Sha'nah Morrison : KJA Multimedia Director
Twice a year, since I was about 12, I’ve been lucky enough to attend the wholesale markets with my Mom. It’s so exciting to see upcoming design trends for interiors, fashion and gifts at the tradeshows. One area I’ve always been particularly interested in is the color forecast. Having been a painter since childhood and now a professional designer, color is a passion of mine. I love to see how colors play off one another and can either compliment subtly to evoke a quiet mood or create visual chaos just by their juxtaposition. Color truly is a very powerful way to communicate without language.
Pantone is the global authority on color. Their color forecasts are, according to them, “where theory and practice come together, where the rubber meets the road”. When studying how they arrive at their forecasts, I found it interesting that their color choices go far deeper than just visual aesthetics. They are influenced by social, political and economic events. The process is very complex and is as much a social science as it is a visual/artistic expression.
When developing the color palette for the home and interiors market Pantone states:
Design and color trends are not conjured up in a crystal ball. They are the result of much observation of the surrounding natural world, as well as the influences that will impact the world of the future. They include social issues, the economy, technology, lifestyles and playstyles, diversions, entertainment, and most importantly, the needs, moods, fantasies and aspirations of consumers that are then translated into appropriate styling, colors and combinations.
Pantone posted an excellent video showcasing their color palette selections for Home and Interiors 2010. This video also gives you some insight into what influenced the palette choices for the upcoming year.
In the fashion Industry, Pantone surveys designers at New York Fashion Week to determine the 10 most influential colors for an upcoming season. To view the Fashion Color Report for Fall 2009 you can visit Pantone’s site. As an artist, I’m always interested to see the inspiration that influenced a top designer to embrace a color that season.
So, next time you make a color choice, whether it is redesigning a master bedroom or just deciding which top to pair with your pants… you may want to consult a color forecast for inspiration. It might help you convey your lifestyle, in the depth and brilliance of full color.
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