Blue Skies and Warm Days Ahead – 2007 Color Forecast
Color surrounds us every day and influences the way we think, feel,
and act. It inspires our clothing and homes alike. With the beginning of 2007, we
welcome with open arms all the possibilities of the year ahead. A new year also
dictates new trends in the marketplace, including color trends. What’s in, what’s
out (chocolate and light blue)? Is this year’s red a blue-red or an orange-red?
Should I buy silver or gold? With all these questions, it is important to take a
look at emerging trends and discover what colors we will be surrounded by in 2007.
Many factors influence color direction. In a world of ever-changing fashion trends,
technological advancements, and cultural environments, it is often difficult to
stay on top of the latest and greatest. However, these factors are the very things
influencing what colors are to come. They are my cue to what I as a designer will
see in home furnishings for the year ahead.
The fashion world has always had a major influence on what is to come in the home
furnishings market. In the past, we saw home trends follow fashion two or three
seasons after it had hit the runway, but now we see it almost parallel the fashion
scene. As in fashion, metallics are still a strong trend; however, we are seeing
a shift in the pendulum from overtly cool (silver) or warm (gold) to more subtle,
sophisticated champagne tones. One factor influencing this color is a nostalgic
interest in 1920s-to-1940s Hollywood glamour. Mirrored furniture, crystal lighting
fixtures, and Louis XIV style furniture are reemerging at many retailers as vintage
style grows in popularity. Moreover, champagne tones serve as neutral accent pieces
in the lighting category. This allows sofas and chairs upholstered in rich jacquards
to take center stage. The key phrase here is restrained elegance. We look to bygone
eras for inspiration, but to keep it looking modern, the level of opulence is taken
down a notch.
Technology has connected us to once distant, exotic lands via globalization and has
spurred an interest in returning to a time of handcrafted items. Sultry colors such
as Moroccan red, paprika, and saffron are woven into fabrics with graphic, geometric
patterns often seen in Indian and African textiles. Also look to the rich history
of Eastern Europe for color combinations such as vibrant blue, red-orange, and golden
yellow in the future. Additionally, woods maintain popularity, though dark wood
is giving way to a lighter, medium tone that shows its natural imperfections and
unique characteristics. The emphasis is on texture rather than color, and we will
see exotic wood and weathered leather combinations give classic furniture styles
new appeal.
Sustainability and living “green” are hot topics today, because limited availability
of the Earth’s resources is a growing concern. Believe it or not, thinking “green”
has literally translated to using the color green in our homes. The popular yellow-green
color palette isn’t going away anytime soon, but we will see more blue-greens emerging
(think: lush lawn) and being paired with colors seen in our natural environment.
The addition of pastels such as lavender, sea-foam blue, and pale yellow will be
applied to botanical prints, but they will be more subdued than in the past, with
an almost sun-washed look. These colors and prints will be displayed with relaxed
furniture and organic-shaped accessories to create a casual lake-house feel that
is friendly and inviting.
As always, colors and home furnishings are a reflection of our lifestyle – past,
present, and future. The style of our homes and the colors we use reflect our sentiments
about the world we live in. Look to these trends for direction and inspiration,
but ultimately choose colors that speak to your personality, regardless of what
is currently a do or a don’t.
Meghan Robinson of Meghan’s Inspired Interiors