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Color Forecast 2005: Hot Color Trends in Home Decorating for the New Year
(ARA) - Will copper-colored oranges continue to outpace spicy reds in home décor
colors in 2005? Will warm neutrals replace a bevy of popular blue hues?
According to trend watchers, the 2005 color forecast reveals subtle shifts,
rather than extreme color palette changes.
Peggy Van Allen, Pratt & Lambert Paints Color Specialist, notes functional
yet fabulous shades that exemplify strong worldly colors as well as relaxed,
earthen tones will round out this year's palette. And a flash back to the 1950s
retro scene is cool again, can you dig it?
"For 2005, fashion will be a leading influence in home décor," says
Van Allen. "You'll see contrasting colors in combinations like chocolate
and aqua, as well as botanical greens paired with subtle pinks. Consumers are
embracing color in all shades and families; however we have also seen an
emergence of neutral colors to balance the prominence of the bold colors."
Van Allen points out that color is vital in a home and should be used to create
a bridge between furnishings and accessories, while setting the overall mood of
a room. Furthermore, it should make you feel comfortable, and make the space
look finished and complete.
So what's on the horizon for wall colors? Pratt & Lambert has created four
themes based on color marketing research to categorize the hot palettes for
2005. Within each theme are the colors that interior designers will be mixing
and matching to form the "in" look this year:
1. Comfort Zone
This theme revolves around a comfortable environment for those who want to relax
around furnishings that are inviting and unfussy.
Buzzwords: Simplistic, uninhibited, cozy, serene.
Color Palette Description: Deep, earthy, yet natural tones, inspired by mineral
and vegetable-dyed colors.
Colors: Burnt Almond, Lambs Wool, Browned Butter, Poppy, Rockingham Green,
Chrysalis, Monumental, Loam.
2. The World Is Not Flat!
For those who want to experiment and explore how cultural influences from around
the globe can add new texture and depth to their surroundings, this color
category exemplifies the richness of various exotic heritages and traditions.
Buzzwords: Discover, cultured, vibrant, worldly.
Color Palette Description: The deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea, fine red wine
and flavorful, tropical yellows.
Colors: British Brown, Bay Rum, Spanish Blue, Vintage Claret, Moselle, Black
Orchid and Amber Green.
3. Simply Marvelous
By embracing a "less is more" mentality, this palette encourages you
to pare down, kick back, breathe, simplify and enjoy the sheer beauty of life.
Buzzwords: Luxurious, sophisticated, playful, carefree.
Color Palette Description: Simplified, rich colors with trendy mixes of blues
and reds.
Colors: Blue Milano, Plum Mascari, Split Pea, Cranberry, Meerschaum, Faded Rose,
Walnut Bark, Blueberry.
4. Retro-Fitted
This collection focuses on a renewal of attitudes from the past, particularly
the romanticism and glamour of the 1950s, through hues with modern twists.
Buzzwords: Emotions, childhood memories, optimism, respect.
Color Palette Description: Nostalgic and vibrant greens, yellows, and pinks that
are reminiscent of the past.
Colors: Golden Box, Kashmir Green, Taffy Lips, Eucalyptus Leaf, Haiku, Degas
Pink, Pastry and Anchors Aweigh.
For more information, or to locate a Pratt & Lambert retailer, log on to
www.prattandlambert.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content