KBB - January/February 2011 - (Page 16)

T rends A Mixed Bag Brights and neutrals are in this year’s color forecast Cautious optimism. It’s a phrase that’s been bandied about so much its mere mention is sure to elicit a groan or two. But tired as it may be, the words continue to be an apt description of our present state of mind, underscoring much of what we do, how we live and the colors that will resonate with us in this new year. BEYOND GRAY Although the end of 2010 saw some homeowners taking the plunge with their home remodeling projects, pervasive uncertainty about the economy and the future has bred in many a need for introspection and a taste for more conservative colors. Neutrals remain a popular go-to in residential interiors, especially in the kitchen, where the trend is toward lighter colored cabinets, countertops and even backsplashes, said architectural color consultant Amy Wax, owner of Your Color Source Studios in Montclair, NJ. People want “the feel of the room to be more understated, more soothing and peaceful,” she explained. White will continue to be strong, said Patricia Call, VP of public relations for the Color Marketing Group (CMG), as it “speaks of cleanliness” and provides a “beautiful backdrop for entertaining,” while the grays, which dominated many a forecast last year, have taken on more pronounced undertones, becoming “very nuanced.” Call added,“It’s hard to call them gray because some of them have a lot of green or lilac in them.” In addition, Leslie Harrington, executive director of Color Association of the United States (CAUS), noted the grays now cover the entire spectrum of light and dark. “There’s a strong divergence of very pale and very dark, almost blackened, neutrals,” she said. “It’s not just the neutrals in the mid-tone range.” In fact, color consultancy Sensational Color’s forecast for 2011-2012 includes not only a neutral palette but also one dubbed “Opposites Attract,” which features pale, almost white pastels and deeper shades of green, blue and violet. The contrasting colors re ect the feeling of “being pulled in opposite directions by two forces and our desire to regain balance,” said company president Kate Smith. “It’s also about science and technology and the unknown.” BRIGHTER SIDE But all is not doom and gloom.“We all need a little happiness,” said Harrington, and for that, experts are predicting the rise of reds, golden yellows, oranges and purples— hues inspired by other cultures and other artisanal traditions. “We draw strength from these cultures because they’re ancient and they have gone through a cycle or two,” said Smith. It’s about “looking at the wheel turning and the idea that the good always follows the bad.” Also forecasted is a full range of blues and warm greens, which re ect our need for relaxation and rejuvenation. But how will these non-neutrals translate to the kitchen and bath? According to Call, “the color will come in through appliances, backsplashes and walls.” In the bath, Wax sees a trend toward more neutral walls with color being brought in through accessories, while in the kitchen, “people are being more playful with the wall color be- 16 + K BB January/February 2011 / www.kbbonline.com / The Of cial Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - January/February 2011

KBB - January/February 2011
Contents
Online Contents
Online News
Editorial
Letter to the Editor
Focus
Trends
Products
Design
Abroad
Practice
Editorial Index
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - January/February 2011