“Garden fresh” is taking on new meaning this summer. Once associated with the culinary world, the concept has branched into home décor, infusing outdoor freshness into living spaces. That’s the message of DULUX paint in unveiling its summer 2014 colour palette. According to the brand, this season’s hottest hues – becoming firmly planted in all areas of the home – include floral pastels, bright reds, yellows and oranges, and field greens.
“After a long, cold winter, warm garden-like colours are quickly gaining popularity on Canadian walls as well as in furniture and accessories,” said Martin Tustin-Fuchs, brand manager for DULUX paint. “The trend moves consumers away from the comfort zone of whites and beiges towards brighter tones that emit a feeling of renewed energy and help lift spirits.”
Explaining that paint is the easiest and least expensive way to bring summer’s warm colours into the home, Tustin-Fuchs suggested choosing a main colour for a room and then adding other hues in unequal amounts. “A good rule of thumb is to use the dominant tone in about two-thirds of the room and the other colours in lessening quantities,” he said. “For example, if you select a soft green as the dominant colour, you may want to paint your trim, doors and ceilings in varying shades of that green or another colour of the same concentration.”
When painting more than one room, Tustin-Fuchs said he recommends planning your entire colour scheme before starting the job. “Paste paint chips of the colours you’ve chosen for each room on a piece of white cardboard to make sure they work well together, and adjust your choices accordingly, keeping in mind that the shades will be much more intense on a large wall.”
