Color Trends

As a designer, I am often asked by clients about the current trends.  What's in, what's hot, what's not.  I honestly believe that what you love is what is in and am not a huge fan of following trends.  With that said, I am always looking to see what is the current emerging color forecast or trend in design and what's the new twist on the colors that we love.  I recently attended the Sherwin Williams ColorMix 2010, which is their forecast for coming color trends, at the Las Vegas Market and came away with verification of something that I have been seeing.

Here is one of the Sherwin-Williams ColorMix 2010 color cards they call "Rooted".  You will see in these colors in many of the design elements we are seeing now.  They are natural, rich and earthy.

Forecasters take their clues from many places.  They use the influences of their travel, architectural details and very often the world of fashion.  Now that my young daughter is addicted to "Project Runway" I am more aware of the trends in fashion than ever.  Forecasters are well aware that the

trends in the interior design world follow the fashion world.  The tribal influence of fashion was evident on the runways last year - and the design world is following.

Colors are subdued and there is a natural, organic approach to the textures and patterns.

 I am seeing the same  approach to fabrics.  Duralee Fabrics has collaborated with designer Clodagh to create a Global Passage Line, which incorporates this tribal theme as well as using sustainable and earth-friendly fabrics for the home. 

Here are a few of the fabrics that they are introducing next month.

The influence of green design and sustainability in the products that we choose is one of the most predominate trends that I see occuring in the world of interior design.  This trend influences the more subdued colors as we strive to use more earth-friendly dyes and fabrics. 

Home furnishing as well are influenced by this organic, earthy friendly trend in design.

Here are some beautiful rugs, also by Clodagh.

This influence is also seen in the architectural use of reclaimed woods in many design projects.  Not only does the use of reclaimed wood effect our environment more favorable, but the result is often a softer more subdued look in the design scheme.

There is a beautiful, soft hue to the reclaimed woods, and an organic and natural influence in these colors.  I think that makes them very easy to live with on a day to day basis.  Today we are all more interested in quality of life, and this color palette brings forth that "Home as Haven" vibe. 

My advise is not to get too hung up on the latest trend.  But here's one that's bound to be around for a while.