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Looking for clues to what may be the next “it” color—look no further than your local grocery store. Blue may be the world’s most popular color, but the one to watch for 2011 is actually Magenta, according to DayGlo Color Corp.’s Brand Action Team. Product packaging, paint, cosmetics and clothing are all indicators of color trends that will eventually show up in furniture.
Pantone is also jumping on the pink hue bandwagon, declaring Honeysuckle the 2011 color of the year. According to Pantone, Honeysuckle is upbeat and dynamic…a conversation stimulant when used on dining room walls. I can almost hear the conversation now…
Frightened dinner guest: “Oh, you repainted your dining room…it’s…uh, a bold choice.”
Trendy host: “Yes, the color elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.”
Frightened dinner guest: “Do you talk to Elvis, too?”
However, with bold color comes great responsibility. Pantone warns, once you try this arresting shade, it can become addictive. We may need a colorvention, an intervention for good colors gone bad.
Drum roll please…
All the paint companies are coming out with 2011 color and design forecasts but so far Behr is my favorite. The new collection "captures an eclectic mix of styles from quirky to the conservative." Oh, you had me at quirky!
The new collection features four distinct trend themes:
1. Boudoir Goth—With colors like Grayve Yard, Blood rose and Not so Innocent, what parent wouldn’t want to transform their child’s bedroom into a scene from True Blood?
2. Rock N’ Roll—Oh, this is my favorite (see picture above)! The fusion of masculinity with hard core rock n’ roll overtones just screamed for a visit from sad Keanu (can you find him?).
3. Tokyo Pop—Imagine Hello Kitty throwing up all over four walls and throw in some adult-swim for good measure.
4. Danish Twist—No, this is not a delicious breakfast treat from Duncan Donuts. It’s a sensory experience from Europe so it has to be good.
Nothing says classy like a room that looks like it was sprayed down with Purple Drank.
Color Marketing Group has predicted the hot decorating color for 2010 will be Mardi Grape, a sophisticated crossover between purple, brown and gray.
According to CMG, look for these additional color trends in 2010:
Red – Reds are strong with pink intuition; bright and clean with energy and excitement -- a
clean pop to go with neutrals.
Orange – A rich, sophisticated color that moves away from earth-based colors to an optimistic
orange, seasoned with a touch of gray.
Yellow – A greener, more natural yellow, softened with gray.
Green – Optimistic and uplifting, a clear and bright accent green with a slight shift toward blue.
Blue – A saturated blue with gray influences; rich without being too luxe.
Beige-Brown – A true chameleon to complement darker hues, it can be either matte or metallic.
Neutral-Gray – Gray with a touch of purple, drawing inspiration from mineral, concrete and
steel.
Design maven Diane Von Furstenburg has never been afraid to take risks—including expanding her brand in a recession.
DVF recently teamed with Storetech+Co to create a posh, high-style shopping experience. The design focal point, a custom Swarovski chandelier features suspended crystal droplets against a contemporary white interior. The soft metallic finish absorbs and softly reflects a continuously changing color palette. Adding to the glamour are Venetian plaster ceilings and gleaming white terrazzo flooring adorned with exotic skin rugs.
Plasma screens are strategically placed to showcase DVF runway shows, and her designs and accessories are shown on floor-to-ceiling custom millwork throughout the boutique.
According to the Color Marketing Group there will be more evolution than revolution in color trends in 2009. Here’s a breakdown of 2009 color trends and my “commentary”:
Purple, Purple, Purple!
Emerging as a hot fashion color last fall, purple is not just a fad – it’s an entrenched trend, strongly influenced by the election. (After all, red plus blue equals purple.) Look for a greyed-out violet that works equally well as an accent or a neutral, as well as redder, plummier purples and bluer-influenced fuchsias in a huge range of products. Purple is 2009's "must have" color.
"OK, purple is a classic. This must be where the 'evolution' part comes in."
Blue is the New Green
Various greens have symbolized "green living" over the last few years, but in 2009 the "green" environmental message is delivered by the color blue. There are watery blues, sky blues and a whole range of blues that now represent our commitment to living on a greener planet.
"I’m not really buying this. Blue is a calming color and most people like the color blue."
Cooled-down, Greyed-out Browns and Greys
Complex neutrals satisfy our urge toward classic colors in an economically challenged time. They also bridge the area between black, which seems harsh, and brown, which doesn't seem strong enough.
"So, people are depressed and are going to live in drab houses and wear drab clothes to show the rest of us how depressed they really are? I’m pretty sure these were goth kids in high school."
Yellow for Energy
The neutrals may have greyed, but look for lots and lots of bright vivid yellow to give us energy as we re-build the economy. It's the stand-out accent color for 2009.
"I love yellow. I don't know what I would do if yellow becaume out of style. I might turn into a goth kid--enter sad music... I am human and I need to be loved...."
Bright Accents from India, China, and Turkey
The exotic has become the familiar. Oranges, turquoises and teals, reds, and yellows will abound in hues from far-away countries that now seem very near. They are the optimistic touches we crave.
"So, because the economy is crappy we’ll all be forced to decorate ala World Market and Pier 1? Hoo-ray."
White is now a Business Color
Technology has produced amazing new (and very practical) finishes, which helps explain why white is showing up everywhere, even in corporate board rooms. The contrasts are all in the finishes: matte versus gloss; shine and shimmer on reflective surfaces; textured whites versus smooth -- all washable and cleanable. White also represents purity of thought, motive and result - exactly what we want from businesses now.
"I hope they didn’t hurt themselves coming up with this epiphany."
Mauve is back
It's mauve. Remember mauve? An old color that looks new again, in dusty violet shades, mauve works as an accent but also serves now as a neutral, punched up by those bright Asian accents (orange, turquoise, teal, red, and yellow.)
"60-something pumas will be thrilled. In fact, I’m going to call my mother right now and let her know to retrieve all her old mauve throw pillows from Goodwill."
