A Fresh Coat of Paint Fights the Winter Blues

Sigh. It’s the middle of January and months of chilly weather and more time indoors await most of the country.

And while an eco-vacation may be your first thought to escape the winter blues, perhaps budgetary or time constraints are preventing you from reaching somewhere warm, sunny and bright.

A splash of color and some local, organic fresh flowers can turn your room from gloom to great in just an afternoon. Photo: Courtesy of Behr Paints

Our fix? Take your favorite elements from the outdoors and bring them inside. Call it a mini-makeover for your home, but there’s nothing like a fresh splash of paint and a little greenery to brighten even the dampest rooms.

Earth911 consulted Behr paint to find out more about the color trends for 2010. “Whether light or dark, clean or muted, traditional or contemporary, new concepts in style take shape at the beginning of a new decade,” according to Behr’s 2010 Design & Color Trends report, noting that contrasting shades are tops this year, and that these palettes relate directly to “a world bursting with change, innovation and diversity.”

Our top pick for this season is from Behr’s Farm House Craft series, showcasing a palette of earthy hues in green and brown. And let’s face it: The color green is a fresh reminder of spring, and we dig that.

If you’re looking to do a quick update in your home, pick a cheery color that suits your room and apply it one or two walls. We love the option of using a low-VOC paint such as Behr’s Premium Plus Ultra, allowing you to easily paint indoors without the harsh fumes.