Category: 2019 Color Trends

2019 Color Trends in Multi-family Design

by Dee Schlotter, PPG senior color marketing manager, architectural coatings

With an increase of multi-family housing developments in the United States, we’re seeing urbanization, immigration, and technology playing major roles in the direction of the color, design, development and maintenance of these space. Densification and co-living are driving forces in the multi-family market, as Millennials are looking to recreate the comfort and community-centric experiences of their college days, while many empty-nest Boomers are looking to downsize into “executive” housing. Convenience and proximity to experience-based retail is an attractive amenity. Convenient dining, entertainment, fitness and other non-traditional storefronts available to multi-family building residents and the broader community are becoming priority as people choose to depend less on cars and more on alternative types of transportation such as shared bicycles and Uber. The luxury of being able to live where you work and play is just one of the driving forces behind the uptick in multi-family housing developments.

To understand how to make conducive design decisions and color choices in multi-family spaces relevant for both Millennials and Boomers, PPG developed a special color trends report for designers and architects to reference for their upcoming projects. PPG’s 2019 multi-family color trends forecast brings this housing shift to the surface and explores how it influences consumers’ attitudes toward their present and future living accommodations. Read more

Using Universal Design to Create a Space Accessible by All

by Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams 

According to AARP, one in five Americans will be 65 or older by 2030. These knowledgeable shoppers bring significant buying power and financial resources to upgrade their spaces and improve their communities. However, whether they are out locally in public spaces or looking to downsize, they may not think about how universal design can affect their daily lives. And, as we become more aware, builders, architects and designers are increasingly being called upon to renovate and design spaces for people of all generations and abilities to enjoy.

This is where universal design comes into the picture, enabling professionals to suggest subtle touches that can make aging in place easier, without sacrificing style, such as decorative grab bars in the bath, cabinet storage that pulls out, and two-level counter heights for easy access whether standing or sitting in a wheelchair. Other subtle but important design strategies can include choosing colors that are easier for older eyes to see and that add contrast for easier navigation, and installing purposeful lighting that increases safety.

By incorporating the principles of universal design, and gaining a better understanding of the role of color, sheen and lighting on aging eyes, professionals can create environments that not only meet their clients’ needs, but work for all ages and abilities. Read more