(MISSISSAUGA,ON— AUGUST, 2009) — Green is looking to be the "it" colour of 2010, reflecting a new decade and, perhaps, new beginnings. In fact, Benjamin Moore is predicting that its Cedar Green 2034-40 paint colour may be the one to turn to as we turn the calendar pages on a year that's been exceedingly challenging.
"Green has such meaning and symbolism," said Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour expert. "It represents renewal, and is eternally the colour of spring and new growth. In recent years, it has become the emblem of the environment, shorthand for the global movement that's dedicated to preserving and conserving our planet. Green also is the easiest colour for the eye to see, and the most restful and comforting of all. Benjamin Moore's Cedar Green 2034-40, in particular, is a compelling hue. You'll find it on the yellow end of the spectrum. It's a colour that, on its own, can contribute a vibrant pop to a room, or creates a softer look when paired with neutrals. It also is a perfect foil for bright contrasts, such as deep blues and orangey reds."
Benjamin Moore's official declaration of the 2010 trend colours will be available for consumers soon after the first of the year, featured in a free booklet, Envision Colour 2010, offered by the company's network of paint and decorating retailers throughout North America. While Cedar Green leads the parade of what's hot in the coming year, a total of 18 colours organized into three palettes are proposed as palliatives for the nation's collective mood and all of the cultural and social influences impacting it. The publication is illustrated with photography of room settings with inspiring suggestions on colour combinations and imaginative wall treatments. Additionally, three leading decorative paint talents lend their creativity to the styling: Mark Chamberlain, a fine arts painter and muralist; Shannon Kaye, designer, artist and host of the DIY Network's "Fresh Coat"; and, The Alpha Workshops, the acclaimed New York City-based artisans studio where individuals who have HIV/AIDS are trained and can find employment in decorative product design, crafts and art. Each of these "guest painters" has visually interpreted for Benjamin Moore and consumers the three top trend palettes for 2010.
An Alternative View
To underscore the versatility of Cedar Green, Chamberlain applied it in a bold and graphic flame stitch pattern that includes varying wide and narrow zigzags of Benjamin Moore's Midnight Navy 2067-10, Meditation AF-395 and Opaline OC-33. This fun and quirky painted frieze adds a dramatic "punch" wall to a media room with a decidedly modern aesthetic. It's a space that offers escape from the madding world and is a stimulus package all its own. Jolts of an orangey red are introduced via throw pillows and cushion covers, and the colour is a spot on match to Benjamin Moore's Claret Rose 2008-20, which also is suggested for this Alternative View palette.
In contrast to Chamberlain's take on Cedar Green, Benjamin Moore's own design team has showcased the hue on the walls of a living room where mid-century design enjoys a 2010 revival. Partnered with a Pale Celery OC-116 ceiling the yellow-green combo creates an unmistakably calming, fresh appeal. Here the Midnight Blue is used as an accent, framing artwork on the wall, and the Claret Rose-look-alike is found in the upholstery of a side chair. Neutral coloured moldings and floor covering plus a fair share of white furnishings help maintain the tonal balance that makes this a very livable, likable space.
A Fresh Perspective
Kaye was assigned to work with 2010's Fresh Perspective palette that bears the influence of nature, the environment, and global efforts to attain sustainability. This TV personality and painting guru envisioned a child's nursery that is perpetually sun-filled with a ceiling aglow in Benjamin Moore's August Morning 2156-40. It's a mid-tone orange with a touch of yellow and helps bring a cheery yet sophisticated ambiance to a space that can easily transition and self-renew as baby matures to toddler and through early childhood. The wall treatment features a subtle decoration of a hand-painted tree. It's an abstract stick-figure-like design with colour dots representing leaves, and it repeats in a linear formation from floor to ceiling on all four walls. Thunder AF-685, an ashen white, provides the backdrop with Benjamin Moore's Sundance 2022-50, Fairview Taupe HC-85, Carob AF-160 and the August Morning used to create the sweet and visually engaging motif.
Simple Indulgences
As we embark on new beginnings in 2010, it's also predicted we'll find new ways to define luxury by discovering and incorporating Simple Indulgences into our homes and surroundings. A colour palette that can help achieve this, according to Benjamin Moore, includes Violetta AF-615, Caponata AF 650, Blueberry 2063-30, Fool's Gold PT-250, Calm OC-22 and Slip AF-605. Proving the point, a team from The Alpha Workshops dipped into the rich purple and gold tone paints from this range to create a bedroom setting that dials down pretense while ramping up luxury. Inspired by silk wallpapers, they designed an elegant floral decoration that gracefully frames the bed, its tufted headboard and nightstands. It's artwork that's dreamy, exquisite and clearly a Simple Indulgence.
New Beginnings/Beautiful Conclusions
"Of course, one pervasive trend in 2010 is going to be smart spending," said Grech. "And, when it comes to decorating, paint is among the wisest investments you can make. Give a single wall a new coat of colour and it's one of the simplest, most economic and effective makeovers. Splurge and paint a whole room or try a decorative technique. Nothing compares."
For anyone planning to tackle a paint and decorating project, Benjamin Moore offers, in addition to Envision Colour, many other colour selection tools. Such aids include the 2-ounce Colour Testers—the perfect amount of paint for actually testing the colour directly on your wall. Then there is Personal Colour Viewer, an online program that lets you virtually paint your own room, trying any of the company's nearly 3,300 colours.
For more information on how to obtain any of these colour selection tools, visit www.benjaminmoore.ca, where you'll also find a locator for the Benjamin Moore retailer nearest you.
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