Las Vegas, NV, July 26, 2006--When it comes to answering the question, “What is your favorite color?” Americans may shift from past preferences, according to Christine Chow, director of membership for the New York-based Color Association of the United States.
In a July 25 seminar sponsored by World Market Center and Furniture Style magazine during this week’s Las Vegas Market, Chow talked about style trends that impact which colors will be hot in the coming years: Asian influences, new traditionalism and elements taken from nature.
“We are in the midst of a decade where Americans have finally embraced true color: bright colors, multi-colors,” Chow said, “But where do we go next?” she asked.
In part, the answer lies in understanding that at the beginning of that decade dominant fashion colors were washed-out pastels, muddy darks and dark greens.
As a result, Chow said her association’s 2007-08 interior palette forecast indicates a logical movement toward refined bright hues playing off complex neutrals. She stressed that furniture marketers need to understand these trends if they want to meet consumer demands.
“Color impacts us at levels both conscious and unconscious,” Chow said. She talked about complex hues that feel unusual and sophisticated. For example, she said Americans continue to be attracted to soothing colors and textures from nature. As an example, Chow told the audience to look for colors that are inspired by sunlit landscapes
Chow suggests using the traditional pairing of red and blue in future designs, but to look for offbeat ways to use these colors together. Rather than both a bright red and bright blue, how about, pink with indigo? Or consider a true red with a “natural” ocean or sky blue. Such combos update this powerful pairing while making it less aggressive.
When talking about neutrals that will be contrasted with bright hues, Chow said, “We don’t mean boring hues that are chosen as a default.” To make them introspective and romantic, they will be color-tinted to offset the colors around them. Consumers will even look to use “metallics” to spice up their neutrals.
Look for browns, especially in wood tones, and don’t be surprised if “honeyed browns” come back in. These neutrals will not be dull, but will speak to elements in the natural landscape that are strong and enduring. Golden wheat tones mixed with sienna or coral can almost be described as rural elegance. Weathered grays will continue to make reference to Chinese and Japanese design.
While Chow said Japanese designs will remain important, especially as a growing influence in baths, she said the Eastern influence is now is moving towards warmer climates. These include areas—Indonesia, India, Thailand and the Philippines—where they are really interested in melding modern ideas with their local traditions.
Many of these cultures stress “natural” woven textures, rattan and wicker, which have an inherent feeling of being low-key and earthy. Chow said it will be interesting to use these patterns in furniture that’s also modern and stylish, for a feeling of “casual luxury.”
As another possible global influence to help designers move away from “over-embellishment,” and toward more “casual beauty,” Chow pointed to Indian hand-block prints that use natural dyes on bleached cotton to create a subdued feeling.
Chow said we are a generation not only passionate about traditional designs from around the world, but also inspired by vintage American and European designs, along with aged colors and finishes.
The trick is to avoid creating something that feels like it was owned by Grandma, Chow said.
Our obsession has even led to the rediscovery of the sophisticated and adventurous aspects of 1970’s patterns, textures and designs, as long as they are not kitschy.
