Color forecasters are part designer, part sociologist and part predictor.  They draw information from the runway, auto manufacturers and the housewares industry; they scour showrooms, trade shows and magazines for trends; they consider what’s happening culturally and how this impacts our national mood.  Then they take all of that information and translate it into what colors we’ll be wearing and decorating with in the next year.

The Colors Are Coming  

The housing crisis, ongoing war, historic election and economic downturn have combined to shape Americans’ color tastes. We’re searching for the color equivalent of mac and cheese: safe, traditional and comforting. But the pops of bright colors, from crimson to acid yellow, suggest that we’re ultimately hopeful about the future.

Neutrals are “now”, especially in larger purchases like cars, sofas or carpet. “For those big-ticket items, we’ll make the safer choice such as neutrals, from rich gray to camel,” says Emily Kiker Morrow, Director of Color, Style and Design at Shaw Industries. And, she continues, “We’re using trendier colors, like acid green or amethyst, as accent pieces.”

Denise Turner, founder of Color Turners and a color forecaster, agrees. “Neutrals continue to flourish”, as consumers are looking at ways to get a longer shelf life out of their major purchases, such as carpets and appliances.  Neutrals serve as the background for brighter hues or as standalone, monochromatic color schemes. 

Both color forecasters see chocolate brown on the wane.  Brown is still the go-to color in nearly every industry, from auto manufacturing to fashion to home. The guard is changing; however, as lighter browns begin to make an appearance. Browns are shifting to the colors of spices and beverages.  “Think mocha and cinnamon.”

The most stable of colors are the neutrals, and they remain so.  They are evolving into grayer tones as we move into 2010.  Gray just might surpass brown as the favorite, and it covers a wide range of hues, which span soft gray to charcoal to hematite, and gain interest from metallic and pearlescent accents.

Green continues to gain strength from its association with the growing shift toward eco-consciousness. It will show up in everything from fabrics to accessories to countertops.

Turner noted that, after 9/11 blue surged in popularity. This comfortable, soothing color is associated with dependability, constancy and peace — qualities Americans seek during unstable times. Now every product in the industry uses some type of blue, and many are paired with brown, from chocolate to taupe. 

According to Turner, pink and red are “the colors of causes.” Think about the ribbons on our lapels to help raise awareness for breast cancer, AIDS or heart disease. But these sisters in the color family are also making their way into the home.

You’ll see red as a bold accent in black-and-white designs; and look for pink in romantic bedrooms, the modern girl’s living room or even in the kitchen, from cabinetry to appliances.
Violet came in through the back door, catching fire in the goth trend in high schools (think purple-black T-shirts, eyeliner and fingernail polish). From there it made its way to the runway and now it’s lightening as it crosses into the home; popular variations include violet, wine and true purple.

Hot Color Combos

Just as the popularity of single colors waxes and wanes, so does the popularity of color combinations.

Brown and blue continues to be a favorite although brown will be lighter; tan, caramel and camel, rather than chocolate. 

For the last few years, black and white has been a popular combination in the European market.  Now it’s making its way across the pond. While Morrow has seen it more in accent pieces, like textiles and wallpaper, Turner suggests it will take over entire rooms and  recommends pairing it with hot accent colors like red, pink or acid green for the latest look.

What’s Not Selling?

While you’ll see elegant gold in designs from traditional to Tuscan, don’t look for sunny true yellows in American homes, (though Europeans love them).  Orange is another color that’s getting little love, unless you choose corals or an earthly, deep orange; but even then, these are used only as accents.

The trend toward violet, wine and amethyst is edging out soft lavenders or true purples.  These colors, which were so popular in the 1980′s, have taken a back seat to their bolder cousins.

Resources

Emily Kiker Morrow, CMG
Director of Color, Style & Design, Shaw Industries
Website: www.shawfloors.com

Denise Turner, ASID, CID, CMG
Founder of Color Turners
Website: www.colorturners.com

Interior Color Forecast for 2010

At the Home and Housewares show, Pantone’s color forecast displays colors and trends that the experts say we will be wanting in our home in 2010.

The following are found to be the three most interesting pallets from the Pantone Presentation…

Greenmarket: 

“The need for healthier and more artisanal foods has grown from traditional farmers’ markets to greenmarkets. Found on country roads or urban lots, these visually appealing and tastetempting sites invite us to stop and sample a broader and more diverse selection of goods and goodies. From Tomato Puree and Beaujolais with the tang of Super Lemon or bite of Apple Green, to the more exotic flavors of Dijon, Paprika and Chutney, Greenmarket contains representational hues that entice and appeal to both the eyes and the taste buds.”

Gatherings:

“Inspired primarily by the continent of Africa with its vastness and complexities, Gatherings brings together a compilation of colors that demonstrate the uniqueness of the region. Artifacts and handicrafts reflect a creative boldness that is expressed in a panoply of appropriately named colors: Cypress green, Smoke Blue, Sand and Oasis mixed with the magic of Twilight Mauve, the piquancy of Lemon Curry and the heated glimmer of Copper Coin.”

Galaxy:

“Purveyor and source of light, the mysterious Galaxy is well reflected in a palette that truly illustrates the harmony of hue found in the nocturnal sky. Mirroring the colors of the earth, the greens, called Greener Pastures and Peridot, are powerfully contrasted against the deepest extraterrestrial blues, silver and stormy violets. Brilliant sprays of turquoise and a radiating orchid tone enhance the atmosphere, while Rich Gold embodies the energy and splendor of the epicenter of it all – the sun.”

Paint color cues for 2010 – Contrast, color and contradiction

Contrast and contradiction drive the latest color trends showcased in The Range 2010 – bringing old and new together, blending layers, textures and the combining of new and old colors in unique combinations.  A tran-seasonal palette, cool colors are drawn into warm environments while warm colors often find themselves in cooler environments.

The strong push for sustainability as a collective effort has evolved to become a personal responsibility for each of us, shifting the focus of the green palette as we combine our lifestyles with more sustainable living rather than just sustainable living defining lifestyle. Caring for the environment has become embedded in our culture and the way we do and think about things – a part of our daily lives – challenging preconceived ideas of what is truly ‘green’. This underscores a move away from basic earthiness towards the warmth and comfort of copper browns, a shift from gold towards yellows, while healthy oranges and pinks pack some punch. A fusion of warmth with the green palette sees brown enhanced golds, warmed yellow greens, and rich dusty greens, growing in popularity.

A sprinkling of yellow greens with fresh and acidic undertones, is remindful of fresh spring foliage and the energy of youth. 

There is a misty soft and thoughtful cast over sectors of the green and blue palette, with frosted, pale aquatic colors. The soft focus hints of subtle depths and lends a sense of ethereality. The feeling is cool, dominated by blues with additions of pale greens and soft putty hues for a complete look. Blues are softened and diluted, moving away from strong nautical influenced shades to hues reflecting the freshwater aquatic. Frosted glass and Perspex reinforce the misty feeling of these ghost colors. The increasing prevalence of blues in the palette reflects their growing popularity. Ambiguous colors, difficult to place in a single color palette, cross the line between blue and green.

Uncertain times surround us and as we enter a new decade this also has a major bearing on the palette. Paring back the complications of our lives, increasing focus is being placed on the luxury of well-being and healthy living, investing time and effort in connecting with nature and enjoying the simpler pleasures of life. Natural materials are becoming increasingly popular and the art of the backyard vegetable garden is experiencing a resurge in interest as people look to grow their own, free of high prices and unwanted chemicals.

Escape remains top of mind. With the complications of busy modern lifestyles and the concerns of the economy and the environment we yearn to escape our daily routine. This escape is made possible with refreshing and dynamic color inspired by exotic places and flowers. Hot reds meet rust and exotic oranges, all providing strong punctuation. With information overload, the need for simplicity is being seen as vital heralding in the emotional era of definite likes and dislikes enabling us to make strong choices, including strong color selections. Creating our own hideaways from the busy world, these spaces span uplifting through to relaxing atmospheres, but all collectively slow down the pace of life.

Strong vibrant colors encourage risk taking. Their strength is optimistic and invigorating.

We are becoming increasingly sophisticated in our tastes with a growing appreciation for quality and luxury. We may be buying less in response to the economical and ecological environment, but when we buy we buy quality and reputable brands, and when we choose color, we do so with meaningful intent.

The mysterious hues of taupe continue to strengthen as a key anchoring neutral as interior neutrals start to trend away from cooler grey tones. Taupe has many subtle nuances; a color that tends to defy precise description because of its ability to adapt to other colors and influencers in the space it is used. Browns are softening towards taupe.

Neutrals are a no color blank canvas from which to build up the textures, layering and color that will create the final effect. The neutrals straddle the gap between the anchoring safer hues and the stronger accent colors. 

Soft beiges and nuances of cream and nude are reminiscent of human skin tones, soothing to the senses.

Black and white are stark contrasts while metallic grays play off against exotic purples. An intriguing lack of color in each hue, but in combination the contrast brings out the color. 

With the explosion of the internet and digital technologies, we are getting used to having everything right here, right now no matter when. This allows us to gather up inspiration, ideas and objects from a myriad of places reinforcing the individualism and eclecticism that is becoming more prevalent. The ability to personalize a wide range of objects means that even in mainstream choices we can still stamp our own personality. Paint provides the freedom to explore this individuality further with unlimited options to combine colors, patterns, textures and sheens until a truly unique atmosphere has been created.