-170), revere pewter(HC-172), persimmon(2088-40), refined(AF-75), amethyst shadow(1441)

Sense & Sensibility: Timeless colors that make an established home feel contemporary and a new one a little more worldly - ballet white(OC-9), masada(AF-220), dunmore cream(HC-29), pashmina(AF-100), montpelier(AF-555)

• Dulux Colour: "Explore these six new palettes to reinvigorate your home and create your own stylish schemes."

Immerse: Blues are dominant in fashion and are now evolving into the home.Play with these tonal colours to achieve your perfect domain and create some ocean-inspired colour schemes. Mix darker and lighter blues with translucent and textured accessories to transform your room into a fresh and energising space.

Re-Set: 'Re-set' realigns our current outlook and desires on less, not more.Simplicity is the new backdrop using classic whites, beiges, silver greys and charcoals.For the quintessential elegant scheme these whites will accentuate natural light and provide a sense of space.

Carnivale: Let's have some fun with bold colour!Colour can intensify our lives and add drama and excitement to any room. It's time to be adventurous!A heightened focus on colour can create an impression of opulence and luxury. Balance these bolder hues with white, beige or natural stone.

Nuture: We embrace the combination of yellow and green as we observe them in nature. Therefore, we see these citrus colours easily translating into fashion and interiors. Introducing green or yellow-greens into your home can create a feeling of calmness and tranquillity.

Time-Honored: Antique and vintage goods have enjoyed a revival in the past year signifying our return to things which endure. These warm hues can create a feeling of nostalgia and are reminiscent of times past.

Raw: Natural beauty is a style we're starting to celebrate much more. 'Raw' symbolises colours inspired by untreated woods and rusted earthy tones. Create neutral schemes using stone or taupe, soft greys, organic rust and brushed hues.

• My thoughts on color trends in Interior Design?

Color is far too powerful of a tool to allow a trend to make your decision! Exposure to new palettes is always exciting and can help define your color likes as well as dislikes.

Look for future blogs on the many aspects of color use in Interior Design.

Check out this smart phone app: http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/paint_colors/paint_color_palette/colorsnap/

Colorsnap by Sherwin Williams is one of the most popular interior design apps, not only can you capture a color using your camera phone and match it to one of 1,500 Sherwin Williams paint colors, you can also fine tune color selections using lightness, brightness and saturation options, search for complementary colors, create a custom palette, and save and share palettes.