HHIQ_3Q

RETAIL TRENDS
FLE
Erika Wolefel of Behr says it’s important
to guide consumers towards paint that
will withstand wear and tear.
BY SIGRID FORBERG
COLOURING
OUTSIDE
THE LINES
Paint is a great way for consumers to express their individuality. But it
can be hard to keep up with the trends influencing this popular category.
Here, some paint experts break down what you need to know about
what consumers are looking for and what colours are making waves.
F
ashion trends tend to reflect the cultural
and political environment. In
uncertain times, the idea of home
as a refuge has become more important.
Painting is one of the easiest ways to change
the mood of a room.
According to Bev Bell, creative director
for Home Hardware’s paint and Home
Products Division, what consumers are now
looking for at home is a sense of control and
peace. “Times are changing. Normal isn’t
normal anymore,” Bell says.
Painting helps homeowners create their
own serene, quiet oasis, away from the uncertainty
and chaos of the world. With trends like
meditation and yoga becoming mainstream
practices, Bell says calming colours like pink,
yellow, and blue have become popular choices.
And it doesn’t hurt that a simple paint
job delivers a lot of bang for the homeowner’s
buck.
“Despite being one of the smaller
expenses relative to the overall cost of a renovation,
paint is one of the most impactful
elements,” says Sharon Grech, a Benjamin
Moore colour & design expert.
Bell echoes Grech’s assertion, and adds
that “for pennies per square foot, paint is
the most effective way” for people to transform
entire rooms.
36 THIRD QUARTER / 2018
Hardlines Home Improvement Quarterly
www.hardlines.ca