Home Decorating Color Trends 2011

Color for the home is always updating and changing. To find a fresh combination of color, you only have to look at the color wheel. Just look at the hue that you love and its perfect complement may be right next door. Analogous palettes are dominant today. You can create a great color story within a single color family.

Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2011 is based on the origins of color and surveys the landscape for monochrome palettes inspired by nature. Its fashion-influenced direction is found in ombre dyeing and color-washing. Color schemes reflect the Earth's infinite variety: rich reds within a flame; shimmering blues of water; varied greens of vegetation; and organic neutrals of grains and woods.

Greens. Color reflecting the depths of sea and forest, from seaweed, algae and moss. Even in the urban environment rooftop and kitchen gardens continue to grow. Indoor surroundings are influenced by big-leaf foliage motifs and rough-hewn textures that celebrate nature.

Neutrals. Picture fields of grain, pebbles, weathered wood and clay earth. The steely grays that have dominated palettes of the recent past give way to the mix ofwarm and cool tones to create a temperature that's just right. Gold hues reflect the sun, dried grass and metallics. Mix in the texture of linen, porcelain and woods.

Blues. Today's blues are two essential basics: water and denim. clean water from our oceans to our taps. As we hope for economic blue skies, we are rediscovering denim, the fabric of the American worker. Colors from darkest indigo to faded-jean blue and violet undertones.

Reds. Red is the color of fire and passion. Glowing embers reveal a glorious gradation of hues from fuchsia to orange red to violet to delicate pink. The old rules against mixing reds with oranges or purples no longer apply.

Take time right now to explore new color origins for your home decor.

Tagged as: interior design, color and home

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Karen Carpino is an interior designer and founder of Chicago-based Karen Carpino Design. A professionally registered interior designer with over 25 years of experience, Ms. Carpino's clientele includes both residential and commercial projects. She brings you techniques, trends and tips in “Style At Home.”