(BPT) – From runway fashion to home decor, blue is definitely in the spotlight right now. Give your home a fresh boost of an on-trend color and make it through the fall season in style.
If you’re warming up to the idea of a new look in your home, but aren’t sure how to use color to create a good mood, consider using a fall or pre-holiday redecoration to get ready for next year. Erika Woelfel, director of color at Behr Paints shares the 2014 Color Trends:
Seaside harmony – What says “summer” better than a trip to the beach? While winter’s lower temperatures mean you probably won’t want to get sand between your toes or dip them into the ocean, you can still enjoy the warmth and relaxation of the seashore. Simply choose colors that echo the natural hues of sun, surf and sand. Cool blue-greens soothe the senses, while gentle peach and soft white evoke the warmth of the sand and revive the spirit. Create the effect with an inspiring wall color such as Behr’s Ocean Liner T14-1, South Peach T14-2, Miami Weiss T14-3 (a creamy shell-like hue), Edgewater T14-4 or Sky Blue T14-5. Then, extend the theme throughout your decor with accessories and lighting that celebrate the look of a chic modern resort.
Urban alternative – If modern decor appeals to you but you think it might underscore the chill of winter, try an urban alternative look. The style celebrates the warmer aspects of modern decor, emphasizing wood, metal and stone tones. This natural evolution of industrial modern decor creates an effect that feels more modest, relaxed and attainable. A palette of rich browns and soft grays creates this look with Behr wall paints Boho T14-6 (a rich olive tone), grays like Offbeat T14-7 and Film Fest T14-8, the reddish brown of Hipsterfication T14-9 and the espresso-like warmth of Coffee Bar T14-10.
Grand reign – From the mansions of the “Great Gatsby” to the magnificent homes of Newport, R.I., Americans continue to be fascinated with grand residences. These opulent homes carry us to another place and time, when the Vanderbilts, Carnegies and Rockefellers set the standard for luxury and elegance with their fantastic homes. You can recreate some of this effect with opulent detail, color and ornamentation. This style works for either richly masculine rooms with Cloisonne Blue T14-14, the deep eggplant purple of Imperial Jewel T14-11 or the more neutral Coronation T14-12 from Behr, or delicately feminine ones with the neutral Grand Soiree T14-13 and dreamy Minuet Rose T14-15. Whatever style you choose, these colors will create a sense of romance and mystery.
Natural avocation – One way to while away the cold hours of winter is with a hobby, and what better hobby for winter than a little nature-watching? Explore the natural disciplines of botany, geology and astronomy with color by choosing tones that call to mind flora, fauna and celestial bodies. Behr’s deeply green Arboretum T14-16, vibrant New Shoot T14-18 and rich red Amaryllis T14-20 wall colors bring the vibrancy of the natural world into your home. And for hues that are the perfect backdrop for winter hobbying, choose the restfully golden Sunday Afternoon T14-19 or the neutral Archivist T14-17.
Color’s effect on emotion and energy has been well-documented, and what better time to give your mood a boost than in the fall and winter months? When natural changes in the environment weigh down your mood, you can bolster your mental state – and create a more pleasing, warmer and welcoming environment – by strategic use of color.
Visit Behr.com for inspiration and how-to information and Behr’s blog colorfullybehr.com to learn more about 2014 color trends.
