Coatings World - MAY 2013

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore

David Savastano, Ink World Editor

So you are ready to paint your house, and are interested in checking out the “hot” colors. Reading the predictions from the color experts at many of the leading paint and coatings companies, it seems that a person could pretty much pick any color and be right.

From metallics and earth tones to greens, blues and yellows, experts say there are colors for everyone.

For 2013, AkzoNobel selected Indigo Night, a rich blue shade that the company said suggests maturity and elegance.

“Indigo Night is a stunning color that can be applied to
many areas within the home,” said Barbara Richardson, direc-
tor of North American color marketing for AkzoNobel, mak-
ers of Glidden paint. “So much of our lives are touched by the
global community leading to our desire to connect and com-
municate; blue is a true communication color. Intense hues, like
indigo, re;ect stability, reassuring con;dence of the world that
lies ahead.”
AkzoNobel’s ColourFutures book noted ;ve key trends:
•Collective Passion: Attention-grabbing pastels that are
combined with chalk whites and warm grey.

• The Art of Understanding: Sunny and uplifting, such as vintage-inspired candy tones with laid back neutrals.

• Home Factory: Natural colors such as bright greens, warm burnt orange indigo tones.

• Visual Solace: A gentle, feminine color palette.

Sherwin-Williams’ color of the year is Aloe, a soothing pastel shade the company says is reminiscent of the relaxing sense of a spa.

“Aloe is highly adaptable, making it a perfect pick for everyday spaces such as a breezy sunroom or a well-dressed living room,” said Jackie Jordan, Sherwin-Williams director of color marketing.

As for its key trends, Sherwin-Williams offers Midnight Mystery, featuring moody colors; Honed Vitality, with chalky and earthy colors; Vintage Moxie, with bolder pastels and semiprecious gem tones; High Voltage; and Opposites Attract.

For Benjamin Moore, pastels are the hottest trend for 2013, with Lemon Sorbet 2019-60 the number one shade.

“The palette is shifting from super saturated and strong hues to softer, lighter pastel shades,” said Sonu Mathew, Benjamin Moore’s senior interior designer.