The year ahead in home decor will be all about using colours that celebrate the simplicity and beauty of everyday living, says leading Canadian paint brand Sico.
Casual denim blues, earthy clay and wood tones, leafy greens, strawberry reds, sunny yellows and airy pastels make the new colours for 2011-2012 warm and homey. As the baby boomer generation ages, we long to return to basics, to a simpler life, and this is being reflected in the new colour trends.
According to research conducted by Sico's international team of colour experts, the 2011-2012 palette will be divided into three themes, each reflecting this prevailing mood and attitude in society.
Inviting
Emitting a homey and comforting feel, this theme represents the growing population that values the beauty, contentment and simplicity of everyday life in a world where choices and possibilities are endless. Colours reminiscent of things that bring us joy dominate this grouping -- including clear skies, such as Sico's Lunar Month (6009-21) blue and sunny fields such as White Lemon (6100-32) yellow. Warm, nurturing shades of coral, moss green and lavenders will also make a splash in the new colour trends. This back-to-basics palette reflects a desire to return to a more relaxed, meaningful and informal style of living and cherish the home as the place where we can truly be ourselves.
Authentic
This theme celebrates the timeless beauty of the natural world and delivers a sense of peace and contentment. This grouping of colours demonstrates our growing appreciation for the earth and the world around us. Hues like timber, clay, earth and denim tones, enlivened by a dash of inspiring yellow make this authentic palette well-rounded for those who choose a more earthy decor. Popular Sico colours in this group include Seashore Pebble (6230-31) sand, Avocado Soufflé (6104-21) cream, Galley (6171-41) blue, Cloak (6232-83) brown and Apple Cider Vinegar (6097-32) yellow. Used on their own or easily paired together, these natural shades are intended to deliver a relaxed, harmonious and pleasing ambiance in the home.
Dazzling
For the more spirited decorator, this palette offers the most energetic expression of simplicity and fun. Fresh pastels and zingy tints, such as Sico's Red Candy (6051-52) hot pink, Lemon Tart (6098-42) brilliant yellow and Splashdown (6150-42) turquoise applied on a backdrop of neutrals will offer a sense of vitality and charm to your decor. Fun and somewhat childlike, this palette is refreshingly simple, yet brings back a sense of unexpected creativity to our homes. Vivid colour combinations -- like lime green and cocoa accents on a yellow background or turquoise and bubble gum pink will be popular combinations for the more daring decorator.
Colour blocking and accent walls will make a comeback in the year ahead, offering simple update options for your home. The new colours will deliver a breath of fresh air to the decor.
Our feature photograph, courtesy of Sico, features a yellow/green wall colour called Pastis. It's a refreshing colour that can work in any room and with many decor styles. Modern black leather furniture and chrome accessories would look stunning backed by this colour as would antique furniture in tones of medium oak with vintage brasses. There aren't many colours that can suit such varying decor styles with success. I find that many of the colours in the new palette have this unique duality.
New kid in town
I had the opportunity to visit a new home decor shop that opened in Winnipeg recently. Owner Lynn McMillan showed me around her new decor store, Noble Savage Interiors, which houses everything from unique furniture items to decorative ceramic ware. It's a lovely shop with unique items for the home that is certainly worth a visit. Noble Savage Interiors is located at 364 Stafford St.
The new year promises to offer many innovative decor options for the home decorator. The possibilities are exciting and promising. Start planning for a new look for your home next year.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
