Capture the Essence of Summer With Ace Hardware's Top Paint Color and Decor Trends

OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwired - Jun 18, 2015) - Ace Hardware, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, is helping consumers prepare for the summer season by sharing expert-approved paint color and home décor trends inspired by the sunny and warm days ahead. Hand selected by Ace's Design Experts, Katie Reynolds (Atlanta, Georgia), Julie Richard (Boston, Mass.) and Nathan Fischer (Orange County, Calif.), these color and design tips help homeowners brighten their homes for summer with some of the hottest home décor trends guaranteed to match the season's rising temperatures.

Ace's Design Experts curated a palette for summer 2015, utilizing colors from the Clark+Kensington® paint+primer in one collection. Featuring hues reminiscent of long summer days and seaside vacations, the color trends include shades for every homeowner, from vibrant and bold to grounding neutrals. "With consistent warmer weather around the country, this time of year lends itself to updates both inside and outside the home," said Reynolds. "As you soak up the summer sun, we're thrilled to help you bring the feeling of the outdoors in with colors that evoke the best this season has to offer!"

Katie, Julie and Nathan have provided the following Clark+Kensington colors as the season's leading hues:

• Paint your kitchen island for an updated look that's easier than repainting your cabinets. A classic neutral like Subtle Gray 38A-1 pairs nicely with most wood and finishes.
• Stripes, though classic, are very popular this summer. Try painting them on a pair of oversized outdoor planters in a sunset-inspired combination of Dried Apricot 14D-4 and Cajun Shrimp NLL64, from the 2015 OPI Color Palette by Clark+Kensington.
• If you want to try one of this season's more feminine pastel colors, such as Peach Nectar 10D-4, but are afraid of pulling it off, try balancing it with a complementary masculine hue like Classic Navy 38D-5.
• Graphic patterns and details are an easy way to make a big change. Add a pop of pink stenciled in a chevron pattern on drawers of a basic white dresser with a bright choice such as Camellia Blossom 07D-4.
• Layered warm neutrals never go out of style and work equally as well in big open spaces or cozy cottages and nooks. Try using a darker neutral on the walls and ceiling with Vanilla Scone 18A-2 and furnishing with pale, light neutral hues such as Linen CW-W6 for a fresh feel.
• Try a fun color pairing for a guest or kids room by painting a focal window wall in a brighter green color like Green Tomatoes 28D-4 and then adding a muted, natural green shade like Gentle Touch 25C-2 on the window base.
• Wild Blueberry 38B-7 and Classic Navy 38D-5 are great go-to colors for a monochromatic blue color scheme inspired by the ocean. Simple and natural accents like stone top tables, linen or woven material window coverings bring in a clean look that won't fade over time.
• Combine a warm neutral like Cup of Tea 23B-4 with a feminine pink like Surprise Party 07C-3 or Boutique Chic 06D-1 in a nursery or girl's room for a soft look reminiscent of the flowers blooming outdoors.
• Shiplap wall paneling, featuring horizontal, overlapping wooden boards covering the walls (similar to a ship) is trending. It's the perfect way to bring a beach-like nautical feel to any space. Try painting the wood in a crisp white like Frost CW-C3 for an easy architectural detail.

As the sun comes out to play and homeowners enjoy their summer vacation time, Ace's Design Experts recommend the following quick and easy décor tips to pair with the top color picks of the season:

• Make a statement with a bold color on the ceiling, walls, or large piece of furniture, and then let other surfaces take a supporting role to show off the vibrant shade. Accessories such as throw pillows or a brightly colored vase complete the look.
• Ground a room by trying a mixed color scheme with a rug free of color and pattern. A simple solid wool rug or a natural sisal or jute will balance perfectly in a room with varying color combinations.
• A pink color combination balances well, but try adding a more grown-up feel with black, mirrored, and reflective finishes. For a softer look in a room such as a nursery, bring in wood tones, whites, and a touch of brass or silver.
• Create a festive ambiance in your backyard or patio area by hanging multi-colored candle lanterns from tree branches in peach hues. To round out this cheerful look, try painting an inexpensive wooden picnic table in the same peach hue for an updated outdoor space.

Clark+Kensington, a premium line of paint+primer in one, is available exclusively at The Paint Studio at Ace. Its semi-gloss finish has been recommended by a leading consumer magazine in recent tests of interior paints. The paint line features designer-selected hues that cover the entire color spectrum, providing homeowners with a selection of beautiful, livable colors that meet each of their varied needs.

Designed to help homeowners find the perfect paint color, The Paint Studio at Ace features eye-catching color racks, unique pullout drawers and easy to use color cards to simplify the color selection process. Paired with the helpful service and knowledgeable advice from Ace Hardware's associates, The Paint Studio provides a world-class paint experience right in consumers' neighborhood hardware stores.

For more information on Clark+Kensington or Ace's Design Experts, please stop by your neighborhood Ace Hardware Store or visit www.thepaintstudio.com.

About Ace Hardware
For more than 90 years, Ace Hardware has been known as the place with the helpful hardware folks in thousands of neighborhoods across America, providing customers with a more personal kind of helpful. In 2015, Ace ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores, Nine Years in a Row," according to J.D. Power. With more than 4,800 hardware stores locally owned and operated across the globe, Ace is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries currently operate 17 distribution centers in the U.S. and also have distribution capabilities in Shanghai, China; Panama City, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and approximately 60 countries. For more information on Ace, visit www.acehardware.com.