The Colors of Spring 2012

Article submitted by Christina Johnson

Interior paint trends for the spring and summer in 2012 show a definite preference for the mellow.  The latest paint shades reflect a need to unplug, relax and unwind inside the home.  Expect to see a great deal in the way of pale pinks, blues and greens.  Earth tones will also be especially popular.  Pink and beige might be combined to create a room that is at once soothing and highly fashionable.

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The 2012 color palette reflects society’s interests and preoccupations.  Earth conscious consumers will be drawn to lush greens and earthy tones that help bring the natural world inside.  Brighter, happier colors draw on the increasing optimism of communities that are just beginning to emerge from a time of economic gloom.  Rooms using a stark combination of black and white accented by a bright red show the homeowner’s love of all things modern and cutting edge.  The wide variety of popular colors this year really lets the homeowner express their individuality and the things they value most in life.

Soft colors that suggest a pleasing nonchalance are perfect for the bedroom.  Soothing greens, pinks and purples may be combined with a warm off white or a neutral taupe.  Look for ways to combine these colors in unexpected ways.  Use taupe for the walls and add window treatments that combine off white with a pale pink.  Throw in a coordinating comforter and the master bedroom is right in step with the 2012 color palette.

In the living room, choose a more saturated color.  The choice can be bold, like a brick red, or more neutral, like a warm beige.  Use these tasteful colors on every wall in the room or make one wall the focal point.  Paint most walls in the room a lovely, restful egret shade and reserve one wall, such as the one containing the fireplace, to be the accent wall.  This technique never fails to draw the eye, and it creates much needed contrast in a room that might otherwise appear dull.

As a general rule of thumb, a darker, more saturated hue will tend to make a room appear smaller.  This can be effective when a homeowner is painting a rather cavernous space that they would like to appear more intimate.  Similarly, a smaller room can be made to seem spacious when light colors are used on the walls.  Keep these kinds of guidelines in mind while choosing colors, as they can greatly affect the overall impression created by the space.    

The new colors for spring and summer 2012 are available right now to give a delightful boost to any home's aspect.  Choose the pale and soothing or the bold to suit personal style.

Christina Johnson who works remotely for Douglas Elliman Real Estate in the Hamptons Real Estate market.  She is using her journalism major to combine what she loves most, writing and her career. Her specialties include home decor design and DIY home improvement projects.