allows designers to select any online image or upload their own
to instantly identify the Sherwin-Williams paint colors that correspond to the colors contained within the
picture. Designers, as well as their clients,
can now use the colors that inspire them
while surfing the Internet and turn them
into paint palettes for any project.
For Google Glass owners, Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap Glass allows users
to instantaneously act on color inspiration by adding a digital layer right before
their eyes. When a person takes a picture,
the software will match the picture to
Sherwin-Williams paint colors.
In addition to interactive tools and inspiration, Sherwin-Williams offers offline help
with COLOR To Go paint samples and the
Sher-Color Advanced Color Technology
system for fast, accurate color matching.
AkzoNobel to Fund OMA
Research as Part of Human
Cities Initiative
AkzoNobel and leading architecture firm
OMA have formed a partnership to conduct global research into the link between
color and economic development.
The new study will focus on the extent
to which making an area more visually
attractive can influence economic growth.
The results of OMA’s research will help
shape AkzoNobel’s newly launched approach to urban transformation.
The announcement was made at
the 14th International Architecture
Exhibition of la Biennale di Venezia,
which is being curated this year by leading architect Rem Koolhaas, who is co-founder of OMA.
Commenting on the launch of the
study and AkzoNobel’s new Human
Cities initiative, CEO Ton Büchner said:
“By the 2050s, more than 75 percent of
the world’s population will live in cities.
Given that 60 percent of our products
are in the Buildings and Infrastructure
and Transportation end-user segments,
AkzoNobel has an important influence
on the process of urban transformation
that’s currently taking place.
“As a responsible company, it’s there-
fore our intention to use our expertise to
make city life more energizing, inspiring
and vibrant for people across the world,”
he continued. “We want to go beyond the
purely functional aspects – which is what
most people think about – and help cities
and their citizens to connect on an emo-
tional level. This is also the main driving
force behind the Human Cities Manifesto
we are launching today, which outlines
some of the issues we think cities across
the world should be focusing on, includ-
ing color, heritage, transport, sport, edu-
cation, and sustainability.
“We believe that our new research
partnership with OMA will make a sig-
nificant contribution to creating more
‘human’ urban environments for the
world’s citizens, so we’re delighted to
be partnering with Rem Koolhaas and
OMA on this study.”
Added Koolhaas: “The link between
color and our emotional reaction to the
built environment is well established. But
it doesn’t stop there. In affecting our per-
ceptions, color has a distinct impact on
all the variables that determine the vital-
ity of the city: social, cultural and eco-
nomic. By combining our expertise with
AkzoNobel, we’re hoping to produce a
study that will provide important insights
to all key players in the urban environ-
ment – from architects and developers, to
city authorities and individual citizens.”
Held every two years, the theme
of the Biennale Architettura 2014 is
Fundamentals. It consists of three interlocking exhibitions: Elements of
Architecture, Monditalia and Absorbing
Modernity 1914-2014. The event runs
until November 23.
PPG to Acquire Specialty
Coatings Supplier the
Homax Group
PPG Industries’ North American architec-
tural coatings business has reached a de-
finitive agreement to acquire The Homax
Group, Inc., a supplier of decorative
wall and ceiling texture repair products.
Homax is a portfolio company of Olympus
Partners. The transaction is expected to
close in the third quarter, subject to cus-
tomary closing conditions. Financial terms
were not disclosed. Homax is the indus-
try’s leading supplier of decorative aerosol
drywall and ceiling texturing applications
utilized primarily for home repair. In ad-
dition, it supplies various epoxy finishes,
patching, caulking and mesh tape repair
products, and other painting tools and ac-
cessories. The company’s products are sold
through major home improvement centers,
hardware stores and paint suppliers.
“Homax products represent a new and
unique offering for our customers,” said
Scott Sinetar, PPG vice president, architectural coatings, North America. “The acquisition supports our continuing commitment
to providing professional and do-it-yourself
customers with leading coatings and related home remodeling and repair products.
Dunn-Edwards Paints
Releases Annual Trend
Report
Dunn-Edwards Paints released it 2015
trend report, A Journey of Discovery,
which reveals key colors and design
trends for the coming year, and how social, culture and demographic changes influence these trends. Sara McLean, color
expert and blogger at specs+spaces, explains that the color palette is rich in deep
and vivid colors, inspired by adventure
and discovery around the world. These
five key trends will be significant influencers of colors and textures.
Romance and Remembrance is inspired by journeys into the past, filled
with romance and intrigue. Envision traveling the Trans-Siberian railway or the
Silk Road, or studying the rich tapestry
of historical details through Renaissance
to Medieval times, this trend returns to
color and design that is familiar, yet with
a modern day twist. The color palette
creates a sense of history and solemnity
with somber and serene neutrals such as
chocolate, gray, soft green, mauve, pale
pink and garnet, highlighted by whitened
tones, sky blue and pale yellow.
Spirit of the West captures the freedom
and romance of forging a new life in the
American West. The artisan life is transformed by journeys to Latin and South
America, Cuba and the Caribbean, bringing back design ideas from afar. The spirit
of the West breathes life into emotional
connections and ancient spiritual ways.
Colors combine artisan style colors of
red and rust with pigmented darks, dusky
