Paint color trends for 2009

Paint color styles for 2009 draws inspiration from both nature and nurture. Paint Quality Institute has released a short video to demonstrate these exciting design directions, which highlight the 2009 color trends.

Color trends for 2009

Color style for 2009 draws inspiration from both nature and nurture.
PQI has released a short video to demonstrate these exciting design directions, which highlight the 2009 color trends.

Construction sector fights IT industry to source talent

The construction and real estate sector is going through a course correction brought about by talent crunch. A recent study by Assocham says there is a manpower shortage of 50-60% in the construction and engineering sector, although the sector formed a small 8.7% of the employment opportunities generated in the first four months this year, compared to 24% in the IT industry, reports ET.

Though the number is growing steadily, it is still small compared to the IT sector. However, analysts feel, looking at the required experience and skill sets; it’s going to be a big challenge for the construction companies which are vying with the IT sector in their talent hunt.

While the sector has loosened its purse strings to attract engineering talent in order to bring the salaries closer to IT sector, the demand-supply gap continues. As a result, the construction industry is also looking overseas for talent. “Till three years ago a fresh civil engineer drew Rs 90,000-Rs 1 lakh annually, today he gets around Rs 2.4 lakh which is marginally less than Rs 2.7 lakh an IT engineer gets,” says Soma Enterprise DGM-HR Krishna Thota.

However, this has happened at a slower pace at the mid and senior levels. So, while freshers are joining the sector, the real people in demand — mid and senior level managers — is still in short supply since a majority of them have found lucrative employment in the IT sector. That is forcing the real estate and construction companies to give a steep salary hike at that level.

“Till about 5 years back the maximum a senior manager or engineers received was Rs 12 lakh annually, today their salaries run into a couple of crores in some cases,” says Feedback Ventures MD engineering division Parvesh Minocha. Apart from the salary the companies are throwing in incentives like stake in commercial/ residential complexes and Esops.

Color trends 2008

Runways and driveways have long been the inspirational source for home furnishings and decorating color choices. However, consumers’ increasing color confidence and personal style makes any color fashionable for 2008.From glass-like blues, botanical greens, dramatic black and white and whisper soft pink, color directions will drive towards individual self-expression, glamorous living experiences or an increasing awareness of important environmental causes.

“Go Green”

Green may just become the newest “neutral” color. Used as a subtle backdrop to reflect an enhanced eco-consciousness, green will be representative of the growing environmental movement. Mid-tone hues of fern, palm, pine and sage will be used on their own or coupled with clear blue or aqua to create a living space that conjures up a sense of outdoor-friendly living. Sandy tans and warm browns can be intermingled to complete that earthy and eco-friendly feel.
While suitable for all areas of the home, these combinations are an especially good
choice for bathrooms, kitchens and family living spaces.

“Sophisticated Elegance”

Gaining popularity in 2008, black and white paint hues will enhance opulent living spaces that are filled with accessories, crystal lighting, mirrors and rich fabrics. Metallics and high sheen finishes along with rich textures benefit from the sophistication of this striking palette. For an unexpected color punch, add cause related hues such as dramatic red or maintain the room’s classic undertones with subtle pink or taupe. Dramatic and sophisticated, black and white becomes the backdrop for today’s glamorous spaces. Master bedroom suites and living rooms are only two of the spaces that can benefit from sophisticated elegance.

“Crewel Colors”

Many consumers continue to strive for simplicity in their technology overloaded, hectic lifestyles and seek a return to a gentler way of life. The crewel color palette reflects consumers returning interest in crafts, home cooking and family focused activities. Like a rich and color filled needlepoint pattern, these hues add a soulful and personalized feel to any space. Handcrafted items create a sense of stability and security and these warm, creamy rich colors will do the same in your space. Rich cranberry reds, warm browns, along with pumpkin orange help to create a nurturing and caring environment. Mix in deep-toned blue and the tapestry is complete.

Crewel colors remain an excellent choice for kitchen or dining areas and can be warming, like a knitted afghan, in family spaces. No matter which hue or palatte attracts attention, consumers continue to have an increased appreciation for paint quality and value. And, why not? It is a personal choice for a personal space—home.

Top 10 trends in home design

Tomorrow's homes are on the drawing board and they are nothing like the places you may recall from your childhood. New materials and new technologies are reshaping the way we build. Floor plans are also changing to accommodate the changing patterns of our lives. And yet, many architects and designers are also drawing upon ancient materials and building techniques. So, what will the homes of the future look like? Watch for these important trends.

1. Earth-Friendly Design

Perhaps the most exciting and most important trend in home design is the increased sensitivity to the environment. Architects and engineers taking a new look at ancient building techniques that used simple, bio-degradable materials. Far from primitive, today's "earth houses" are proving comfortable, economical, and rustically beautiful.

2. "Prefab" Construction

Factory-made prefabricated homes have come a long way from flimsy trailer park dwellings. Trend-setting architects and builders are using modular building materials to create bold new designs with lots of glass and steel. Prefabricated, manufactured housing comes in all shapes and styles, from steamlined Bauhaus to undulating organic forms.

3. Adaptive Reuse

New buildings aren't always entirely new. A desire to protect the environment and to preserve historic architecture is inspiring architects to repurpose, or re-use, older structures. Trend-setting homes of the future may be constructed from the shell of an outdated factory, an empy warehouse, or an abandoned church.

4. Healthy Design

Some buildings can literally make you sick. Home designers are becoming increasingly aware of the ways our health is affected by synthetic materials and the chemical additives used in paints and composition wood products. The most innovative homes aren't necessarily the most unusual; they are the homes constructed without relying on plastics, laminates, and fume-producing glues.

5. Storm-Resistance

Every shelter should be built to withstand the elements, and engineers are making steady progress in developing storm-ready home designs. In areas were hurricanes are prevalent, more and more builders are relying on insulated wall panels constructed of sturdy concrete.

6. Flexible Floor Plans

Changing lifestyles calls for changing living spaces. Tomorrow's homes have sliding doors, pocket doors, and other types of movable partitions allow flexibility in living arrangements. Dedicated living and dining rooms are being replaced by large multi-purpose family areas. In addition, many houses include private "bonus" rooms that can be used for office space or be adapted to a variety of specialized needs.

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