Trends change every year in every field that requires the mind to be creative. The world of interior designing then, is not left far behind, as colors that had been dormant for a while now reemerge to captivate you with their effects. This year, the focus is mainly on connecting with nature in all its glory, in the home. As such, the popular interior paint colors for 2012 reflect this trend, in that they are cool, calm and soothing, though the vibrant nature of some cannot be overlooked and is rather necessary to keep you going when in a slump. Compiled based on the opinion of interior painting and color experts, we bring to you the hottest colors for interiors this year. However, before seeing these colors, first learn how to choose the right color, so that you can make the right decision when revamping your home. Given below is a palette of colors that will explain exactly what colors home experts are popularizing this year. Remember, the focus is on connecting with nature and slowing down in this fast-paced life. On the other hand, a splash of a bright, vibrant color is always important. Of course, the area you use it in will make all the difference when it comes to achieving the desired, perfect look. Here's a look into the colors you should be trying out this year. Getting in touch with the earthy side of nature is what defines one of the most powerful color palettes this year. A neutral palette is always welcome by those who don't like to be overpowered by color, rather soothed by it. Neutral shades can easily be combined with any vibrant shade, and can be used in almost any area of the house without looking jarring. Bask in the calmness that this soothing palette has to offer. Whether it is the earth or the sky, the aspect of nature you want to connect with completely depends on you. Shades of blue, both soft and vibrant are currently dominating the scene in the world of interior painting; and to balance the softness of this color, experts suggest using brighter colors to offset the beauty of the overall interior space. This may be just by adding a green plant, a pink chair, or a blue rug with gray walls. The idea is to create a balanced contrast so that you are comforted when you enter that particular space. Life without color would be really bland, and knowing where to add the right amount of a bright color is what defines the beauty of a space. All the colors showcased here must be used in limited amounts (just one wall or a patch of a wall) and may be used in areas such as a study, a living room where you happen to entertain a lot, a game room that is meant to induce enthusiasm, or a den where you unwind at the end of the day. In this area, no one is going to tell you what's in and what's not. As long as it is balanced with lighter furniture, you can choose any color you desire. It has always been maintained in the world of interior designing, that personal taste should be given preference over the raging trends. However, sometimes you simply desire to be as trendy as the world demands you to be, and there is no harm in that. As long as you are comfortable with it, the variety to choose from is vast. Now that you've decided that you want to get with it and have your rooms painted in the colors that are trending this year, here are some thumb rules when picking them out.

• Always look at the bigger picture. Your room is not made up only of walls, but of the flooring, furniture, accessories and overall decor you combine it with it. As such, when it comes to deciding on paint colors and combinations for any given space, ensure that you have a color scheme in mind. Balance the colors in terms of wall paint, furniture, fabrics and accessories.
• For this purpose, it is always wiser to keep a sample of the kind or color of fabric you will be choosing for your interiors.
• Decide on the kind of paint finish you want. You can choose from a matte or glossy finish, depending on your personal preference. Also, some colors would look better in a glossy finish than in a matte finish.
• Always apply a sample of paint on the walls before painting the whole wall in one particular color. This gives you a rough idea of how the color will look in the overall scheme of things.

As mentioned earlier, always choose colors that you are comfortable with rather than going for what is trendy. If your taste and the current trends are similar, there is nothing like it. With a fair idea of the color you want for your interiors, from the palettes that are popular this year, you will be able to do justice to your personal space and create your own little retreat where you can rejuvenate yourself and slow down your overworked mind.