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I've spent the last several hours researching color trends for 2009 and I discovered that while there were some predictions for "it" colors, most sources agree that the move is more towards palettes of colors and associated lifestyles. It seems that our political and economic trends toward a global society are being reflected in our personal and home fashions as well. There has been a move toward individuality and away from conformity for some time and this is leading to diverse groupings of options rather than singularly accepted trends. Ironically, it seems that even in our search for the unique we still desire groups from which to choose. There was a lot to read and interpret so I've summed it up for you here.Urban Reality
Based on the contemporary urban style of the past, this structured look continues to evolve with the development of new technologies in materials and manufacturing. The colors are rooted in a range of grays and inky blues with accents of metallics and shaded reds, plums and greens. A clean look for business professionals and those with a penchant for the modern, this palette is based on dark neutrals with the addition of shaded colors and seems to reflect the moody seriousness of the current economy. This look is perfect for masculine studies, corporate offices, or any formal or streamlined space.
Natural Comforts
With a nod toward romance this palette of dusty hues and neutrals is all about a return to the basics. Femininity is embraced along with organic fabrics though this palette is meant for both genders. It is a casual palette with a neutral base of beige and soft browns and layers of dusty blue, violet, rose and peach tones. Perfect for a beach house, country cottage, or any space that merges antiques with casual comfort, this palette is set to create a soft retreat for the end of a hard day.
Enchanted Forests
Think "Lord of the Rings meets Environmental Activist" and you'll have this palette nailed. You could say this trend follows the distressed style of recent years, though the downturn in the economy has fewer of us wanting to purposefully look poor, so it is a more cleaned-up version. Patterns include washed plaids and checks as well as nature-inspired and animal prints. It is based on the idea of enchanted forests with sprinklings of sunsets and morning skies. It is full of khakis, many shades of green, earthen oranges, warm grays, and stormy blues. Perfect for any Eco-conscious consumer this palette is especially pleasing to those who love the outdoors and earthy palettes. It is well-suited to public and private spaces and can be dressed up or relaxed.
Techno Youth
More than the grays and blues of past techno palettes, this new trend is influenced by the development of art in the world of technology. With unusual combinations of warm and cool colors, strong graphic patterns, and both organic and lightweight tech fabrics, it reconciles the hard edges of technology with the no boundaries freedom of the art world. Truly a palette for the future, this mix is appealing to youth, those with bold personalities and anyone who is unafraid of color. A great choice for kids' bedrooms, kitchens and anywhere you're bold enough to use it.
Based on the contemporary urban style of the past, this structured look continues to evolve with the development of new technologies in materials and manufacturing. The colors are rooted in a range of grays and inky blues with accents of metallics and shaded reds, plums and greens. A clean look for business professionals and those with a penchant for the modern, this palette is based on dark neutrals with the addition of shaded colors and seems to reflect the moody seriousness of the current economy. This look is perfect for masculine studies, corporate offices, or any formal or streamlined space.
Natural Comforts
With a nod toward romance this palette of dusty hues and neutrals is all about a return to the basics. Femininity is embraced along with organic fabrics though this palette is meant for both genders. It is a casual palette with a neutral base of beige and soft browns and layers of dusty blue, violet, rose and peach tones. Perfect for a beach house, country cottage, or any space that merges antiques with casual comfort, this palette is set to create a soft retreat for the end of a hard day.
Enchanted Forests
Think "Lord of the Rings meets Environmental Activist" and you'll have this palette nailed. You could say this trend follows the distressed style of recent years, though the downturn in the economy has fewer of us wanting to purposefully look poor, so it is a more cleaned-up version. Patterns include washed plaids and checks as well as nature-inspired and animal prints. It is based on the idea of enchanted forests with sprinklings of sunsets and morning skies. It is full of khakis, many shades of green, earthen oranges, warm grays, and stormy blues. Perfect for any Eco-conscious consumer this palette is especially pleasing to those who love the outdoors and earthy palettes. It is well-suited to public and private spaces and can be dressed up or relaxed.
Techno Youth
More than the grays and blues of past techno palettes, this new trend is influenced by the development of art in the world of technology. With unusual combinations of warm and cool colors, strong graphic patterns, and both organic and lightweight tech fabrics, it reconciles the hard edges of technology with the no boundaries freedom of the art world. Truly a palette for the future, this mix is appealing to youth, those with bold personalities and anyone who is unafraid of color. A great choice for kids' bedrooms, kitchens and anywhere you're bold enough to use it.
In terms of singular color trends, look for yellows to make a strong return this season. It is one color that works with all of the palettes and has a welcome cheerfulness that everyone is seeking. You will see it combined with gray in both structured and graphic patterns, in metallic accents in woven fabrics and adding a little brightness when partnered with dusty or earthen shades.
Don't feel that you must throw out your old to incorporate these new palettes as they are all rooted in past trends. An easy update? Add throw pillows to sofas, a new vase to a bookshelf, or put your old comforter in a new duvet. In terms of investment, buy quality pieces in neutral finishes that will endure the test of time. If you keep your backgrounds of furnishings and walls neutral you will have the perfect canvas for inexpensively adding new colors now and in the future.
