Individual Flavors Influence Trends
          
Fashion runways have long been the inspirational source for home furnishings and decorating color choices. Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute shares 2008 trendy paint palettes. "Consumers’ increasing color confidence and personal style make any color fashionable for 2008," Zimmer says. "From glass-like blues, botanical greens, dramatic black and white, and whisper soft pink, color directions will drive towards individual self-expression, glamorous living experiences or an increasing awareness of important environmental causes.”

Zimmer’s Top Three Color Palette Choices
for 2008:

Green may just become the newest "neutral" color. Used as a subtle backdrop to reflect an enhanced eco-consciousness and social responsibility, green will be representative of the growing environmental movement. Mid-tone hues of fern, palm, pine and sage will be used on their own or coupled with clear blue or aqua to create a living space that conjures up a sense of outdoor-friendly living. Sandy tan and adobe brown can be intermingled to complete that earthy and eco-friendly feel. While suitable for all areas of the home, these combinations are an especially good choice for bathrooms, kitchens and family living spaces.

Gaining popularity in 2008, black and white paint hues will enhance opulent living spaces filled with accessories, lighting, mirrors and rich fabrics. Silver metallics and high sheen finishes along with rich textures benefit from the sophistication of this striking palette. Zimmer suggests, "For an unexpected color punch, add cause-related hues such as dramatic red or maintain the room’s classic undertones with subtle pink or taupe."
           
Dramatic and sophisticated, black and white is becoming the backdrop of choice for glamorous spaces. Master bedroom suites and living rooms are two of the spaces that can benefit from sophisticated elegance.

Many consumers continue to strive for simplicity in their technology-driven overloaded lifestyles and seek a return to a gentler way of life. The crewel color palette reflects consumers returning interest in crafts, home cooking and family focused activities. Like a rich and color filled needlepoint pattern, these hues add a soulful and personalized feel to any space. "Handcrafted items create a sense of stability and security and these warm, creamy rich colors will do the same in your space," says Zimmer.
           
Rich cranberry reds, warm browns, along with pumpkin orange help to create a nurturing and caring environment. Mix in deep-toned blue and the tapestry is complete. Crewel colors remain an excellent choice for kitchen or dining areas and can be warming, like a knitted afghan, in family spaces.
           
"No matter which paint hue or palette attracts your individual attention, consumers continue to have an increased appreciation for paint quality and value,” Zimmer says. “After all it’s a personal choice for a personal space - your home."
           
(Information in this article courtesy of the Home Improvement News and Information Center, and The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, which educates painters everywhere on the advantages of using high quality paint, as well as inspires with information on innovative ways to use paint and decorating and color trends.)