Neutral Skins - Latest Crown Colour trend for 2007

What could be more personal or protecting than skin? Whether it’s our own skin, the bark of a tree or a layer of paint sealing a wall, outer surfaces are truly intimate. Crown’s latest colour trend, Neutral Skins, focuses on soft and faded neutrals to create a feeling of personal space and tranquillity.

The colours we associate with skin tend to be blush tones, warm muted creams, browns and greys, the palest plaster pink and the softest sandstone. They are easy to live with, and because they come from nature, they instinctively feel protective and comfortable. These colours are quietly stylish and make a subtle fashion statement in the home.

Crown’s suggested colour palette teams light browns such as Calvados flat matt emulsion with pale golds like Tapestry Thread flat matt emulsion – both from the Period Colours range. These can be combined with creams including Refined from the Fashion For Walls™ range and greys such as Essential Fashion For Walls™ flat matt emulsion which has a subtle hint of brown. For added interest, introduce a shade of delicate blue such as Empire Blue flat matt emulsion from the Period Colours range.

Judy Smith, Crown’s Colour Consultant explains: “This is a trend with a feminine edge. We have seen on the catwalks how delicate pastels look both flattering and sophisticated, and how in fashion great thought is given to the finishing touches. This also applies in the home – with these ‘barely there’ colours, attention to detail is key and adding changes of tone and texture is vital to add life to a scheme”

“Using subtle variations of tone, a room can look both interesting and original; try layering texture and pattern with simple overlapping stencils or easy stripes. As far as texture is concerned, a contrast of finishes is important. Try introducing rough linen and fake fur, lace and shell or silk and stone. With paint, a flat matt is the natural partner to these unobtrusive tones, but flashes of shine with Metallic paint or extra texture with an area of Suede would add interest and depth.”

Neutral Skins is a feminine, personal trend that relies on intuition to combine modern neutrals with natural textures to make a fascinating room scheme and an intimate, inviting haven.

For further information, visit crownpaint.co.uk.