Color Forecast - New Color Trends September 16, 2008
This fall of 2008 sees the beginning of some color changes ( yes, we’ve all been hearing that word alot-even when we talk about decorating!!) which will set the tone for 2009. The rich, saturated colors we’ve seen in the past are revealing themselves as calmer, more toned-down, relaxing, maybe even a little…. conservative? Color analysts say this may be from our rocky economy-people become cautious in their spending, which in turn may affect their color selection. Colors are less bold and bright with an almost “dusky” undertone. You can see these color changes not only in paint colors, but also in home decor 
accessories, fabrics – even on the runways!
Gray/Neutrals- Gray is emerging as a neutral favorite. Grays with warmer undertones - think old concrete - to the classic cooler, steel colored grays. And as before, neutrals like tans and browns continue to inspire us with hints of yellow and gray.
Red - very bright reds see a shift to a more toned down palatte-with hints of oranges that are drawn from tropical flowers. New reds have a touch of yellow to tone things down a little. Pinks also lean a bit more tropical.
Yellow/Green - Sunny yellows are everywhere! Green-influenced shades are seen in the yellow family and green continues to be popular with more yellow-based colors than before. Some new greens offer a touch of blue as well.
Blue/Purple- purple is maintaining it’s stature in the blue world. They are more red-based now, and look especially nice with greens, pinks, grays and even black! Blues are still a favorite - maybe because of our love for the water, carribean colored blues are big with a crisp violet undertone.
Inspiration for these new colors are developing also in part to consumers who travel and want to bring some of the colors from their travels into their own homes. Just being exposed to the world wide Internet offers people the same opportunity to draw color inspiration into their own living spaces!
If you’re an eco-minded consumer you will be happy to know that paint manufacturers are now creating more choices of eco-friendly colors to use than before. Sherwin-Williams has a new green product called ‘Duration Home’- it has a low-VOC formula, is resistant to mildew and water-streaking, and is washable (unlike the matte finishes that I normally steer people away from). I haven’t used this paint yet, but would be willing to try it-let me know if any of you do and how you like its durability and appearance.
So, if a paint project is in your near future, think about these color trends for 2009 and find one that will fit your lifestyle. Send me your project photos or questions and - happy painting!
Carolyn - CK Decorating Lifestyles
