Color Evolution 2008
In every year, trend forecasters introduce new color palettes they expect will be key elements in home and product design for the coming year.
By Caroline Kennedy -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 12/1/2007
“If you pay close attention to the forecasts from year to year, you will notice relationships between most of the palettes and see how they develop,” advises Tod Schulman, vice president of the Fashion and Home Division of Pantone Inc., Carlstadt, NJ. “Colors don’t come and go,” he notes, “They evolve.”
General directionsAccording to Schulman and Pantone, the following are some of the general directions that we can expect to see in different color families.
White — a “colored neutral” that is influenced by three different undertones: a pink white, a gray white and a yellow white.
Black — pure anthracite will be the core fashion black, with a greenish undertone and washed cast.
Gray — becomes more shadowy in appearance. Forget menswear flannel or bankers gray, 2008’s grays have blue or green undertones.
Blue-Black — One of the more important color directions coming from fashion: Blue and black merge as a hybrid color that creates a tone-on-tone effect.
Red — this is a classic all over the world. Important reds to watch fall on two sides of the color scale: red-orange and “winter plum,” a blue-injected red that mixes well with indigo and golden ochre.
Pink & Purple — reflect the influence of blue. Slightly less intense and more seasonally influenced, they complement black and gray.
Green — continues to stay important due to the Eco movement. There is a wide array of green in the forecast. Key tones are in the olive and citrus ranges, with purple being the most important color to pair with green.
Yellow & Gold — Coppery tones are on the rise, as are blond golds. Lemon may become the new orange.
Orange — is atypical of the other color families and remains bright.
What about brown and blue?Browns still figure strongly as a fashion color. Brown tones are rich and engaging, taking their influence from coffee — from deepest espresso to pale cappuccino — chocolate and natural earthy elements.
And blue? Blue is always an American favorite, and in 2008 blues range from deep indigo and clear marine blues to aqueous turquoise and tapestry blues with teal overtones.
Other elements to be alert forSchulman touched on other design and color elements that figure into home fashion for 2008:
Metallics look flatter and more burnished; gloss effects have a “rubbed” appearance, not polished.
Black & White Combo remains steadfastly chic and classic. Think “houndstooth.”
Icons are important and classic elements are made to look special.
Historical elements of design are coming back in fresh new ways.
Rustic/country looks are returning in more updated versions and in more simplified ways.
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