So what are the current trends for 2011? There is a movement to go back to classical designs, values and customs. Hand crafts are on the rise; the uses of more texture from natural materials are showing up in designed spaces and fashion. Keep a look out for more Americana; the good ol’ red white and blue! These colors are going to be seen a lot more because a new nationalism has been on the rise. In addition to Americana color and style rising, olive greens of the army are also increasing in popularity. The camo concept of the olive greens is a current desire to become a chameleon in our environment.
You will notice a warming of yellows. Yellow is the undertone influencer of all the natural colors which psychologically stabilizes. Earth tone, in combination with yellows, helps us feel closer to the earth – to feel sustainable. Generally, the nation is placing more value on quality rather than quantity.
Digital tones are making an influence as well – bright and bold strong colors that pop in an attempt to get your attention among the grey scale. Similarly, this is how marketing works in the media and internet.
Blues and light greens are expanding the current color pallet. The consumer may see Brazilian Blue, Twilight Blue or Lucerne blue, but these are a toned down version of what designers are using. So when you see suggestions cards in the paint department, bump up the intensity to get a professional look.
The family of violets is returning because of their sense of luxury and mystery. Look for colors like Egg Plant or Fuchsia mixed in with oranges, reds, and vintage wine browns.
Nationally, our temperature gauge is warming. This occurs when people want to rest and find stability, and ironically, this occurs every odd decade. Think back to the fifties, the seventies, and the nineties. Each decade, including the current one, will create an aggregate of the societal, political, technological, and cultural influences on color.
To have balance and stability in the color world, use the classic neutrals. Pick your colors to poise the warm and cool tones in steadiness. Let bold pop out in accented places which allows the base to be set with solid neutrals. The current foundational neutrals are of complex off-whites and beiges which have deeper tonal additions than past off whites. Don’t forget about black and white and the grey scale; it is a relevant classic that will continue.
Keep the balance and look at the color in your immediate environment in a refreshed way. Don’t forget your individual influence on the color movement of your region. Each of us is one part of a collective aggregate that makes up our community. We are our local culture, and we are a significant part of our national color voice.
