Color Trends
“Green” is all the buzz right now. It is driving everything from the food people eat and the cars being purchased to the colors chosen for the home. The newest color trend in 2007 seems to be following right along with the mainstreaming of environmentalism. Earth-toned neutrals have come and gone for decades but are making their reappearance in the form of stronger, bolder neutrals than ever before. Today’s neutrals are different because they contain richer tones and more complex and mixed colors.
Warm tones are combined with cool, and natural materials are being blended to provide texture and depth. These new colors, commonly referred to as “natural neutrals,” range from medium to dark browns, beiges, tans and grays that reflect the colors of earth, stone and rock. The browns are influenced by materials such as leather, exotic wood, roasted coffee, and certain types of metal. Some of the newest browns contain traces of reds and purples. Green tones have also become quite trendy in the past few years, though the range of tones seems to change each year. Last year, citrus green was most trendy, while this year, sage and “jungle brights” seem to be gaining popularity.
Choose carefully when deciding to change the color of your rooms. Color is a valuable tool that aids in completely changing the feel of a room. Color can greatly impact both the size and shape of any room. Cool and light colors can create a dramatic feeling of spaciousness, while warm color or dark tones can both shrink and shorten the feel of a room. Keep in mind that it’s always important to paint a small area on your wall before you commit yourself to it, as both natural and artificial light can really change a color.