Colorful Expressions

The hottest hues and coolest colors in home interiors

Story by Randi Jo Gause

From the psychedelic hues of the 60s, to the earthy tones of 70s, to the neon shades of the 80s – whether we end up regretting them or not, color trends are much like the shades of our personalities. They evolve and shift in response to the world around us.

“What’s happening in the world reflects the colors that come to the surface,” explains Karolyn Spagnolo, a national color and design consultant for PPG Pittsburgh Paints.

It’s no wonder, then, that emerging home interior color trends for 2011 gain their inspiration from elements of the past, while embracing the need for reinvention in the future. Global economic recession, environmental awareness and social media have each driven consumers’ recent demand for two things. First, a need for safety, protection, authenticity and alternative energies.

“When the economy is low like it is now, the colors are more muted and the trends last longer,” Spagnolo explains, “and when the economy is higher, trends shift more quickly with more positive, punchy colors.”

Second is a desire for individualism and self-expression.

“Especially in today’s economy, interior designers are a luxury. This is the year of empowering people to chose colors themselves and create a room reflecting their color personality,” says Spagnolo.

Each year, paint companies assess consumer demands and major events to forecast the most popular color trends for home interior design. The hottest colors emerging for 2011 offer a blast from the past – with a twist.

Back to Basics

As consumers embrace the philosophy of “less is more,” they gravitate towards colors fulfilling the need for comfort and safety in the midst of an unpredictable world. Dusky and muted beiges and grays embody practicality, conservativeness and nostalgia.

Neutral hues have always remained a constant staple of home décor for their ability to blend seamlessly with any color, and for enhancing home resale value, but soft grays are quickly replacing the traditional beiges and creams.

“The new neutral is gray – not the flat gray of days gone by, but rich in tones that feel warm and organic,” explains Cheryl Murphy, owner of Hot Elements. “Gray walls complement a variety of colors, and gains interest from metallic and pearlescent accents. 

Neutral palettes are complemented by organic colors and textures, such as pale woods or natural fibers, like linen and hemp.

Passport to Color

Embracing cultures across the world has given way to an eclectic medley of color. Gaining popularity are saturated shades of rusty oranges and vibrant fuchsia, paired with earthy, fudge browns and yellow-greens that offer a mysterious and exotic vibe.

Orange is heralded as the new “it” color of 2011 by interior designers across the board, with its hues ranging from earthy and rich, to hot and vibrant.

“Oranges are exciting, sophisticated, and add energy to a room,” says Linda Amedy, owner of Elemental Design. “They can instill warmth and can be fun or elegant, depending on the shade.”

Fuchsias are also similarly reveled for their ability to exude passion, and are known to stimulate energy and encourage action. “Pink, which is gaining momentum these days, won't stop at the bedroom,” adds Murphy. “It is becoming part of the modern girl's living room and kitchen – from cabinetry to appliances.”

These vibrant shades can be offset by rich, dark-grained woods, earth-toned leather, animal prints and intricate fabric patterns.

Understated Elegance

Timeless, classic color palettes are seen increasingly as a longing for simpler times. Anchored by sea foam blue-greens and deep bronze-golds, elegant hues are adding rhythm to neutrals.

“What we will be seeing more of is a very pale version of turquoise called sea foam,” Murphy reinforces. “It is teaming up with rich golds and warm creams, and is accompanied with mixed metal accessories and fine antique furniture.”

The marriage of blue and green hues makes for a serene combination, as both colors inspire tranquility, relaxation, and can even reduce anxiety.

“Blue is still the number one color that people gravitate to for its calming qualities,” Spagnolo notes. “And green is second only to blue.”

Precious metals, mirrored surfaces, shimmering silks and refined furniture complement the refined elegance of these colors.

Blinding Optimism

For those unabashed to make a bold statement, optimistic and playful colors are gaining momentum in the home décor scene as well.

“High energy yellows and pure whites combine with grays and a sleek black to create a fun loving style reminiscent of Palm Springs circa 1950,” describes Murphy. 

Commonly identified as the symbol of happiness, yellow is lesser known for its ability to promote digestion, making it an ideal choice for kitchens and dining rooms.

Red, with mixed messages in passion and aggression, is also being seen accented by black and white.

Invigorating hues are empowered even more when paired with geometric forms, quirky shapes, transparent furniture, lacquer and high-gloss objects.

Geometry of Color

Choosing the right color combination is just the first step in creating a room filled with your color personality. Maintaining balance and symmetry is an art that interior designers have perfected by using a simple rule of thumb; the 60/30/10 percent rule.

“A room is not about one color, but about five different colors and textures,” Spagnolo elaborates.

To maintain proportion among your chosen color palette, make sure 60 percent of your room is comprised of the dominant color of the room, which can be displayed through wall paint or flooring. The next 30 percent includes the secondary color, which often includes major pieces of furniture, window treatments, or ceiling color. The remaining 10 percent consists of three additional complementary colors, which are applied to small accessory features like throw pillows, artwork, or flowers.

“Accessories and artwork are the best ways to add color without too much commitment…you can change the entire color palette just by replacing those items,” explains Amedy.

Another color design strategy for painting large, open rooms so familiar to Alaskans? ”Use the wall connecting all of those spaces as the wall of focus, or the ‘punch wall,’ by painting it a darker or more vivid shade and painting the remaining walls neutral,” Spagnolo suggests.

Finally, painting your ceiling 20 percent of the intensity of your wall color will enhance the openness of the room. When entering a space, the first area the eyes are automatically drawn to is the ceiling.

“Ceilings end up taking over if you don’t do anything to them. It is wasted space,” Spagnolo says.

While color trends are driven by market and consumer demands, your home’s color palette should be dictated by your unique color personality. “Let your home be, above all else, a reflection of you,” Murphy says.