www.marketblackbook.com
Color Association Interiors/Environmental 2009-10 Color Forecast
The Color Association's 2009-10 Interiors/Environmental Forecast presents two distinct color directions: a group of sixteen luminous colors called Rock Crystals balancing twenty-eight vivid hues called Vegetable Garden. The first, mineral-inspired palette features grays, off-whites and slate blues; the second group of vegetal colors presents warm tomato reds, bronzed yellows, rich browns, leafy greens, and reddened blues and purples.
The forecast clearly proposes a full spectrum palette - a rainbow of hues balanced by whites, browns and grays - which conveys a sense of well-being. With the US elections coming up in 2008, there is an expectation of positive change, and consumers will want their surroundings to express this new sense of harmony and optimism. Customers are recognizing color's restorative, beneficial effects on our bodies and moods, and it has become an increasingly important component of modern design that goes beyond just aesthetics. Color is now appreciated for its effects on psychology, or its use for informational coding. A continuing focus on warm, mid-value colors underlies most of the 2009-10 forecast, suggesting gentle harmonies rather than the dramatic ones that have dominated in recent years. We are becoming more interested in exploring color subtleties through textures, striation or luster, rather than obvious chromatic contrasts.
"Rock Crystals" is sophisticated group filled with pearl grays, off-whites, olives and bronzes like Tiger's Eye, Blue Topaz, Limestone and Quartz. An elegant tonal look makes a comeback to soothe and promote clarity of thought, and will be especially appealing to a coastal audience in the Northeast or the Northwest. With its nod towards the healing properties of crystals, this story addresses the rising interest in issues of spirituality, whether through yoga or meditation or religion. In addition to the muted tints, this story is also very much about ethereal finishes like shimmer, high-gloss and translucence, which provide an added depth to colored surfaces. Metallic finishes will continue, but in more subtle, refined ways. Bronze, a deep brownish-gold, was singled out to be the most influential metal, but brushed platinum is also in consideration, and both would create a sleek and contemporary look for home furnishings and appliances. This is overall a wonderful palette for interior paints and large pieces of furniture like sofas or tables.
"Vegetable Garden" speaks to Americans' growing awareness of our relationship with the environment, with color names like Sustainable, Almond, Blueberry and Flax. Eco-friendly designs are on everyone's mind; in particular, the growing foodie movement, with its emphasis on organic foods and small-scale farming, have trained our eyes to vibrant natural hues. At the same time, there is concern about creating 'green' products that fit into our contemporary, high-design lifestyles. Thus, this story suggests a modern spin on rustic traditions for future designs, balancing both old and new, humble and stylish. Blues dominate across both stories, especially reddened blues whether in light or dark iterations. Healthy greens that are associated with fresh farm produce and natural landscapes still resonate with consumers, but we also predict deep moss greens gaining acceptance as a new neutral. An orange influence is apparent on the tomato reds, golden yellows
and earthy browns in this story. The deepest hues tend to be purple-toned, such as the blackish Fig or moody Eggplant. White remains an important base, as it not only dramatizes these lively colors, but also creates a contemporary reference point that banish "hippie" connotations.
This warm, nature-inspired palette will translate beautifully to home textiles, providing many pleasing combinations for multi-color prints or color-blocking in bed, window or table linens. They can also be used in fun accessories like lampshades or clocks to pop an interior space; several of the brights from this group would make a great accent for the more neutral shades in "Rock Crystals". Colors like Jar blue and Jadite green indicates glass and porcelain will key materials for home accessories. Vegetable Garden will have great appeal across the US, but is particularly suitable for Southern states or California, where the light will illuminate these hues to the best effect.
It is clear that as the American public becomes more educated about good design, there is more diversity in tastes and ideas. Our recent forecasts are noticeably less about a "hot" color, and more concerned with color stories and inspirations. As we move towards a new decade, consumers are seeking a balance in their lives between modern simplicity and traditional comforts, and this is encapsulated in the two color stories in our forecast.
