A Bright Future
The economy may have people gravitating towards neutral tones in 2010, but they'll be looking for pops of colors to bring life into the home.
By Bessie Nestoras -- Gifts and Dec, 12/1/2009 12:00:00 AM
Colors aren't pulled out of a hat. "The whole idea of where color is going is a demystifying process. It's not only about social issues, technology, lifestyles, etc., but also the aspirations of the consumer," explained Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "When we do palettes we look at what is going to fit a certain comfort level," she went on to say.
The economy is going to play a large role in next year's color forecast and the Tinged Neutral palette is a reflection of that. According to Eiseman, people will gravitate to the neutral tones when purchasing big ticket items, but that creates more interest in accessories in vibrant colors — good news for specialty retailers.
"People won't pull out the carpeting or change the window treatments, but they'll do it in their decorative accessories," she said.
With more people staying home and entertaining, there's a growing interest in creating a fine dining experience. "Greenmarkets have been popping up in big cities. They're different from Farmer's Markets, they're a little more exotic. You find exotic foods and unusual fruits and vegetables. This conjures up a color palette that speaks to those kinds of fruits and vegetables," said Eiseman.
Cultural influences also play a big role. There are very few people who don't use the Internet today, so being able to see different cultures and the different ways people live has a big influence, especially on those who like to incorporate cultural elements into their home.
"For 2010 there is an interest in the African continent because of the soccer World Cup [being held in South Africa]. Something like that always brings interest to a certain country. It inspires people to research the country and play with their color palettes," explained Eiseman. The Gatherings color palette comes from that. "It's different from the typical African look. It's much more sophisticated. We've got sand, oasis and twilight mauve [in this palette]."
The desire to preserve, reserve and recycle has become more mainstream now. Just because something was popular two years ago, it doesn't mean that people are going to throw it away. They are going find ways to re-energize what they have, but in a colorful way. They are looking to enhance the old, but they are going to be resourceful about it.
It used to be that people either had a modern home or a traditional home. And the two never mixed. Well, these opposites attract and more and more people are embracing the two styles. And this new way of thinking also applies to color. For example, "bringing together cameo pink, crème de menthe and lavender gray — these are colors that you normally wouldn't put together," said Eiseman.
Modernism has become much softer over the years. It's not as hard or angular as it used to be. As a result, more softness has been introduced to the color palette. The purple family has gained attention, as has yellow. This bright shade was popular in fashion and is now working its way into the home.
Another big factor in next year's color palette is Japanese anime. Eiseman explained that this area is particularly popular with the younger consumer. Here colors that would never be put together are brought together, like pink and red. "You need to divorce the personal from the professional. Keep an open mind when putting colors together. Make it look exciting and unique to get the customers' interest," she said
The Pantone Color Institute introduced eight color palettes for 2010. They are: Greenmarket, Resourceful, Transformations, Ambiance, Gatherings, Galaxy, High Definition, Pastiche and Tinged Neutrals.
Pantone Color Forecast 2010
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 taste-tempting 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.
Resourceful
The continuing concern for natural resource management — the need to preserve and reserve — remains of utmost importance in the minds of many. Resourcefulness calls not only for the thoughtful use of materials, but the need for originality in reconstructing and redefining products and home furnishings that are both stylish and sustainable. The colors found in the Resourceful palette, such as Sequoia, Golden Ochre and Aqua Sky, speak of earth and sky, while vibrant Tigerlily and Mauve Orchid add a unique, distinctive presence to the mix.
Transformations
In Transformations, a nostalgic and idyllic palette, a traditional look is transformed into something that speaks of a more modern attitude. History is honored and updated while reproductions artfully represent styles of the past without repeating them line for line. Transformations is romantic in both style and mood, offering the promise of a quiet respite. Shapes are graceful while surfaces and colors are engaging and unobtrusive. Soothing Stratosphere blue, Crème de Menthe, Lavender Gray, Deauville Mauve, Crushed Violets and Willow green are counter-balanced by the welcoming warmth of Cameo Pink and Amberlight, and finished with a hint of Pale Gold.
Ambiance
When skillfully used, colors can define the character and atmosphere of a space. Understated and sophisticated with attention to detail, the Ambiance palette adds a thoughtful aesthetic that can be adapted seamlessly and successfully into many motifs. Rich Coffee Bean and Cognac are central to the color theme, while the subtle shades of Stonewash blue, Stucco, Desert Sage, Silver Pink, a taupe-cast Brindle and two shades of gray add an interesting intensity and synergistic effect to the palette.
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.
High Definition
High Definition offers clarity, classicism and modernism accentuated by elegant contrasts. The refined silhouettes are deceptively simple yet glamorous. Black, white and gray are the timeless centerpieces, thoroughly enriched and defined by the dramatic infusion of Amaranth and Paisley Purple, Malaga wine and the flowering fuchsia shade of Ibis Rose, all deftly embellished by Old Gold and shining Silver.
Pastiche
A Pastiche can be described as an incongruous combination of materials. This palette illustrates not only a collection of unexpected styles, but colors as well. It is the continuation of the irreverent direction that has been and continues to be influenced by Japanese anime — a movement that has made major inroads into the world of design and color. Combinations such as Lavendula and Absinthe Green can be combined with Chipmunk, while that same shade of brown might be surrounded by Mimosa yellow, a brightened Strawberry Ice and more docile Little Boy Blue. Bright Cobalt, Tangerine and Duffel Bag gray offer another idiosyncratic option.
Tinged Neutrals
Historically, when money is tight and there is a concern for the longevity of a given color, people have a tendency to "play it safe" with neutrals. But that concern generally applies to the color of big-ticket items like carpeting, window coverings and larger furnishings. Nevertheless, neutrals will continue to be an important part of the decision-making process for items within the home. The following Tinged Neutral tones are considered most directional for 2010. Some are tinged with green or blue, and there is, as always, a classic off-white. Champagne Beige adds a touch of luster — a new direction for neutrals. Some of the most directional accent colors included with these tones have been extrapolated from the preceding palettes.
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