Paint color trends for 2004 offer a rainbow of choices

Colors inspired by nature are in, purple is out, and writing on the walls isn’t just for toddlers anymore. In fact, paint color trends for 2004 are more diverse than ever, with soft, traditional neutrals and bright reds and oranges sharing the spotlight.

Back to Nature
According to Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert for The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, a leading authority on paints and painting trends, do-it-yourselfers can bring the outdoors inside, thanks to colors that evoke the beauty of nature.

“Colors will be fresh and clean, and reflect elements of stone, water and plants,” Zimmer says. Soft beiges will bring to mind sandy riverbanks and crisp, clear blue-based greens will echo shades found in lush forest foliage.

Metallic paints, particularly silver and steel gray, are an ideal accent to these soft, muted colors. Think of them as adding a “spark” to your paint job, echoing the way the sun glimmers on the water. Metallics are especially eye-catching when used in decorative painting to lend new items more of an “antique,” weathered feel.

Feeling Blue
Blue in all its variations is a very trendy paint color this year, according to Zimmer. One reason for its popularity is that it is suitable for use in every room of the house. With a palette ranging from pastel blue to teal, there is a shade of blue to complement all moods and decors.

“Blue’s popularity began a few years ago when it was used to evoke a spa theme in bathrooms,” Zimmer said. “But now we are seeing it migrate into other rooms of the house.”

Zimmer says that since blue is a soothing, relaxing color, it is especially good for use in bedrooms.

No longer on the “hot” list: purple. Despite its recent splash of popularity, purple is no longer predominant on the color palette for 2004. Many adults flat-out dislike shades of purple; however, children are still drawn to it. Despite its fade in popularity, it could still be a good choice for use in children’s rooms or play areas.

Bright Lights
Pink continues to be red-hot as a designer color choice. The freshest way to use it is to accent it with other brights, such as red, yellow and orange. When choosing a red, Zimmer recommends selecting one that is blue-based, which will work well with pink, teal and green. Since red can stimulate appetite, it is an ideal choice for use in dining rooms.

Orange continues to rise in popularity, but this year’s tints and shades are richer and designed to work well with reds and coppers. Since orange is a warm, welcoming color, it helps support the overall trend of using colors that make the home feel comfortable and inviting.

The New Neutrals
No doubt about it – DIYers love brown in all its forms. Browns and beiges add a bit more “punch” to a room than white, but are still neutral enough to accommodate furnishings, carpeting and draperies of all colors. For a new twist on this trend, Zimmer says to look for shades of green and small doses of metallic paint to add depth and brightness.

For those who are a bit more daring, black and white is becoming one of the hottest combinations for 2004. Do-it-yourselfers are experimenting with this combo to create everything from decorative painting projects to mod-inspired rooms.

The Writing’s on the Wall
Have a favorite quote you’d like to share with the world (or at least your friends and family)? Go ahead and “write” it larger than life right on your walls. Zimmer says the use of stencils to spell out favorite quotes or phrases on walls is gaining in popularity among even the most conservative do-it-yourselfers.

“The nice thing about this trend is that it can be adapted in many ways,” Zimmer says. “Someone who wants to start small may choose to write just a few words as a border or smaller decorative accent, while someone who is a bit more bold may cover an entire wall with words. There is something here that works for everyone.”

Looking Ahead …
Predicting some early 2005 color trends, Zimmer says to watch out for gray, which could become the next hot color. Yellow will also grow from a popular accent color to a favorite choice to stand on its own.

Quality First
No matter what color you choose, always use a top quality interior latex paint. Higher grades go on easier and more evenly, and resist dirt, so that your color will always be true.
For more information on color and decorating trends and paint selection, visit The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute online at www.paintquality.com.