Interior Color Trends for 2013: From Coastal Calm to New Traditional

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Choosing the right colors for your living space is an important decision. Although your personal tastes are always the first criteria, for style-conscious home owners, there are identifiable trends each year. Home interior color schemes are drawn from the world of art and fashion as well as interior design. They reflect current moods and interests; and while they offer great possibilities, they remain only suggestions from which to create your own special living space.

For 2013, Benjamin Moore has identified four interior color schemes that share some similarities. Brighter, more saturated colors are being used right now. However, they must be tempered with whites or other balancing neutrals. Because men are making meals in the kitchen and taking a more active role in the house, they are becoming more aware of their surroundings and want to have input in paint colors and furnishings. Look for lots of grays, blues and earthy tones. Women, on the other hand, have expressed a desire for classic warmth and beauty in their homes. There is a current tendency to shy away from futuristic, sleek looks and to draw from the earthy, invigorating colors without becoming too feminine, "countrified" or dated.

As a result, decorators are pulling lots of blues and greens into their interior color schemes this year. Imagine a coastal palette of seashore blues such as Benjamin Moore's tranquility (AF-490), van courtland blue (HC-145) and stratton blue (HC-142) balanced with simply white (OC-117) and lemon sorbet (2019-60). These colors create a sense of calmness and harmony. They are easy on the eyes. In the kitchen, pairing yellow and blue against distinctive white cabinetry creates a clean, fresh look. In the living room, consider choosing one wall for a deep blue accent and let other colors pop out. Don't forget the ceiling. Painted ceilings are very popular today.

For a more classic, earthy approach, let rich blue-grays and golden chocolates become background for classic wood pieces and treasured antiques. Those with eclectic tastes will love how adaptable these room colors are to random collections. Any unique architectural highlights can be showcased as well. Pittsfield buff (HC-24) is a soft tan-yellow and a perfect companion for silhouette (AF-655), a dark, moody charcoal, or sea haze (2137-50) a lighter, mistier gray. Satchel (AF-240) is a warm, leathery chocolate that will appeal to both men and women.

"Urbanite" interior color styles are more chic. The contrast between colors is stronger and more dynamic. For the high-energy home, a luscious navy blue such as polo (2062-10) is the perfect complement to moonlight white (OC-125) or Marblehead gold (HC-1) an opulent golden-yellow. These combinations are the new version of the old black-and-white pairings. By adding accents of sparrow (AF-720) and camouflage (2143-40), you can carry your color scheme seamlessly from the living room to the dining room, to the kitchen and the rest of the house.

One other trend that is becoming popular for 2013 has been labeled "new traditional." Again, a deep rich navy such as evening dove (2128-30) and a yellow such as golden straw (2152-50) are paired. However, instead of white, accents are drawn from a softer palette of choices. Sea pearl (OC-19) and dusty mauve (2172-40) add the slightest hint of prettiness without offending the male sensibilities.

For those who want to gradually transition into new house interior color designs, consider "noncommittal" color treatments. Instead of painting an entire living space, try one wall or one over-sized piece of furniture. If you really hate it, changing it is very inexpensive. On the other hand, if you like the new look, go ahead and start adding other complementary colors. Interior design is always a work in progress. Enjoy the journey, and move at the speed that works for you and your budget.