Color 2009

I have a professional friend - a plumber - -who can walk into a plumbing supply store and become so excited at the simplest things. Plumbing parts that look like alien creatures to me are things of beauty to him and as he picks them up, he speaks of them reverently as if they are
holy creatures.

I have the same response to color, so when this year's color focus arrived from various sources I holed up for a couple of hours and enjoyed the reverie.

As much fun as it is to explore the new colors, I have a firm belief that the right color for a space is determined not so much by fad or fashion but by the intrinsic light and design for that space and of course, the client or those that are using the space. However, here is a brief review of what's new for 2009...

Color is definately on the move. Bold, saturated hutes that have been at the forefront of design now give way to a more complex, toned-down shades. This may be a result of a more somber attitude from consumers due to economic issues and uncertainty in the market. I think it is a nice shift and one that can produce elegant and understated elegance.

Look for more orange in '09 but less of the crayon-bright to more restrained shades, due in large part to global influences. For a punch, try adding bright fuschia or soft raspberry shades in small doses.

Blue continues to dominate yet you'll see more of the plums and purples and deep indigos. Again, color changes by what it is paired with, so look for neon greens, pinks, blacks to coordinate.

Greens still emerge as favorites and they become more elegant and sophisticated with muddier and more yellow bases. One trend that comes on strong in '09: pairing different greens (lime green wtih army green) to create an exciting, fresh palette.

The big news - netural greys starts taking center stage. Look for colors that are prevelent in stone and natural fibers and as always, play these up with strong yellows, blues, greens.

Color is the most magical, the most exciting force in any design. Remember the fun of a box of crayons and throw out the rules, color outside the lines and have fun. It's only color, it's only paint....explore and create with it.