Consumers are opting for innovative colors and special effects in
home design. This new presentation of color has sparked a growing
number of consumers to become more creative when decorating. Each
year, the Color Association of the United States (CAUS) gathers
its panel of designers and interiors professionals to forecast future
color trends for manufacturers of environmental and interiors products.
The result is that the consumer may purchase home products, from
appliances to fabrics to flooring, which are color compatible. CAUS's
recent forecast looks to water, air and translucence as important
influences in its 2006-2007 color palette. In addition, sophisticated
hues are emerging as consumers are concentrating more on their home
and family values.
Experimenting with these new colors in their home decor is the perfect
way for consumers to customize their surroundings, indoors and outdoors.
The new use of color can be seen in the saturated or multi-colored
shades and can also include softened colorations such as airy blues,
fresh greens, merest yellows and petal pinks, today's neutrals.
Rich colors are seen as well: gracious greens, regal blues and opulent
gold are as timeless as they are naturally beautiful.
Another trend, which points toward the increase of color, even in
a subtle form, is the use of traditional neutrals combined with
accent hues. These accents can include colors reminiscent of water,
translucence or anything that mirrors colored glass.
Special effects, first in fabric and now in tile and other home
furnishings, have caught the glimmer in the consumer's eye. An increasing
number of designs exhibit special effects such as translucence,
pearlescent or the hint of metal. These effects create products
that outshine the ordinary! Consumers are spending more time at
home and therefore are looking for color that's as interesting as
it is individualized.
Internationally renowned color expert Barbara Schirmeister, ASID,
is a longtime member of the Interiors Committee of the Color Association
of United States, helping to formulate the annual Environment/Interiors
Forecast palette. She has served for many years as color/style consultant
to a number of major manufacturers of home furnishings, building
products and finishes.
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