Trends in Colors Sourcebook 2009

In a recent conversation with Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, she revealed the inside scoop on the greatest trend for 2009 colors: Don’t look for one “hot new color,” but rather many as part of wider color palettes.

“It’s not about the old way of doing forecasting,” says Eiseman. Pantone’s 2009 forecast showcases eight palettes that will prevail in home furnishings and interior design. “When you look at the eight palettes, you can see that what is happening with color forecasting is broadened and more inclusive.” Green shades that were popular in the last few years are expanding, with more yellow-greens and blue-greens springing up in the color palettes.

“I think the biggest story is just that—colors are staying ‘in’ longer, rather than going away quickly,” says Eiseman. “I think the economy has a lot to do with that.” When people are spending more money, bright colors take center stage and come and go out of fashion rapidly. “With the economy slowing down, people are more concerned. You still have some brightness, but it’s more apt to be used as an accent” on items that can be easily changed, says Eiseman.

Consumer consciousness is shaping both shopping trends and color preferences, adds Eiseman. “Eco-awareness is a resounding theme as consumers continue to be more thoughtful about what they are buying and the impact their choices will have on the world. At the same time, there is also a need to relax, rewind, renew and, hopefully, refurbish. The
2009 palettes address these trends, which will be reflected in designs and products for the home in the coming year.”

This is not to say that certain shades aren’t coming back to the style forefront. While greens and oranges are definitely sticking around, Eiseman notes, “I would say that the most important new influences are in the purple family, particularly when combined with brown.” Blue and purple have always been popular; what is new are shades of rich purple and
blue with purple undertones mixed with fuchsias and browns. All of these hues are accented with a strong blood-red, which adds a dramatic punch. Purple makes its presence known through Pantone’s eight palettes, as do the popular green and orange hues. Each palette puts a fresh spin on color combinations that have been used in the past with colors that are more unique. Pantone’s 2009 Color Forecast also reflects lifestyle trends, globalization and cultural influences of the moment. The collection includes Wine Country, a grouping of rich lavenders, greens and browns that conveys a rustic connection to the earth; Wanderings, which captures the ever-present fascination with exotic locales and travel in golds, reds and rich blues; and Animate, an intense rainbow of hues inspired by the playful elements of Japanese anime and pop culture.

With such a range of color options, from full palettes to vibrant accent hues for accessories, feel free to explore color in your home. Find inspiration in the pages of a magazine, embrace what makes you feel comfortable, and—if the idea of jumping into a new palette intimidates you—talk to an interior designer or color expert who can help steer you in the right direction.

“If you admire the things you see that are colorful, paint one wall that color and live with it for a while,” recommends Eiseman. “If you don’t like it, you can always take it back to where it was before, but you need to take those leaps of faith.”

To order a copy of the Pantone View Home + Interiors 2009 Color Formulas, visit www.pantone.com. For color advice from Leatrice Eiseman, visit www.color expert.com and www.morealivewithcolors.com.

**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home design and building/remodeling features.  Wonderful visuals of custom homes and eco-friendly resources are combined with expert advice to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing amazing home interior design and remodeling projects to life.