Color Forecast 2012
Caroline Kennedy -- Gifts and Dec, 12/1/2011 2:00:00 AM
JUST AS "G" AND "H" FOLLOW "F", GIFT AND HOME FOLLOW FASHION. Influences such as color and design elements that appear on the fashion runways are oft en seen mirrored and adapted in gift and home decor collections.
Among the Spring 2012 fashion collections shown during New York's Fashion Week, certain hues stood out as designer favorites in both women's and men's wear offerings. Among them, several shades of blue, including a deep digo named Sodalite Blue; a bright orange named Tangerine Tango and several neutrals in the gray tones and taupes. The spring hues range from vivid brights to soft muted tones and fun-loving pastels, reflecting different styles and moods, from contemporary classic to playful.
"Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day," noted Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, when introducing the Spring 2012 Fashion Color Report. "They have learned how color can help them alter a mood, while providing the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations."
This concept of using color to create a mood and to create a look is not just a fashion concept, but rather a lifestyle concept. It is as true of putting a room together as it is of a wardrobe, and we are already seeing some of 
these colors making strong statements in gift and home accents collections: shades of gray dressing tabletop; rich oranges in pillows and accents to brighten the home; and intense blues to add depth and contrast to the orange, as well as a touch of tradition to contemporary statements. And adaptations of the fashion palettes set the stage for the different home interior color palettes, each creating its own mood and representing a particular style direction.
The Pantone View of Home + Interiors colors, which is broken down into nine separate color palettes "is filled with interesting new directions," observes Eiseman. "Some paths lead to exhilarating tones that encourage the prospective buyer to forge ahead into adventures with novel color combinations, while others invite them to stop for a moment, take a deep breath, relax and consider the more classic hues in a different kind of mix."
Nonchalance reflects simplicity and casual ambiance. These hues are easy to read and enjoy. They are reassuring colors that coax a feeling of tranquility and relaxation with no suggestion of anxiety in the surroundings. The comforting pastel pinks, ethereal blues and soft egret white wrap us in a carefree baby blanket of colors, harmoniously blending with the more mature taupe, gray and grape tones. Subtleties are just that - a close connectivity between color families, sliding effortlessly into a seamless collection of hues that are 
either closely related or quietly complementary. The atmosphere they present is effortless and compatible: hazy coral, soft yellow green, faded rose, stonewashed blue and tinges of gray and green artfully set against a brown earthy red.
Resilience is a group of sturdy hues that work very well together. It speaks of hand-hewn objects. Of substance, sustenance and solidity in a range of natural, outdoor shades. There are nuances of deepest browns, varietal mushroom tones, foliage green and greenish yellow. A dash of fl amingo orange adds an exotic touch to this otherwise organic grouping.
Indigo Effects evokes a mood of expansiveness and depth; it is like the twilight colors of a descending night sky - enveloping and protective, yet mysterious. The colors are variations on a blue theme - celestial and majestic blues, purpled and deep blue indigos - deftly brushed with contrasting strokes of maroon, mauve and moody gray.
Transcending Time is a palette that speaks of continuity - inspirations from the past, both style and color-wise, which continue well into the future - containing hues that heirlooms are made of, including elegant wine and plum, warm beige and wood tones, as well as classic rose. A touch of frosted almond adds a soft and subtle glimmer to the atmosphere.
Back to the Fuchsia is bold, daring and audacious. This is a group of tantalizing colors that makes no excuses for the attention that it creates. It celebrates the energy generated through the provocative melding of dancing reds, purples and pink, all highlighted by a variety of fuchsias. Jewel toned peridot both accentuates and complements the hotter hues.
Reflections couples glossy finishes and color to fascinate the eye and rivet attention. Metallic or glassy surfaces undulate and move, and twist and turn, taking colors to new dimensions. Included in this arresting palette are tones and tints that spark the imagination: Turkish sea, blue moon, garnet, beluga and cloud dancer, as well as classic silver and gold.
The Comics are cartoons come alive. It is an effervescent palette of funny paper hues that pop off the page in whimsical ways to bring a smile and create the need to take some time to play. Phantom black provides the backdrop for sulphuric yellow and fiery red. A flash of green provokes a strong blue while an inky cyan plays up the honeysuckle and primrose. It's quirky joy and spontaneity.
Nouveau Neon represents a palette of colors that is not the phosphorescent neons of yesterday; they are a collection of exuberant shades that bring a fresh new perspective to combinations. Asian-inspired bamboo yellow-green plays with orange Popsicle and berry purples, while citrus colors toy with pink and raspberry. A flavorful butter rum tan is the unexpected accompaniment to all of the vibrant colors in the palette.
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