2016 Colour Trends Review

Decorating and color trends come and go every season. Some endure for years, others disappear as quickly as they arrived. If there is a decorating trend you loved that disappeared, it’s a pretty safe bet that it will return in a matter of time albeit in a more updated form.

Inspiring Fashion. Benny the peacock represents unlimited possibilities- beauty, elegance & a rainbow of colour!

This January, after going to a Pantone seminar, I’m taking a colour approach to demonstrate to our customer, our innovative use of colour and design choices! Pantone colour palettes are divided into 9 categories of which I will take the liberty of combining 2 of them: Natural Forms-rustic regeneration, Dichotomy- compatible oppositions, Ephemera- unfettered, Lineage-enduring legacies, Soft focus- fused blends, Bijoux- a sprinkling of sparkle, Merriment/ Footloose- engaging distractions, relax & replenish, and lastly Mixed bag- creatively cunning. Many of the examples listed can be seen in Bennett’s showrooms and our Benny motif of a peacock symbolizes it all!

Natural Forms Palette

Nature in its purest form never ceases to instill a sense of wonder and awe. Surrounding oneself with organic shapes and colours seems natural and genuine. Natural surfaces are real, authentic and provide a sense of sustenance and reality. Colours are likewise unambiguous, incl. shades that are from natural sources such as warm, rosy clay, burnished rust, sheepskin beige, dense foliage greens, hearty plum wine & a glimmering copper. Key words are authenticity, environment friendly

Examples are:

• Unglazed pots & vessels, often handmade
• Tables made or accented with wood, leather, marble, clay & metal or with stone tops
• Lighting with natural materials like metal, glass, wood & burlap
• Pillows made with felted wool, silk, feathers, sheepskin, alpaca
• Cowhide rugs, Tibetan sheepskin throws
• Pictures with subjects found in nature and framed on wood panels
• Organic or floral shaped vases
• Dining and occasional tables with ‘live edge’ or metal on tops or legs

Dichotomy Palette

This palette reinforces the concept that ancient artifacts can live happily with cool contemporary shapes and shades. There are opposites of finish and colour that do and can attract. Stainless steel contrasts with rock and stone, and smooth surfaces can support deeply imprinted textures. Subtle weathered green tones remind us of time-worn architecture, while gleaming silver metallic, sparkling, sunny yellow and bright cobalt blue combined in tandem with more calming slate blues and jade or dark forest green, create a refreshing modern day atmosphere. Key words are study in contrasts and compatible oppositions.

Examples are:

• Antique styling updated with bright greens or blues
• Centuries old chairs and benches with unexpected colour tones
• Trendy fabrics on antique styled chairs
• Table/chairs with plush fabrics & modern metal legs
• Accessories like trays with smooth surfaces with textured imprint
• Modern concrete lamps with natural shades

Ephemera Palette

Softly tinted, breezy, lighter than air, and as transitory as a temporary bubble, Ephemera expresses a lightness of colour that is often described as pastel. The delicacy of the shadings speaks volumes about its translation into the softness of tone and touch. The names of the colours alone describe these charming tints like Cloud dancer, Pale peach, Tender yellow & Orchid ice. Key words are free floating, bubble coloure.

Examples are:

• Delicate glass vases or bottles of all descriptions
• Iridescent finishes
• Sleek marble busts/statues
• Lace-like (often laser-cut) look on accessories, tabletop pieces and duvet sets
• White/pastel pots, bowls, & trays with clean lines
• Smooth, round clear or frosted finishes on light fixtures

Lineage Palette

Lineage implies a “family tree” conveying a more traditional style. But today’s so-called “heritage” look often takes an unconventional adaptation where a sense of whimsy and a more updated touch can override a serious attitude. This is a palette where shades of navy, black, tan and regimental green can co-mingle with Mars red, Gentian violet and Apricot brandy and slightly tarnished tones stand next to glimmering Champagne beige. Key words are archival, enduring legacies, bold fashioned, highly esteemed.

Examples are:

• Photos of yours or somebodies great grandparents
• Furniture with wood trim- ‘show wood’
• Hand knotted weaves
• Gilded frames on botanical prints
• Emergence of crowns & hats in decorative accessories, toss cushions
• Carved finials/ sculptures
• Spectacles in real size or used in humorous fashion such as canvas prints
• Aged appearance on new finishes or rugs that appear time worn

Soft focus Palette

In a place between pastels and mid-tones reside the colours that bridge the two. They are often married to a variety of other like shades. When used in combinations (whether in striated, layered or veiled patterning), one colour blends effortlessly into another. They are subtle and/or muted, sometimes described as ‘smoky’ and pleasingly versatile, especially when contrasted with a deeper rich brown. For a surprising bit of sparkle, a creamy gold tops it off. Key words are eye pleasing, uncomplicated, fused blends.

Examples are:

• Kitchen dishware and placemats
• Variegated/ombre candles, pillows and throws
• Soft focused prints
• Towels and bathroom accessories
• Wallpaper
• Comforters/duvets, sheet sets

Bijoux Palette

In French this word means “jewelry”. This is the palette that gleams with drama and intensity. This grouping lends itself beautifully to the light reflective qualities in glass, resins, mosaic tile etc. These jewel tones are artfully reflected when juxtaposed next to one another. Key words are light reflective, jewel tones, sprinkling of sparkle.

Examples are:

• Large floral patterns on duvet covers, pillows
• Accessories with mosaic look
• Brightly painted exterior or interior of accent piece or chair
• Clear coloured glass accessories like kitchen glasses or candleholders
• Fabrics reflecting gold tones

Merriment & Footloose Palettes

Both are lively palettes. Merriment colours are where colour and design truly come out to play. It is inherently understood by kids or those who are kids at heart. They look terrific mixed or contrasted. Key words are engaging distractions, youthful pursuits.

Footloose, so called expresses the need to throw off the constricted scheduling of everyday lives and simply enjoy the freedom of the outdoors. It encourages pursuits that bring recreation and relaxation to life no matter where we live. Key words are relax, replenish, recreation and re-creation.

Mixed Bag

A mixed bag is just that- an assortment of eclectic patterns and prints that are drawn primarily from diverse cultures and a multi-national influence, yet when used together spawn a dynamic and eye-arresting array of colours and combinations. Some are familiar and some are more unique. Key words are colourful composites, creatively cunning, fun & functional.

Examples are:

• Fun, functional kitchen accessories like water pitchers, candleholders, bowls
• Collage upholstery on sofa’s, loveseats, chairs, benches, pillows etc
• Out of Africa textures, patterns like animal prints mixed with florals/stripes
• Multi-coloured ottomans
• Patterns from India, Asia & First Nations cultures

In conclusion, the Las Vegas furniture market solidified my thoughts as I could witness what is currently trending in the direction of colour, materials, surface treatments, pattern and recurring motifs*. Many supplier showrooms are enormous! With Millennials firmly in the workplace, creativity and innovation is happening at hyper speed. More change due to technology has happened over the last 2 years than over the last 50 years! So let’s celebrate the new introductions and embrace the new!

*See another article called Recurring Motifs for 2016. Material, pattern and key colour directions.