Color: Color Trends 2010

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way—things I had no words for.” (Georgia O’Keeffe)

As Georgia O’Keeffe wisely knew and exhibited in her work, color has the power to inspire and to express things that can only be felt. It is a very powerful tool in designing one of the most personal of spaces – the home. As the colors and the clothes you wear communicate unspoken insights to who you are, the colors you select for your home will express what the space means to you and what you need from your home.

To help you in making discerning paint choices for the coming year, whether you’re revamping your home for personal use or to sell it, Debbie Zimmer of the Paint Quality Institute, shares the residential color trends for 2010.

“Good Morning” colors consist of honey-like hues (think tan or pale gold), coral, yellow, and mineral gray. According to Zimmer, homeowners are taking on smaller, more manageable home improvements such as the addition of a morning kitchen to a bedroom or a home office – hence the “Good Morning” colors. These hues are fresh, clean, and comfortable, not to mention cheerful (besides the mineral gray).

Good Morning

Ceilings should no longer be ignored. The “Good Night” palette suggests painting the ceiling a tint, tone, or shade of the wall color or add a soft touch with a pastel. “Good Night” consists of pastel hues (pale blue or shell pink), midnight blue, eggplant, and wine – all are perfect to brighten up bedrooms and baths or to warm up a family space.

Good Night

Good Night

Good Night

Now for foyers, kitchens, and family living spaces, Zimmer suggests the “Good Bye” palette. Representing an assortment of simplistic hues that work well as a backdrop, letting other design elements shine, color recommendations include khaki paired with crisp white, mid-toned blues, off-white and bisque, and surprisingly black.

Good Bye

For additional design and painting tips visit the Paint Quality Institute.