Paint Color Trends

Wondering about the hot paint colrurs for next year'? Wonder no more. The 20 l2 paint palerre will draw hcavily upon natural colors fiom the American landscape, accctrding to Dcbbic Zimmer. color erpcrt ut thc Paint Quality Insrirute.

"Native plants and flowcrs. oceans and lakes, and rocks and mincrals arc thc sources of inspiration for the paint colurs that will bc'in'next year." Zirnmer says. "If you're thinking about rcpainting your home interior. look to the grcat American outdoors."

Here are some highlights:

Blue, the .Iewel of the Sea Blues gained popularity in 20 I I and continue to be red hot in 20 I2. "From sparkling sca--{lass blue tc'l colonial blue-gray, blues are suitablc fbr all livin-g spaces. beins a naturally s<lothing color that is loved-in one itcration or another-by almost cveryone," silys Zimmer.

Green, From Farm to Forest Greens. ranging from celery and asparagus to fir and f'ern. allow homeowners to bring the comforting l'celings of the world outside into the world within. According to Zimrner. dining rooms and kitchens are thc "natural" spots tbr in voguc greens. but the hue is also at home in farnily rooms ancl bedlooms.

Violet, Majestic Purple Mountains

"A harrnonious combination of patriotic blue and red hucs, violet can add 'punch' to any room when used as an accent color, or scrve as the dominant color in a bedroom." says Zimrner.

But natural hues aren't thc only ncws fbr 2012. Zimmer predicts that thrce paint and decorating trends will gain prominence next year:

Patterns

In 20 12. pattcrned paint will take center stage, with increased intercst in hound's-tooth finishes, lacy designs, and bold color blocking tcchniques. "ln somc cascs. pattern will be the muin dccoruting ll'ilture in a roorn: in others. it will provide a subtle, textured backdrop for fine furnishings and artwork," says Zimmer.

Black and White

Thc classic combination of blae^k and white isn't.just fbr Cape Cods any rnore. You'll see much more of it in all sorts of settings, fiom contemporary apartments to historic homes,

Draw on Outdoors

slys Zinrmer. "Thc pairing is a great way to freshen an intericlr with something smart and stylish." she says.

Exterior Paint Combinations

On thc home exterior. shutters colors will begin to shift away from rhe traditional look of h i-uh-contrast green, red. clr black to a rnore monochromatic palette. "You'll see morc shutters that are painted -just a shadc clarker than the siding," says Zimmer. "Owncrs of homes with stone cxteri- ors can gct in on things by matching the shutter color to the dorninant color of the stone."

Dcspite al I the ncw colors and trends, Zimmer says sonte thin-es in the paint world will rcmain the samc in 2012: "Top quality 100% acrylic latcx paint will continue to providt: thc best perforntance ancl thc best value to budget-conscious homeowners." she says.

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