Paint Color Trends Draw on Outdoors

Wondering about the hot paint colors for next year? Wonder no more. The 2012 paint palette will draw heavily upon natural colors from the American landscape, according to Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute.

"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," Zimmer says. "If you're thinking about repainting your home interior, look to the great American outdoors."

Here are some highlights:

Blue, the Jewel of the Sea Blues gained popularity in 2011 and continue to be red hot in 2012. "From sparkling sea-glass blue to colonial blue-gray, 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.

Green. From Farm to Forest Greens, ranging from celery and asparagus to fir and fem, allow homeowners to bring the comforting feelines of the world outside 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 used as an accent color, or serve as the dominant color in a bedroom," says Zimmer.

But natural hues aren't the only news for 2012. Zimmer predicts that three paint and decorating trends will gain prominence next year:

Patterns

In 2012, patterned paint will take center stage, with increased interest in hound's-tooth finishes, lacy designs, and bold 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.

Black and White

The classic combination of black and white isn't just for Cape Cods any more. You'll see much more of it in all sorts of settings, from contemporary apartments to historic homes, says Zimmer. "The pairing is a great way to freshen an interior with something smart and stylish," she says.

Exterior Paint Combinations

On the home exterior, shutters colors will begin to shift away from the traditional look of high-contrast green, red, or black to a more monochromatic palette. "You'll see more shutters that are painted just a shade darker than the siding," says Zimmer. "Owners o[ homes with stone exteriors can get in on things by matching the shutter color to the dominant color of the stone."

Despite all the new colors and trends, Zimmer says some things in the paint world will remain the same in 2012: "Top quality IOOTo acrylic latex paint will continue to provide the best performance and the best value to budget-conscious homeowners," she says.

And, since paints are locally produced, consumers can easily support the growing "Made in America" decorating trend.

ProBuild Alumni Form New Building Products Distributor

Several former ProBuild Holdings executives have started a building materials distribution company called Kodiak Building Partners, basedlike ProBuild-in Denver, Co.

Kodiak plans to invest in building products companies serving new residential, repair and remodeling, and commercial construction markets across the U.S. Kodiak will provide capital and strategic support to allow its operating partners to make decisions locally, reflecting conditions in their individual markets.

"We believe the time is right to acquire assets in this space," said Paul Hylbert, Kodiak c.e.o. and chairman and ProBuild's former c.e.o. "While construction activity in general remains very weak, we believe that this business will recover and are looking to partner with strong management teams to participate in the upturn."

Steve Swinney, formerly vice president of finance at ProBuild, will serve as president and chief operating officer. Brian Cleveringa, Kyle Barker, and Eric Miller, who worked in ProBuild's financial division, will be managing directors.

In July, Kodiak purchased Barton

Supply, a Colorado-based fabricator and distributor of structural and reinforcing steel products and accessories.

Beacon Acquires Fowler & Peth

Beacon Roofing Supply, Peabody, Ma., acquired nineunit roofing distributor Fowler & Peth, Denver, Co.

Founded in 1948, Fowler & Peth has six locations in Colorado, two in Wyoming, and one in Nebraska, with annual sales of approximately $60 million. Co-owners Eric "Ric" Peth and Kurt Peth said the sale will facilitate quicker growth for the company and greater career growth opportunities for employees.

"Fowler & Peth is an industry leader and allows Beacon to expand our presence in the very important Denver market beyond our existing Denver branch and to serve customers in the surrounding states," said Beacon c.e.o. Paul Isabella. "Fowler & Peth is a key component to Beacon's westward expansion plans and will be a gateway to further geographic growth for our company."

Robbers Hit Wisconsin Lumberyard

Hartje Lumber, La Valle, Wi., suffered a Nov 29 robbery.

When police arrived, they discovered that several buildings had been broken into, including one lumber shed with stored trucks and the office and retail sales building.

"While the person or persons were in the office, they did extensive damage while trying to take the safe," said sheriff Chip Meister. He said that a number of power tools were also taken from the business, along with a 2000 GMC truck. The cost of the thefts and damage were estimated to be greater than $10,000, excluding the truck.

New Rule Arrives for Exports to EU

As of Jan. 1, most European Union countries reportedly now require structural lumber sold in those countries to bear a CE mark, reflecting that the product meets the standards outlined in the European structural timber standard, EN 14081-1.

Producers who export structurally graded lumber to Europe will need to have been issued CE grademarks or risk having their products tumed back at the port of entry.

Although the implementation date for the standard had been in flux for some time (it was originally to go into effect in July 2007), the January 2012 implementation date appeared to be a hard deadline for most EU countries (the U.K. deadline is July 2013). At this point, the requirement applies only to structural lumber.

CE marking has been used throughout Europe since 1993 to indicate that products have met legal requirements. In order to attain CE marking capability, producers must subscribe to an approved inspection agency.

Alternative Decking Fasteners

Tiger Deck's hidden deck fasteners can now be used with grooved composite and plastic decking.

The universal design is compatible with most grooved deck boards, for faster installation, consistent space, and freedom from unsightly screws.

T TIGERDECK.COM

(50r 625-174'l

Solar System for Shingles

CertainTeed's Apollo solar system integrates with roof shingles for a clean, seamless appearance in both new and retrofit applications.

Each slim, 12-lb. module has 14 polycrystalline silicon solar cells that absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.

Its lightweight design doesn't require structural reinforcement, yet resists wind uplift.

T CERTAINTEEDSOLAR.COM

(877\ 596-047 |

Recycled Insulation

Applegate's Cotton Armor insulation is made from 85Vo recycled denim and cotton fibers.

The environmentally friendly product is available in three R-values-R-13. R-19. and R-21-that also limit sound transmission.

T MRINSULATE.NET

(8s5) 626-8866

Wood-like Tiles

Mountain Timber glazed porcelain Mediterranea use Dynamic HD imaging the look and appeal of fossilized wood.

Three colors come in 6'x24" and 12' w ith 2" x2" mesh-backed mosaics.

T MEDITERRANEA-USA.COM

(305) 718-5091 tiles from to replicate x24" sizes,

Fine Hardwood Windows

Pinnacle Select windows are crafted with select pine, alder, or Douglas fir by Windsor Windows & Doors.

A thicker sash, wider stiles and rails, and mortise and tenon sash joints distinguish the line. Styles include vented and fixed casements, picture, transom, and awning windows.

T wooDGRAIN.CoM

(800) 452-3801

Versatile Column Wrap

Versatex now offers VersaWrap column cladding in a 4"x6" version.

The matte-finished PVC product reduces field cutting and eliminates mitering for perfectly aligned corners on every column. Friction-fit closures ensure a tight, professional fit over roughsawn structural posts.

I VERSATEX.COM

(724\ 857 -1 rlr

Stunning Steel Siding

The industry's first, fabricated, insulated steel siding panel is the newest offering from Rollex.

Therman Pro is made from 29-gatge galvanized steel with a 4-mil-thick PVC finish and an insulating backer of solid, expanded polystyrene.

The product comes in six colors and three profiles-double 4", double 5", and double 5" Dutch lap-with R-values ranging from 2.20 to 2.63.

I ROLLEX.COM

(800) 251-3300