2008 Paint Color Trends

It’s important for anyone involved in any kind of design field to keep abreast of color trends. ?To my observation, it seems as if fashion sets the trends and then the home interior magazines start incorporating these colors and finally the houseware design stores start carrying accessories and fabrics in these shades. ?They are put together so beautifully, you never notice that the colors you are coveting for your bedroom were chosen and predicted over a year ago. ?Some color research groups predict color trends up to three years in advance.

I know what you’re saying: “OK, this time, you’re off your rocker!? How can anyone really know about colors that far in advance? ?No one tells me what colors to use — I like what I like and that’s it!”? (Yes, I can hear your thoughts…just get comfortable with that and let’s move on.)? ?I assure you, these color professionals do get it right. (…and hey, remember back in the 80′s when mauve — shudder — and teal made the rounds? ?Please don’t tell me you’ve forgotten that. ?Would you bring those colors into your home now? ?In fact, I could probably just make a living from all the pink pickled oak cabinets we now transform to a softly aged creamy off-white.)

I often read the color trend reports with great interest and plan to create samples for future seasons using those colorations. ?Voila!? Hip, new interesting finishes with fresh colors for both my clients and designers to choose from. ?Now, I know what you’re further saying: A little less conversation and a little more action, Regina! ?(Thanks, Elvis.) So, without further ado, the color trends as predicted by three great organizations:

1) Paint Quality Institute: They foresee three color trends. ?At their site, they also have a nice podcast on these 2008 hues.

Go Green – Representing the growing environmental movement. ?These colors include mid-tone hues of fern, sage, clear blue, aqua, sandy tones and warm browns.

Sophisticated Elegance – Dramatic and sophisticated are the keys here.? Black and white paint hues, metallic finishes and high sheens mixed with rich textures. ?More color punch can be added by mixing with red, taupe or a subtle pink.

Crewel Colors – Simplicity for a technology overloaded world. ?This palette reflects consumers going back to the comfort of crafts, cooking and family — adding a soulful and personalized feel to a space. ?Colors include rich cranberry reds, warm browns, pumpkin orange and deep-toned blues.

2) Color Marketing Group: ?CMG is the leading international association of color design professionals. ?In fact, they track color trends at least three years in advance through a five-step color forecasting process. ?Here are their picks:

Ethnic Accents – Globalism has inspired a love for ethnic accent colors, esp. from India, China, Morocco and Latin America. Reds and glowing oranges, rosy pinks, sunny golden yellows and lots of turquoise.? These will show up as “punch” colors in hotels, restaurants and retail spaces and will often be paired with rich browns as the neutral shades.

Looking Green – This palette includes off-whites, linen and sandy colors along with rock and soil colors. ?In the mix are the brown-greens and finishes with textures and a bit of natural imperfections.

Blues – A “trust me” color. ?In the arenas of decor, blues remind us of sky and water and its a color inspired by environmentalism. ?Later in 2008 will be the emergence of a much blacker blue, inspired by technology, as well as a deep, vibrant navy so dark you’ll swear it’s black.

Specialized Finishes, Warmer Metallics – Advances in technology have made shimmery, specialized finishes really hot. ?In 2008, the metallics will go warmer. ?After many years of brushed chrome and nickel, shades will now tend to copper and bronze tones.

3) Pantone: Pantone is a world-renowned authority on color. ?They released their color forecast for the home interiors market at the International Home & Housewares Show 2007.? Their 2008 color of the year is Blue Iris, a balanced blue-purple, which they feel is the best representation of the direction for the fashion, cosmetics and design fields. ?They see it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and gray.

There you have it! I hope it’s proved informative…it should be fun tracking how accurate these color predictions were at the start of next year. Until the next post!