JEI October Newsletter

Our Color Forecast for 2010... Mellow Yellow, With a Chance of Orange Zest and Partly Ruby Red

A client recently came to us with a large request: "I need a whole new look." But with the added stipulations being limited time and a limited budget. To which we provided a fairly simple solution: "Let's change your colors!"

These clients actually represent a growing number of people who are seeking a real change in the mood of their interior atmospheres. And color just so happens to be the easiest way to accomplish this objective.

But now, what color scheme to choose? We've been so inundated with saturated color and rich pigment in the last few years, that it may be difficult for you to step away from that bucket of Maple Leaf Red. But you can do it. And you will be pleasantly surprised.

Without delving too deeply into the philosophy of color, we will say that there are many environmental, as well as psychological, factors that contribute to the responses we have to colors. We are affected very much by trends and peer opinion, but we are also moved by certain colors that "speak" to how we are feeling within.

And that is why, currently, we are seeing a marked change in the interior color palette. Since we are more environmental, so is our color. We are more globally aware, hence so shall our color be. We want more vibrance in life, well then our color will need more zip, too.

Thusly, we introduce to you, our forecast for color in 2010.

Blue
Blue will never go away. But, variations of this regal color will absolutely come and go. Those going are the heavy dark casts that were safe for a long time. Those coming are more liquid, reflecting shades from the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. Also, blues that speak softly of plum and lavender will make more appearances in coming months in interior design.

This great room incorporates a deep-water blue with accents of warmer hues placed strategically snap from their neutral accompaniments. As you can see, the room remains soft but is made bold by adept color combinations. Color is still the key here, but we are not overwhelmed with its intensity.

Yellow
You've most likely already seen the emergence of the new yellow on the fashion runways, and now it's rapidly finding its way into the hippest homes. This sunny color is not what it once was. We are rediscovering the purity and tranquility of freshly appropriate shades of yellow... from soft lemon to daffodil imbued with a hint of lime, you can incorporate this palette into almost any design direction today, and you should. The ancient Mayan civilization associated the color yellow with "precious" or "ripe"objects. We think they were onto something.

Natural
Not neutral. These are very different, and we'll tell you why! While a neutral palette aims to serve typically as a canvas for accent pieces or other color schemes, natural is a scheme. Colors that look of stone and natural fiber, like sea grass, are calm and non-confrontational but still delicately distribute chroma throughout the room. Wood tones are also entering the scene. Oaky and cherry-infused light browns serve to keep a space earthy while maintaining a punch.

Red
There's been a coup in color in the realm of red! Our old European reds have been overthrown by vibrant Latin hues. Stop thinking jewels and velvet, and start thinking exotic fruits and tropical flowers. Our new reds will be enticing and mouthwatering, as opposed to heavy and concentrated.

Orange

Orange you glad this color is back? Sorry, we just couldn't resist. But, yes, orange will indeed be one of the forerunners in the interior spectrum next year. But, not just any orange will do. We are observing a transition from sharp and tangy oranges to more graceful and understated tones. For a soft but spicy accent, add in touches of pale marigold or summer squash to almost any existing color scheme.

So, as you can see, you have a vast spectrum of hues and tints, colors and casts, pigment and polychromasia to mold and manipulate into a fresh and tantalizing creation.

You're welcome.