Home Decorators Emboldened
'The dominant theme is eclectic, rather than one specific trend,' says Peggy Van Allen, Dutch Boy color services manager. 'Consumer choices are driven by individuality and diversity.'
Bold ethnic looks utilizing bright or earthy tones are still popular, as are the soft pastel water-inspired hues. There is some movement toward a warming and softening of tones, but the overall outlook is optimistic.
Almost anything can affect color choices, including current events. Terrorist attacks and recent world events have evoked an outpouring of patriotism, and red, white and blue tones have remained popular over the past few years.
'There is a new emerging need for cheery, hopeful and inspirational colors like pinks, softer reds and yellows,' says Solveig Elios, Dutch Boy color specialist. In fact, many designers are calling yellow the 'new neutral,' replacing the tried-and-true white or beige tones of the past.
Demographic trends show that people are staying in their homes longer, and moving less often. That means they are less worried about resale value, and more willing to try something bold, rather than sticking to a neutral palette.
In addition, many younger consumers who may be decorating their homes for the first time tend to prefer brighter colors. 'It's not uncommon to find the red dining room, the yellow kitchen, the green den, the lavender baby's room -- all throughout the same house,' says Elios. 'Consumers are no longer taking one color and painting the whole house. It's no longer intimidating to choose different colors throughout the house.'
One of the most exciting trends is the pairing of 'muddy' or deep-toned colors with bright happy tones, Elios adds. 'We're seeing pretty botanical, youthful colors such as vibrant lilacs, periwinkles and pale warm greens paired with mineral earthy tones such as gray-browns and gray-blues.' She cites examples such as the fresh clean pink of 'Lover's Lane,' paired with a dusky green called 'Wooden Path,' or the pale green 'Lettuce Leaf,' highlighted by the deep purple of 'Eclectic Plum.'
Decorator-savvy consumers are sparking these unique combinations and diverse styles. With the proliferation of both television programming and magazines devoted to home decorating, the consumer is becoming more and more sophisticated.
'We think of painting as the easiest and least expensive way to decorate,' Elios says. 'Yet consumers are picking up on techniques that create complex layers of color, texturing, and shading. You can create texture on your walls through faux finishing or by using textured paint such as Brushed Suede, Granite or Antique Crackle.'
And these consumers are typically women, often do-it-yourselfers who want to try something new. 'The female consumer has become savvy enough to try faux techniques and bolder colors,' Elios explains.
Consumers realize that their choice of wall color can create a bridge between their furnishings and accessories, as well as an overall mood, Van Allen says. 'Color is very personal and based on personal experiences. And the variety of techniques and color combinations means there is no limit to personal creativity.'