COLOR TRENDS & FORECAST
NCS Colour AB Launches Exterior Color Collection
Exterior coloring is a difficult area of expertise. With many variables to consider before even embarking on an exterior coloring project, mistakes cost both
time and money, which is why the color experts at NCS Colour AB (formerly
known as the Scandinavian Colour Institute) in Stockholm, Sweden have introduced the NCS Exterior Color Collection. The kit features a special collection of
NCS colors chosen for their suitability in the exterior environment. The NCS
Exterior Color Collection offers a range of 322 colors specifically selected for
exterior use, based on the firm’s wealth of renowned expertise in this specialist
area. The collection includes extra-large color samples, ideal for surface analysis. These samples also
include lightness and reflection
information (NCS v and Yl), also
known as LRV. The color tool
comes in a stylish box for storage,
which can also hold separate samples, available to order. In addition
to the exterior set comes with an
informative brochure on exterior
coloring, including handy advice
and tips for successful color design. Photo: NCS Colour AB
or functional?
Lawlor, Kelly-Moore: Color plays a very
important role. It can change a look from
cold and dreary to warm and fun.
Generally speaking, one needs to select
the items with limited color availability
for their space first, and then add in
other items with greater color availability to coordinate the scheme. Generally
paint color is the last decision due the
enormity of available selection.
Warman, Resene: Most customers seem
to want to fit-in with the outside world
and will paint their house to fit-in with
the neighborhood, but are happy to be
much braver inside and use their
favorite colors that are more reflective of
what you might find in their wardrobe.
Because the interior of a house or a feature wall or two is so much easier to
paint than the outside of your house, customers are less risk averse when choosing colors inside.
terned wallpaper.
Kim, Valspar: Sea Kiss is part of Valspar’s
2010 Color Trend called Watercolor
Impression. As we look forward to upcoming years, there is desire to start fresh, a
new beginning. Water is a source of life
and the start of spring. This clean blue
with a hint of turquoise is great to define
the positive attitude for coming years.
Today, we also see more neutrals and
gray-based colors. Also the refined classic
colors that are familiar with deep rich
tones will take center stage.
Prime, NCS Colour: Right now I would
say that those natural fruity, pure colors
are strong. But I would also say that
many people are picking a single color
family and experimenting with lightness
and darkness. Tone on tone color block-
ing is popular coming from the fashion
industry and brands like Lanvin and
Acne. In design, I believe we’re due a trip
back towards washed out minimalism
with earthy or dusty monochrome tones.
Creams, leather tones, really rich colors
and materials, which will be tied to mod-
ernistic and art deco shapes. There are
indications from Acne, the Swedish
lifestyle brand, how this will develop. My
colleagues and I are really excited about
its forthcoming collection, which is revis-
iting the designs of Carl Malmsten. The
advanced images that have been leaked
out have got a lot of folks very excited
indeed.
Schlotter, PPG: The biggest color is grey
but paired with a bright yellow, deep
pink or off-white. Grey’s current popularity comes from fashion, the state of the
economy and wars, which are very serious issues that cause serious colors to
reflect them. PPG’s Forsythia Blossom is
a bright yellow that counteracts that
seriousness with a splash of fun and happiness. The other big color this is year is
PPG’s Sea Sprite, which is a green/blue
that is gorgeous on the wall.
How important of a role does color
play in the overall design scheme?
Zimmer, PQI: Color sets the tone for the
design scheme. Is it a whimsical space, a
place of refuge or does it need to be warm
Kim, Valspar: Color sets the mood for
every room and captures a family’s style.
When we think about overall color and
design scheme, our consumers often
determine what colors define the mood of
the room before they start looking for
furniture or curtain style. The color
defines the space and confirms the mood
of the space.
Prime, NCS Colour: Color plays a huge
role in the overall design scheme. It can
influence mood, create themes, tie things
together or make focal points. If you use
it cleverly and are not afraid of it the
results can be incredible. It can last in
the mind for longer than any other
design expression.
How comfortable are consumers
with the color selection process?
Zimmer, PQI: Consumers remain apprehensive about color selection. It continues to be an area that many struggle
with and in some cases, prevents a homeowner from making a room change.
Lawlor, Kelly-Moore: Many a consumer
