Fashionable Fall Paint Colors

We know it’s hard to choose paint colors, so take the easy route by thinking about what colors you respond most to. Notice the colors of nature and think about which hues you love. Go through your closet and see what colors you normally wear. Simple looks into fashion and out the window will reveal colorful trends that look as good on trees and on people as they do on walls.

Fall colors inspire us to take morning strolls and long country drives, outside activities that point the way to what we should do inside. Paint. Fall is the perfect time to introduce new, warm, rich, seasonal colors to your walls. They’re natural hues you’ll really appreciate once winter hits and you start spending more time indoors.

Debbie Zimmer, color expert from Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, sums up the approach, and the timing, “As cooler weather arrives, through the simple use of paint, homeowners can warm up their living space with fall's most popular and high impact hues.”

Here’s a look at the colors Zimmer suggests to give fall zest to drab walls.

Browns
From taupe to deep chocolate, browns are a terrific choice to cozy up a space. Brown not only provides richness to a room, but is a perfect contemporary backdrop when mixed with aqua blue or purple. For another dramatic room treatment, try brown on a ceiling, mixed with neutral side walls. When choosing brown, think hot chocolate, rich coffee beans or a favorite tweed jacket.

Purples
Purple has long been considered a fickle color; in one season and out the next. Today’s purple palette is regal and can provide drama within a living space. Not quite ready for an entire purple room? Use purple on one wall or within a niche area for high impact color and excitement. Combine purple with earthy green for a harmonious blend with the outside environment.

Oranges
Orange continues to grow in popularity and has changed its personality over time. No longer bright and playful, this season’s orange is more organic in tone and depth. Pumpkin and ginger hues offer a solid setting when teamed with metallics, and black accents or trim.

Reds
No season is complete without brilliant reds! Cranberry, crimson and claret are wonderful festive hues that provide punch to dining rooms, kitchens and foyers. Coupled with gold or mustard, this harmonious combination provides excitement and flair for fall and holidays.