COLORS TO COLOR YOUR FUTURE!
Color is one most impactful elements of design that we work with on a daily basis. It is usually the first reaction that customers react to. Color harmonies or collections change from year to year to keep a fresh look happening and interest alive. While often we see some colors repeat year after year, we know these are considered sustaining colors. They are often paired with or combined with newer colors, called trending or emerging colors for a new, fresh look for the new year.
This year at the Society of American Florists, Frank and Margaret Hoffland, from Accent Décor, Kim Morrill, AIFD, and Gretchen Sells from Design Master Color Tool all came together in a collaborative effort to share their ideas and wisdom on the future of color and what we as retailers will be seeing in the year to come. Some will notice a revisit of some familiar colors that have been seen before infused with new life by adding splashes and accents of different colors that were not paired before.
2012 ushers in 3 distinct fresh collections.
DELIBERATE ABANDON: Structured recklessness. – Polychromatic, high chroma colors: Teal, Citron, Raspberry, Tiger Lily, Delphinium, Purple California Poppy, & Driftwood.
Think Anthropology. Think Gen X/Y and baby boomers… Think mother and daughter equally engaged in shopping experiences. Gives the feel of telling your own story; I am the boss of me! Imagine comfort for different generations. Elements and motifs plucked from several decades, including Mid Century Modern, 60’s & 70’s and treasured keepsakes from grandmother’s time.
Flowers that have a strong or exotic identity are favored: Protea, Dahlia, Zinnia, Yarrow, Orchids, Celosia, Gerbera, Callas, Poppies, Lilies, Poppies, Anthurium, Eryngium, Craspedia, & Sunflowers.
CON BRIO: Displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness – Analogous, Burgundy, Deep Coral, Orange Curry, Fuchsia Pink, Loganberry, Violet, Deep Brown, & Champagne Silver.
This is an energetic palette where strong emotions of red dance with dynamic purples and spirited pinks and corals. Since these colors are flattering to many skin tones, it makes this harmony an exceptionally good choice for weddings. These tantalizing colors are quick to catch the consumer’s attention. These colors can be enjoyed in their brightest hues or pulled back to a more pastel version.
Flowers tend to be romantic and feature large, blousy blossoms: Peonies, Hybrid Tea Roses, Garden Roses, Callas, Hydrangea, Lilies, Gladiolas, Orchids, Lisianthus, Tulips, Leucospermum, Stock, Cone Flowers and Carnations.
LAPIS: The Blue Renew – Sapphire, Navy, Emerald, Teal, Turquoise, Chartreuse, Citron, &White.
These colors have a calming and mystical quality making blue the perfect prescription for life in chaotic times. This is the least gender specific color family. Blues have a broad base appeal. Remember light is very important with regard to decorating with blues. It has a decidedly modern aesthetic because of the white presence.
To feature a monochromatic color story of blue, try Hydrangea, Delphinium, Larkspur, Eryngium, Monkshood, Anemone, Iris, Ornitholgolum, Scabiosa, and Statice.
As you can see, 2012 stands to be an exciting year for working with color. Be ready to embrace the freshness of a new year. From contemporary to traditional to retro, 2012 promises to have something for everyone!
