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Deeper colors—including color on the ceiling—will be popular with homeowners in 2006.
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Fashion may be fickle, but it has nothing on the ever-changing world of home décor. "While many of last year's color trends are still enjoying popularity, homeowners are already interested in the latest paint color palettes and new ways to use them," states Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. She provides a heads-up for builders, remodelers and painting contractors:
Exotic Enhancements
"Perhaps the most talked about trend for 2006 is the use of travel-inspired colors to decorate the home," offers Zimmer. "Some consumers are starting to suffer from "bright- color fatigue," and now favor richer, deeper hues that evoke thoughts of far-off destinations. This palette takes inspiration from the rich jewel-tones of Oriental rugs or the vivid sights of a Moroccan market. Key colors include rich red-purples, deep browns and dark yellows, as well as ebony and ivory accents. This dramatic trend works especially well in family or dining rooms, and adds a feeling of warmth and excitement.
Skin-tone Neutrals
The exotic color trend finds its balance in another palette, Skin-tone Neutrals, which includes a wide spectrum of flesh-toned hues. Zimmer adds, "These latest neutrals take their inspiration from the cosmetics counter in both color and purpose." Just as a powder or liquid cosmetic can be used to enhance the skin or serve as a backdrop for brighter colors, so, too, do the new skin-tone paint colors.
Applied on their own, these hues appear particularly fresh when used in an open floor plan. But they also serve as an ideal backdrop for any room where a bolder accent wall is employed.
Mineral, Spirits!
For a client who would like to add color to his or her home but isn't quite ready for the vivid hues of the Exotic Enhancements palette, then Mineral, Spirits! hues may be the best choice. Drawing inspiration from lush forest landscapes, these earth tones have more "pop" and are a bit brighter than in previous years.
Dusty shades of blue and lavender, as well as rosy browns, echo colors found in nature. Because of their softness and their welcoming appearance, they are especially good choices for use in the kitchen and bath.
Soulful Serenity
While the spa-inspired trend of 2005 continues to be a hit with homeowners looking to create relaxing retreats in their own homes, the color schemes are now moving beyond the traditional blue and white. Zimmer adds the following suggestion: "For those who would like to try something new for their bedroom or bathroom sanctuary, consider using true pastels, such as soft pink, pale yellow and misty lavender. These tints offer a fresh twist on the spa concept, while still encouraging a relaxing atmosphere." And since the Serenity color schemes are more diverse, they can even be expanded into family or sitting rooms.
Also on the Horizon
2006 paint trends extend beyond colors and hues. Zimmer forecasts a growing interest in incorporating texture into an interior paint job. "This trend can take many forms, through textured paints and 3-D appliqués, or in more complex ways such as raised techniques using bas-reliefs."
Another trend is rethinking the ceiling as a canvas for color and decorating inspiration. This fifth wall is no longer just the domain for flat white paint.
Today's savvy homeowners are open to bringing them to life with color, decorative techniques and imaginative color schemes.
Finally, the use of higher sheen paints in unconventional areas, such as ceilings and walls, and the incorporation of metallic paint accents to add an unexpected bit of gleam to a room will continue to be popular with those homeowners looking to personalize and enhance their living space.
"Paint color is a homeowner's best decorating tool. You can change the appearance, the perception of size and even the emotional temperature through the simple inclusion of exciting palettes and quality paint," concludes Zimmer.
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