As a child I always wondered just who would be lucky enough to have the job of naming new colors for various products like nail polish, or lipstick, or paint?! That would be the dream job; I imagined a small panel of artists sitting around a large white table conjuring up delicious names that could sway a person like me to purchase "Plump Plum" over "Black Licorice".  A couple months ago I found an online name-that-color contest and had a blast thinking up different names for new paint colors, and they chose one! So here it is! The tone is from General Paint's "Down to Earth" line; it is full of rich and natural colors. I called this one "Bonfire Pie", now excuse me while I cross off one more line on my life-goals list. Next Up: Sky-diving? Um, maybe not.

Grays are making a big impact! Although subtle and more of a background noise kind of color, grey can be so versatile, and neutral without going to basic beige. I am referring to a warmer grey- a comforting tone, think thick wool mittens, weathered wood planks, cashmere in a soft dove gray.  How does this translate to design? Here are some suggestions:

A headboard in a deeper pewter color anchors the bed and the velvet fabric is such a lovely texture. If you are adding lots of grays, differing textures is a great idea. Add smooth glossy nickel in the form of a lamp base, or interesting cabinet pulls.

You can use grays to cool down a warm palette, like the grey curtains in this apricot and cream nursery designed by Suellen Gregory.

Even kitchens like this one for Martha Stewart are getting into the swing of these nature-worn shades. Doesn't this kitchen seem welcoming, like a warm bowl of clam chowder? Kitchen Craft kitchens has added two new shades in their product line: Portabello and Weathered Slate on Maple- both utterly fantastic!

All girls know how important their shades of makeup are, and what suits one, just won’t work for another; funny how that can be said of decor coloring.  The makeup industry is tied with fashion and home elements respectively and this is true in color trends as well.  So for some fresh design inspiration, take a nod from the companies who keep us looking our best, and focus intently on color. Black Cherry Chutney by OPI is part of their new India inspired line of lacquers, the deep purple would be an amazing accent wall color or splash of color in a room via cushions and grapes,....I mean drapes.  Avon’s Glazewear Diamonds Eye Color in Turquoise Dream is a nice note for spring, in a spa like bath with all white everything else, or fun kids’ room color.  Did you know that some stores that sell paint can color-match pretty much anything you have that you’d like to replicate on your walls?