Design: Color trends
With its lipstick shades of mauve, rose and deep purple, this breakfast nook features some of the hot colors for 2012. Pearlized and metallic shades will also be trendy. Credit: getdecorating.com
Selecting colors
Choosing a color should be a matter of the heart and not the head. Too often, what some think is the "right" color might not feel that way once it's on the wall. The key to finding a color that suits you is to find one you gravitate toward in fashion. If your closet has more pinks and reds, then today's claret colors will be more to your liking.
Color trance
When beige is beginning to bore you, the deep, bewitching tones of teal, dusky red, plum, charcoal and shadowy navy can add a contemplative energy and cocooning feel to a room. If you're a bold decorator, try layering three or four shades of one color for a full color saturation effect. In 2012, blues and reds will be prominent and tonal vs. clear and bright.
Neutral shift
Neutrals are always popular, and the move in 2012 is toward a fully saturated neutral -- less beige and more khaki, for example. The pale neutral will shift toward richer, deeper tans and taupes. Undercurrent red and umber colors will be a definitive influence in neutrals this year, adding depth and dimension to all colors, including golds and yellows. In addition to the expected range of earth tones is the surprising addition of neutralized greens and blues. Powdery and comfortingly soft, the palette moves both colors toward tones that read as relaxing.
Metal mania
Metals will continue to shine in 2012 but with soft matte overtones. Brushed gold will glimmer this year, bringing a golden vs. shiny glow. Metallic and pearlized colors will abound in home accessories and fashion alike. And like the deep jewel tones experiencing a revival, gray is making a comeback, with deep shades toward slate and charcoal. Soft silver and bronze will continue to be strong metal colors.
Lipstick cues
Surprising color trends will be the pouty colors of rose and mauve and their range of lipstick-palette tones. The colors are muted and include deep reds tinged with brown, promoting an antiqued feel with a timeless, comforting appeal. Velvet seat cushions in dark rose hearken to a grandmother's dining room and holidays past.
