Color Forecast 2005!
by edward nader

While attending the International Home Furnishing Show in High Point North Carolina at the end of last year I learned that all color is a fusion of
social and psychological theory and that most colors are expected to run at
least seven years to a decade in a state of popularity. So the colors that
are forecasted today for 2005 should be a safe bet till around 2015. Colors
that we choose today are influenced by the following:

Global Village

Our own "back yard" has grown, peaking our interest in far away places such as Asia, Latin America, and other exotic places. Strong, bold colors found in ethnic settings blend into our current homes. According to experts, by 2010, Asian population in the US should double from 4% to 8% and the
Hispanic population should also double to 25%, up from 12%.

Technology

This is the number one influence of color, permeating every facet of our
lives. Manufacturers are quickly responding to the need to replace oil base
paint with water base paints and still gain the depth that we once got with
environmentally unfriendly oils. With new technology, we are also able to
provide metallic and phosphorescent paints more easily and more
environmentally friendly.

Faux finishes are way up and gaining continued popularity. We are able to
create more depth with more advanced products, producing patinas that were once very difficult to achieve.

Physiological

We, as a society, crave pure, strong color; - we simply want a sensory
experience. As a whole, we are yearning for bright, vivid, deeply saturated
colors in our environment.

Psychological

Has technology simplified or complicated our lives? That is the big
question here. We are trying to peacefully co-exist with technology as a
society. This task has become somewhat overwhelming.

Environmental

The environment has always been an inspiration for color. The basic
elements have always played a large role in colors - EARTH, WATER, FIRE, and AIR. There is a sense of predictability in nature. For instance, we always know the sun will come up.

It is a fact that 90% of everything consumable in the US is thrown away. We produce 136 million tons of waste per year - an average of 2.8 pounds of waste per person per day. The buzzword here is New Urbanism leading to a more environmentally conscious way of life with an all new respect for
nature.

Economy

Robust colors are driven by a younger generation. Color encourages us to be optimistic. Therefore, the economy will follow rather than lead.
Demographics

Tweens ­ 1-13
This generation has grown up with a backpack on its shoulder. They are
transient and need constant stimulation. This generation is asking to
³entertain me². Bright colors are also a great choice here.

Gen Y ­ 12- 28
Doing up to 7 tasks at a time, this group is more educated, will be
wealthier and more globally minded than any other previous generation. A
favorite among this group is orange for its bold, brash, fashion-forward
styling. This group is looking for a sensory experience, making use of
special effects and lighting to gain stimulation. After spending hours on
the internet, anything else might seem dull.

Gen x ­ 28-42
This is the drive thru generation. They value self improvements, are
multi-faceted, and are concerned with self actualization. They are soul
searching, ecological minded individuals. The females are liberated and
seeking a place they love with natural imperfections. A more natural,
earthen palate is popular among this group.

Baby Boomers 42-57
Now called ³Zoomers², they are eternally trendsetters, active, and the most
marketed to generation in history. They are crying out ³give me the
unexpected². Their greatest needs are storage, for downsizing. They want
sumptuous comfort and smaller spaces. This group is looking for opulent
hues that warm and pamper them. This look can also be referred to as casual deluxe, illustrating warmth and drama. Textiles appealing to this market are soft suede and leather, distresses with practicality.

Other influences on color follow:

Preservation is at an all time high. HGTV fueled us on this concept years
ago and created an enormous following. There is a movement towards the new traditional neighborhood² or the ³front porch neighborhood². Revisiting the arts and crafts movement, there is a certain parallelism between 100 years ago when machine was replacing man and today when microchips are replacing brains.

This group is likely gravitating towards the preservation palate. This
palate includes hues such as: Rembrandt Ruby, Hubbard Square, Antique
Brown, Brasses, Greens and Blues

* A new collection called Retrospectives boasts a fresh mod look featuring
graphically inspired images with a soft edge.

* The Asian influenced palette is spicy with flesh inspired colors.
Unexpected uses of color and design are achieved through planned
contradiction.

* Folk art has made stylized numbers and letters popular in the preservation palate and flesh tones are appearing again.

* Circles are still huge, changing colors and becoming translucent.
Transparency is popular as illustrated by the Louis ghost chair designed by
French architect Phillipe Stark and available through Kartel.

After looking at some of the various influences on our sense of color value,
it is evident that technology and society¹s growing technically advanced
population is exhibiting signs of exposure to these types of images in the
palettes they choose in decorating. The younger generations are
increasingly inspired by bright, vivid colors applied on abstract prints and
shapes; making their personal and work spaces parallel to the ³world of
technology they live in. Brushed and shiny stainless steel is also popular
among this group.

Older and more seasoned buyers are looking for more earthy and natural
palettes with rich international culture being the basis for their choices.
More organic imagery such as Beet and colors based on Olive oil inspired
colors are taking the forefront in this sectors home. Jewel tones aren¹t as
bright and vivid. Nickels and platinum give way to gold and bronzes tones
thus illustrating warmth needed in this group. Items are weathered and have
patina that shows heritage and legacy.

Whether you are young or old, modern or classic, there is a group of colors
out there that will help you to make you home a livable space that reflects
your own personal style. Finding it is easier than you think. Just let
your inspiration be your personality.