Every year, paint companies and trend forecasters roll out their predictions for what’s on the color horizon. The past couple of years have been dominated by “spa colors” of watery blues and greens, with splashes of melon and a blush of pinks. Teal blue and sable brown have been widely paired, particularly by traditionalists, as have creams and sage, and many brews of latte. The more adventuresome have jolted rooms with shades of orange, purple and the still-lingering lime.
January and February – when it’s too cold to garden or start exterior improvements – is prime time for interior design projects, “especially now that the paints are more low-odor. It’s a good pick-me-up,” said Peggy Van Allen, color marketing manager for Pratt &Lambert Paints.
So, in the hopes of getting a heads-up about trends, we asked seven companies that manufacture and market paint what shades will be ascendant in 2006. As the color wheel spins again, their predictions spatter in all directions.
“The greens of 2006 are warm, more natural looking and complement most other hot colors, such as browns, purples, even some yellows,” said Tiffany Campbell, Behr spokeswoman. Available at Home Depot stores; www.behr.com or 877-237-6158.
“A strong yellowy-green, kind of an avocado,” said Donna Schroeder, color marketing manager. Not available at retailers until April; www.dutchboy.com or 800-828-5669.
This intense bluish green “reflects the influence from another culture, in this case China,” said senior designer Becky Ralich Spak. Jade and vivid red “are a historic combination used on the exterior of many ancient temples”; www.sherwin-williams.com or 800-723-8766.
“Embodies comfort, restoration and well-being” and “spices up” neutrals and dark hues, said Barbara Richardson, color director for ICI Paints, which makes Glidden; www.glidden.com or 800-454-3336.
“A purple-based color with gray undertones, very chameleon-like,” said Eileen McComb, corporate communications administrator; www.benjaminmoore.com or 888-236-6667
“It’s between aqua and teal blue” and pairs nicely with dark brown, said P&L color marketing manager Peggy Van Allen; www.prattandlambert.com or 800-289-7728.
Based on “environmentally conscious living, it’s like a blend of grass and sky. It is a very strong organic color,” said Dee Schlotter, marketing communications manager. Sold at all Pittsburgh Paints stores and other retailers; www.pittsburghpaints.com
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