Retro concepts inspire European colour trends

The retro look of the 1950s and 1960s will dominate paint colour trends in European homes in 2007, according to the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI).

Revealing their predictions for Spring/Summer 2007, the paint experts at the European arm of PQI nominated four very different trends they believe will be in fashion.

Inspired by the elegance and luxury of the haute couture salons of the 1950s, Salon Chic features a palette of grey tones for both walls and woodwork.

This trend features pale grey for the walls while a darker shade in a low sheen finish is applied to the door. Light cream paint is used to highlight the door panels and decorative architrave.

The upbeat, Op Art look from the 1950s and 60s is the inspiration behind a stunning feature wall that uses brilliant white paint stencilled with small red dots in hand drawn circles.

You can add interest to this zingy retro look by using the red for the skirting boards and decorating the room with furniture, cushions and drapes from the era.

The growing interest in metallic paint is reflected in the Modern Metallics trend.

Here a palette of cool silver and pewter is used to create an ultra modern living room. Once the domain of oil based paints, now high quality water based acrylic paints can be used to create these glitzy, shimmering feature walls.

Nordic Naturals creates a more restful environment with soft cream stone and duck egg blue colours.

A dado rail separates the colours and a hand painted design of leaves and branches is used on the walls and floor for interest and impact.

No matter which trend suits your next project, it always pays to choose top quality paints.

Manufacturers of top quality pants offer a wider colour range to chose from, sample test pots to check your scheme and paint that ensures all your hard work looks better on the wall and lasts longer.