Trends in Paint Colours

The Various Trends in Paint Colours 

Just like everything else, paint colours and wallpaper styles come and go in fashion. You only have to think back to the 1970s when the height of fashion was brown and orange, and in the 1980s we all went mad for black and red. In the past few years we have wholeheartedly embraced neutrals, but what are the most fashionable colours to look out for on the shelves of your local DIY store in the near future?

Neutrals

Not everyone embraces bright colour in their home and there is always going to be a place for more neutral shades. Neutrals does not have to mean magnolia or white though, and currently the neutrals which are becoming most fashionable are greys rather than creams. Grey doesn't have to be institutional and boring, but used in the right way it can be very relaxing and create a peaceful atmosphere in any room of the house. Grey on its own can be dull, but combine several shades of grey together, or match them with colours like duck egg blue or pale green for a modern look in any room. If you are planning on using grey in a bedroom or living room, warm up the colour scheme with the addition of some nice red, orange or bright green cushions, throws or artwork.

Monochrome

In the fashion world, everything with black and white has been big news in the last year. Black and white or cream has been popular in the interior design world, but signs are that this trend is on the decline as we start to look for something a bit more individual. There is no need to rush out and buy brand new furniture, wallpaper and paint, but if you are planning on redecorating soon, think a bit further into the future and steer clear of the black and cream. If you cannot afford a complete redecoration, think about adding in some bright colours to inject some colours into the endless black and white, which can end up looking rather sterile without any colour.

Pink and purple

Designers agree that the hot colours over the next few seasons are going to be the strong shades of purple and pink rather than pastel shades. Not everyone wants to paint their kitchen bright pink though, and if you like the idea of pink paint but are not sure how best to use it, use the tried and tested practice of painting a feature wall, or invest in some throws and cushions in the fashionable shades to brighten up your lounge. Dark coloured paint is no harder to apply onto walls than paler shades, but if in the future you are trying to cover a deep purple wall with white, remember that it will require several coats.

Nature shades

Everyone is much more in tune with the environment than in previous years, so it’s no great surprise that the nature inspired shades of green, and tiles or paper which features designs of wood, trees, leaves or plants are hugely popular. Nobody wants to feel as if they are living in a greenhouse though, so if you choose a particularly bold wallpaper, use it sparingly on opposite walls or in an alcove, and paint the other walls a toning shade of green. Natural wood flooring or laminate is a practical and attractive choice, and many of the modern products just need to be clicked together rather than to be glued or nailed into position.

Stripes

With a little time and effort, it is easy to create a beautiful room using many of your favourite, fashionable shades of pain in stripes. This looks far more current and expensive than painting walls different colours, and all you need is some masking tape and a spirit level. Mark the walls using masking tape into broad stripes, either all the same size or varying thicknesses, using your spirit level to keep everything square. Vertical stripes can make your room look taller, and horizontal stripes can give a feeling of space. Paint the stripes using your choice of colours, and then remove the tape when dry. This is not an expensive look to do at home, although it will take time and patience to get a professional finish.