Color Trends for Spring and Summer 2004
by Gail McCauley
Last year color was all about finding contentment and relaxation throughout the
home using a thoughtfully considered, yet expansive palette of comfort creating
hues. The commencement of 2004 recognizes continued nurturing of colors, but
also offers cheerful optimism combined with obvious fortitude. Directions in
color for spring and summer 2004 can be broken down into recognizable category
groupings. Sunbaked shades represent earthy colors that appear to be scorched
and weather beaten. The tropical assortment of colors spotlight refreshing hues
that are saturated with a fruity essence. The aquatic palette offers an ethereal
ambience that spotlights tranquility in appearance. Lastly, the inclusion of
dynamic shades that speak to the latest in translucent and metallic color
options completes the spring/summer 2004 color forecast.
Closely
associated with the restful calm for which consumers are searching, the aquatic
grouping of colors help to create an 'escape within the home'. As "blues"
heavily dominate the 2004 color palette, this expansive pool of color offers
stunning
examples of cool and soothing oceanic choices. Celestial blue, light aqua,
seagrass, green haze and misty jade are all examples of hues that assist with
implementing a peaceful environment that can be fashioned within the confines of
a rambling ranch home or the most compact of city lofts. Glassy, transparent
hues are particularly reflective and fresh using this palette of colors. Using a
monochromatic painted color palette, any of these reassuring tones would help to
establish an environment where any homeowner would enjoy spending time after a
hectic day.
For
those consumers leaning towards more vibrant colors, the rapidly approaching
warm weather season offers a wealth of bold color opportunities. Although the
Asian aesthetic continues to remain strong, there is now a growing trend toward
the
energetic palette coined by the tropics. A reflection of the warming trend
of color in home decor, powerfully fun colors such as Caribbean orange, bright
lemon drop, wild fuchsia, lime sorbet and Tahiti pink allow the homeowner to add
adventurous whimsy to any space. Jolts of tropical color may be applied with
quality paint products to interior molding and trims to create that perfect
splash of color to energize a dated room or breathe life onto a nondescript
piece of furniture.
To
create a dynamic and one of a kind fashion statement, the adventurous color
aficionado may opt to incorporate a touch of shimmering flavor to a focal point
wall or small powder bath. The upcoming season's vibrating, lightening shades
present choices such as oyster white, fresh copper, arctic ice, silver mink and
steel granite to add customized drama to any space. Consider the effect that a
powder room with neutral painted wall coverings has once it has been enhanced
with a shimmery, textural hue on the ceiling. Showcasing one of the many faces
of this spring and summer's hottest oranges, coppery mineral tones offer a prime
example of a powerfully dramatic and distinctively luminous powder room ceiling
space for guests to enjoy.
Sunbaked
shades present an additional theme that emphasizes the beauty of the great
outdoors as part of the natural world. Washed sand, rawhide, deep slate and
baked brick conjure up recognizable outdoor scenarios using subtly stylish,
earthy color. Weather beaten in appearance describes these tones that are
growing increasingly popular amongst decorative painters in order to create
elegant special effect decorative paint finishes that are used to enhance a wide
variety of design elements and surfaces. From pottery and picture frames that
greet the family in the front foyer to deck furniture and window boxes that
linger beside the backyard pool, these colors offer even the novice painter a
refreshing alternative for enhancing a neutral shade by adding color and
dimension to the surface.
Closely paralleling recent years quest for comforting hues, this years
selection of palettes reinforces this theme while integrating unexpected
splashes of refreshing color! From the immensely popular rich reds to alluring
pinks, warm oranges to sophisticated browns and seaside blues to botanical
greens; this spring and summer season offers color options for every decorating
enthusiast! Coordinating the mix of colors for spring and summer 2004 could be
described as not only surprising, but also as downright fun! With the onset of
the warm weather months just around the corner, showcase your unique preferences
and creativity by customizing various parts of the retreat that you call home
with color and paint!
Gail McCauley for the
Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
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