Paint Trends Sept/Oct 2011

photo courtesy David Patton Construction

According to Heather Spriggs Thompson, a local faux finisher, neutrals are key players for base colors for the home “Imagine linen, bisque, limestone, gray skies, and pewter as the power house neutrals,” she says. Accents for fall shown at the summer markets were “shimmery chartreuse, magenta, olive, eggplant, persimmon, and midnight. The blue trend remains strong.”

“In our area, many people still love the natural or fall color schemes, though every imaginable combination is in use, depending on the location of the room and its function,” says Bohnne Jones of Decorating Den Interiors.

She adds that rooms are no longer finished/furnished with one metallic shade. “Using both gold and silver finishes with any bright paint color gives the effect of jewelry with a dress. Tiles are not just natural earthen tones, but are bringing accent to a space instead of paint by using recycled glass or other materials.”

Jones adds that this fall home decorators can look for midnight blues and green tones as well as unusual combinations of four to seven colors.

Neutrals are the trend in paint colors, according to Gail Adkins of Change Magic Interior Redesign. “Not builder’s beige, but neutrals with light-reflective and easy-to-clean qualities are ideal for displaying beautifully framed artwork or photographs. Neutral can be warm and vibrant or cool and calming in several shades of white, off-white, gray, or beige. Neutrals can have life. All color schemes should reflect how the homeowner wants the room to feel and look.

Tight purse strings and an abundance of decorating ideas have influenced homeowners to be more daring, suggests Tanna Miller of Trends & Traditions. “To tell the truth, a little restraint would be good for many homeowners who are designing on a dime and doing it themselves.

“Eclectic has gone too far. While many ask me for accent colors for walls and ceilings, most floor plans are too open or simply too boxy to effectively plan accent walls. I can, however, make color changes appropriate to the space.”

Miller adds, “While Tuscan and European looks are still popular, faux finishes have declined noticeably.

Amanda Sweeney of Just Design This says the trends in paint color are just that—“Color! Accent walls are still a very creative way to add color to your space. Fuchsia and shades of purple are going to be the trend for the year.”

“Solid paint colors are moving toward brighter more vibrant tones,” says Anna Aycock of Designs by Anna Aycock. “Faux paint textures are in less demand than in years past.”

Tara Johnson of Mike’s Custom Painting says warm grey has been popular with her clients recently, and that when mixed with coral, purple, blue, or green gives a contemporary look.”

There are a number of sources for paint and services in the Greater Nashville area including:

Change Magic 
Interior Redesign
Spring Hill
615/ 275-9514

Decorating Den Interiors
Nashville
615/ 469-7834

Design by Anna Aycock
Brentwood
615/ 414-5694

Healy & Associates
Nashville
615/ 460-9500

Heather Spriggs
Thompson
Nashville
615-293-2899

Just Design This
Amanda Sweeney
615/ 578-4738

Mike’s Custom Painting
Goodlettsville
615/ 522-1009

Trends & Traditions
Nashville
615/ 399-0661