Color Trends 2010

Color … one of our most basic means of expression….its all around us, it changes with us, conveys our emotions, and impacts the way we literally look at things not only from our walls, fabrics, and clothing but even down to the color of medications. I always found it interesting to review the color forecasts because I always ask myself ...what are they thinking? Then before I know it they’re surrounding me, from the fabrics and color swatches I am selecting for clients, to all the new home and fashion accessories that come into my store. I see them showing up on TV in the clothing being worn at the Oscars as well as the graphic backdrops used at the Olympic Games this Year. Did you realize they even changed one of the colors of their rings in the logo? In the graphics used for the Olympic Games ,the backdrops, flags, starting gates and so forth were done in pale light blues combined with the vibrant greens and were great examples of how these colors start popping into our lives. It wasn’t until I began reading up some color studies that I realized that in this past Olympics they had changed one of the rings in their logo, the black ring was changed to blue this year. No big deal I realize, but my point is that there are subtle changes in color that take place to keep up with us and our ever changing times. 

Over the past several years we’ve leaned towards more comforting colors, such as warm neutrals…browns, beiges said to be due to our uncertain economic, political and environmental climates. In 2010 and into 2012 the forecast is that we will be seeing a lot of unexpected color combinations with vibrant colors mixed with shades of pastel. Deep dark tones complemented with neutral tones. Shades and Hues that we typically would not think to put with one another, yet at the same time compliment each and visually stimulate us. The use of these more lively colors is said to be a reflection of our optimism and pursuit of bright futures. Just like those Olympic backdrops! 

The image above is a look at few of the 2010 colors referenced by Global Color Research.™ I consider these the core colors since they are based on global studies and from them we start to notice a multitude of color pallets trickle down from the leading manufactures of paints, fabrics and graphics, accessories, and the fashion world. The names will be different but the color hues will be essentially the same with minor variations as shown in the example below the Pantone™ color of the year. 

Although it may seem like color forecasting is just another way to promote the latest style or simply selecting colors that are different. The reality is that it truly indicates what we will be seeing in the coming years from extensive studies and research around the globe. The research allows myself as a designer to anticipate what the client will respond to long before they know it for themselves and the ability to use that knowledge to create unique combinations and solutions to meet the clients needs not only for today but into well into the future. Even when I make fun of these forecasts when they come out I know they will be creeping up on me just like those grey hair and wrinkles that start appearing out of nowhere as we age!