re:Design, LLC's take on the Color Trends for 2009 by Marybeth Barrett

Color Trends

Did you know that the state of our economy not only influences our spending habits but also color trends? Who would have thunk it? But, according to color experts at Color Marketing Group the top choices were influenced by our hope and optimism about our future and our deep concern for the current economy. Hmmm, very interesting! Not only do we seek comfort foods, but we are drawn toward seeking comfort in colors too. We are all in a quest for happiness, which is reflected in our color choices. So, according to Color Marketing group we can look for these color trends in 2009:

(While researching this blog topic, I stumbled onto the coolest site called Colour Lovers. This is just one of the many cool color wheel images you will find on the site. After you finish reading my story please take the time to check it out!)

PURPLE- we saw purple as a hot fashion color last fall and as we have seen in the past, decorating often mimics fashion. We will see violets with a gray tint. We should expect plum colored hues, due to hints of red, in a lot of accents and accessories. Color Marketing Group claims "Purple is 2009's must have color". I remember there was a purple stripe throughout the entire carpet at the library of my Alma Mater (Go Providence College!) They said it was supposed to inspire thinking and intellect. I must not have been looking close enough because it didn't work for me. Anyway, check out Benjamin Moore's Summer Plum. Does it make you feel smart?

BLUE - Going "green" has been a big buzzword over the last few years and was represented by the actual color green, just as it is named. But we will now see a wide range of the color blue symbolizing the "Green Movement" It is the New Green. To me it is a natural progression because green and blue symbolizes the earth. It doesn't matter to me whether we use green or blue to symbolize this movement, just as long as we all do our part to save our planet! I love this room by Calico Corners.

BROWNS & GRAYS - We will see both of these, but in cooler tones by adding hints of gray. They will be used as neutrals, as seen below. Now this is speaking my language! I love, love, love the grayish browns partnered with the gray. This is from Shaw Floors and their "Savvy Spaces Collection". Bring it on!

YELLOW- what are we all looking for?...Some new energy to recharge and rebuild the economy. You bet! We will see a lot of bright yellow in 2009. Think yellow mustard! Very vibrant. It's the stand-out accent color for 2009, which concerns me a little. But, I will remain optimistic and keep telling myself that everything is OK in moderation, right? If it is a golden mustard, I am OK with it. But a little French's mustard???...a bit too much for my taste. I do like yellow as showcased in this photo from Bali Blinds.

Pantone, the "global authority on color," has selected Mimosa as the color of the year for 2009. "Mimosa, as in orange-hued yellow". As in Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round, Round and Round... Expect to see this color in home furnishings and accessories. It represents "hope and optimism" which are buzzwords for 2009 due to a year full of volatility in 2008. While I do like an occasional mimosa, I can't see waking up to it every morning. Yowza! "Bus driver, bus driver open the door...I think I'm gonna be sick!"

ORANGES, TURQUOISES/TEALS, REDS, and YELLOWS will provide us with plenty of exotic hues which are inspired by foreign countries such as India, China, and Turkey. Think vibrant thoughts!

WHITE is now a practical color and is showing up everywhere especially in the professional world. Thanks to modern technology, fabrics and textiles are "user friendly" so it is much more workable. It is no longer just for your mother's living room where you aren't allowed to sit in.

MAUVE- Eeek. Mauve is coming back! It will be used as a neutral and we will see it highlighted with all the exotic, bright accents as mentioned above (orange, turquoise, teal, red & yellow). OK, I am seeing a fast forward into the future just a few years down the road where I am staging homes and having to tell the owners to repaint over the mauve before they sell it! Please say it ain't so!

So, there you have it! The good, the bad and the ugly. No matter what the trend, I am all for a little energy and optimism.

If you are interested in learning more about how re:Design, LLC can help you create the perfect color palette for your home, please contact us at www.redesignsource.com or 336.406.7072.

re:Design, LLC

Certified in Interior Redesign, Home Staging and Color

Winston Salem, NC

Bringing new life to your decor and more.