The Next Colour Palette for 2012

Colours forecasted by the international Color Marketing Group

by Jennifer Apple, Maxwell Fabrics.

As a member of the Color Marketing Group, I have the opportunity to meet with professional color designers and marketers from over 20 countries around the world. We research consumer trends and the influences affecting consumer behavior to determine color direction for upcoming seasons.

 

Based on the conference held this past November we see strong influencing factors affecting color largely based on consumer demand for quality, security, comfort, and the expectation of longer lasting fashion. Consumers, though showing an aversion to risk, are by no means avoiding color; instead, opting to layer colors on top of neutrals.

 

Studies prove consumers are now spending more time than ever at home, creating an urge to refresh and revitalize their surroundings. Major decorating decisions are based on safe choices overall, with highlights of optimistic brighter colors.

 

The complete line of Maxwell Fabrics are available at Nest Interiors

 

 

Colors forecasted for 2012:

The chameleon/neutral color story continues to be dominated by Gray.

• Gray covers an entire spectrum of hues from dark charcoal to light pearl

tones.

• Gray will be considered a classic color similar to neutral black, and white, as the entire gray family is here to stay for a while.

 

Warm earthy colors are becoming more important as the need for comfort and security leads the consumer towards nostalgic feel-good colors.

• New color palettes feature spicy reds, romantic burgundy wines, energetic

oranges, glowing mustard yellows, and soft golden camel tones.

• Retro inspired avocado greens are making a modern comeback as warm

olive and khaki tones.

• Browns re!ect vintage leather colors emphasizing new golden undertones

replacing red based chocolate browns.

 

Blues continue to prove their long life span.

• Navy & cobalt deepen into dark ink blue.

• Water tones intensify into brighter tropical sea blues.

Purples continue to show up as important accent colors.

• New tones will become more saturated moving towards blue, while

continuing to compliment current lilac and plum tones.

 

With this forecast established, we now wait and see what colors make it into home decor and which fall away as a passing trend. If only we had a crystal ball!

 

Design Notebook – Zen Modern Style

Florence Sofa at Nest InteriorsOur latest showroom arrival is one of those uncommon marriages of form and style that makes jaws drop. We love that! Bold and modern, the Florence makes a self-assured visual statement, with its strong rectangular shapes that seem to float over deceptively thin legs. The collection’s reinforced arms provide ample room for sitting or lounging, adding versatility to its virtues. Exposed wood base and legs are signature details of its creator, John Charles Designs. Available from Nest Interiors in over 80 top-grain leathers including the absolutely luxurious Candied Apple as shown in the photo above. Or choose from over 1,000 lovely fabrics – it’s your choice!

“There’s no such thing as a bad color. It just depends on what you use with it.”

said Dorothy Liebes, famed textile designer of the 1950s and 1960s.

Dorothy Liebes was a highly respected textile designer who was one of the first American craftspeople to adapt hand woven techniques for mass production.

She began her career as a painter, but since her paintings resembled textiles she switched her primary medium.

After earning multiple degrees, she worked in Paris with several textile designers. A few years later, she set up a studio, where she began taking commissions for commercial fabrics from architects and businesses.

Her career blossomed, and she became known as “America’s first lady of the loom.”

 

“I create because it’s compulsive, but my satisfaction comes from designing something aesthetically decent at a price people can afford.”

Dorothy Liebes Born 1899, Santa Rosa, CA, USA Died 1972, New York, NY, USA

Education: B.S., San Jose Sate Teachers College, 1919; B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 1923; M.A., Columbia University, 1928