{ 2007/2008 Color, Style & Design Trends }

Emily Morrow, Director of Color, Style and Design for Shaw Industries recently shared her thoughts on 2007/2008 Color, Style and Design Trends. The details were so useful and interesting, I found myself vigorously trying to jot down every word she spoke! Enjoy!

There are some distinct changes on the color horizon. “Neutrals are frequently chosen, but Ms. Consumer is looking for more color and more vibrancy in her color selection. The difference today is that the palettes have become darker and richer. The 80’s have come back into vogue in fashion, music, and homes. My [Emily Morrow] prediction is that many trends from the 80’s will be made to look new again, appealing to younger consumers who didn’t live through the decade of “over the top opulence and preppy style”

Green
“We’re seeing variations of rich shades of green again and teal — but this time, think of peacock feathers and all their lustrous, rich, saturated colors. Yellow-based greens will continue very strongly. Spearmint, or blue-based green, is up and coming.” Greens are staying strong because of their link to environmental awareness. Versatile, almost neutral, greens can be subtle and sophisticated or intense and playful. The newest variation is “toxic” shocking green, equal parts green and yellow.

Blue
“Navy, true blue, and the water blues are important. Nautical, blue-and-white, bold stripes are very strong.” Soft shades of aqua reminiscent of the “water” colors which have been trending strongly for the past two or three years still remain as important in our blue family. Blues will become more diverse, influencing purples and greens; and blue-greens are seen in unusual combinations with other colors (rich browns, yellow-greens, and vivid red-oranges).

Red
“Chinese red is being used as a contrast against satiny, lacquered ebony surfaces of furnishings.” Red is always a “classic” – the significant aspect of red is whether it’s influenced by blue or yellow. Today’s Chinese red is definitely a rich “red-orange," but look out for  “Venetian Red” which is a purer red bordering on the blue side. The trend catalyst for the color is the “Baroque” style which is permeating the marketplace. Bright corals are strong, while mid-value pinks are beginning to decline in the next year. When treated with a specialty finish, reds can take on an effervescent quality.

Pink
“Pinks are going towards rose, moving away from the bubble gum pink.” One must acknowledge that the Evelyn Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness “Pink Ribbon” campaign has created a tidal wave of home and fashion products in the pink family.

Orange
“New oranges are appearing — some are muddied, burnished and look aged or oxidized; there’s more patina and surface interest. This color family has worked its way into automotives and appliances, as well as upholstery and drapery fabric, paint and fashion.” Oranges — muddier and brighter, depending on the context. Specialty finishes can create a rich oxidized patina or the appearance of molten lava.

Yellows
Either pure, funky, and high-tech or antique and burnished. Subtle yellow-golds are appearing in gilded finishes, burnished leather, or precious metals.

Brown
“We’re seeing all shades — mocha, cinnamon, chocolate, coffee.” Brown, a sustaining color trend in fashion and the home has become increasingly respected and dominant. Dark and medium chocolates, ranging from coffee bean to latte, lustrous or mineralized shades of “just-tilled earth”; paired with vibrant, unexpected colors. Warm and elegant when used with aged gold or dramatic and daring with magenta or orange.

Neutrals
Becoming darker, more saturated. Now being infused with a blush of color (sometimes relating to golden skin tones), creating the effect of more personalized options for consumers. Neutrals in all constructions are moving darker - taupes, tobaccos, anything reminiscent of leather, travertine, stacked stone, slate or granites like “Baltic Brown” or “African Tapestry”.

Beige
“Warm, infused with hints of color, rather like skin tones. Golden beiges and taupes are always good choices.”

Gray
“Making a strong comeback, gray flannel and charcoal are re-emerging, possibly because of the sleek contemporary look that is stylish now in home furnishings. Brushed nickel and aged pewter are popular for appliances and hardware. Grays are clean and straightforward, with no influence from blue or green.”

Black
“Being seen as an accent in every room — in rugs, carpet, fabric, and accessories. Black-and-white combinations are popular in large-scale, traditional motifs. Black accents in textiles of all kinds are in demand, giving added body and visual dimension.”

Color Marketing Group predicts these trends:

• Green Rules: Look for softer, more botanical greens inspired by nature.
• Nature Blues: The color of the sky, the color of water, true blues from nature will be everywhere.
• Rich, Ethnic Accents: Add punch to more neutral settings with accent colors from a rich mix of countries and cultures. Deep, rich ethnic reds and warm, glowing oranges are the “hot” colors for 2008.

Comments

[Sonciary Honnoll (Dabbieri Blog)]

Maryam - Of course the peacock is just for you! :)

[maryam in marrakesh]

Hey, is that peacock comment just for me? Teasing, teasing. Okay, so I am looking for the perfect shades of blue, red, grey and pink for a new collection I am making and this is super helpful. But I am finding a hard time finding a pink or blue that I like in the group above. Hmmm...will have to think on it.

[Sonciary Honnoll]

Hello Interior Designers Pune. It looks like part of your comment was cut off "turquoise doesn't seem to be making ..."?

In regards to Lilac, the Lilac's I've spotted aren't the traditional Lilac color, they are infused with a bright eye catching pink.

I'm curious to know what you've seen as of late. :)

[Sonciary Honnoll]

Hello Mark! It is interesting! I have been spying many purple and pink themes in room scene magazines of late. One had a plum and bright purple motif that carried throughout the sitting room, living room and kitchen! Good luck on your quest to find the perfect mauve hue. Since you're in LA, you should check out some of our showrooms in that area.

[Interior Designers Pune]

What about Lilac? haven't seen any of that around? In or Out? Also in the shades of blue...turquoise doesn't seem to be making

[Mark Cutler]

I thought it was interesting to see how much of the selection is dedicated to shades of pink and purple. I was recently shopping for that perfect mauve and had no luck, perhaps my fortunes will change.