Browns and grays have been the big decorating colors this season. We have also seen much interest in golden yellows--hues somewhere between brown and yellow and extending to the range of metallics. Pearlized metallic finishes are becoming important. Look for copper to continue gaining popularity and will gain prominence in 2008.
Decorating colors we are seeing used strongly for the remainder of '07 and into '08 are periwinkle, purple tones and reds. The reds are a deep, spicy, rich color. Use the bright colors of yellow and orange to add a bit of life and energy into home decor.
Use these color palletes to visualize your decorating themes. These colors translate in to the very popular Tuscan decorating style. Such motifs as sunflowers, roosters and pears are trendy decorating themes, as the examplify the colors being used today.
The Pantone Color Institute has released a statement describing 8 color palettes that will be used through 2008:
1) Simply Elegant. A prime example of marrying tradition and modern day, this palette continues the eclectic approach with new technologies in fabrication, finishes and styling enabling and encouraging the use of unexpected mixes and textures. Color treatments are equally unique in beautiful blends of mahogany and silved mink, silvery blues, elegant purples and deep bronzed tones set off by the glint of pale gold, frosty almond and copper.
2)Classic Chic. Evokes both neo-classic and new classis--the always stylish, tasteful tones and timeless lines that promise lasting value. Gray is a real presence in both light and deeper tones, while its sister shade of silver and champagne add a glamorous sparkle. A mineralized yellow and a sensuous red bring a ripple of excitement to cappuccino brown. A classic palette would not be complete without the ubiquitous yin-yang of black and white, often blended with the cappuccino tones.
3)Lumens. Luminous finishes, shiny or slightly delustered surfaces and techniquely-
4)Melange. Flavored by melon, apricot, strawberry and orange, melange is an assortment of tantilizing shades guarenteed to stimulate the visual appetite. In addition to the warm fruit flavors, other vital combinations include toasty tan,vibrant poppy red,vivacious yellow and balancing blue--all grounded by rustic khaki.
5)Aux Naturale. Cleaning up, paring down, a lack of pretension and excessive ornamentation continue to have great appeal, and this palette spawns a variety of so-called organic colors, especially those that seem to have an unbleached quality. The most important shades are creamy whites, sandy beiges,essential tans, taupes, gray and mellow browns accented by subtly shaded roses, lily pad green and the ultimate color of integrety: a denim-like blue.
6)Grass Roots. Evokes indigenous crafts and materials that bring a regional flavor to products or enviroments. Some of those regions might be far-flung while some are much closer to home. In reality, while some of the products may be mass produced, they look as if they are hand hewn, hand-loomed or individually crafted. This palette starts with the variations on the green theme, and moves to a mineral blue and various wood tones that are enhanced by unexpected mixes including grape, rose and terra-cotta.
7)Fresh Air. The dictionary defines fresh as that which is "refreshingly different from what has been done previously."
8)Light Touch. Suggests a soft impression--the deft use of gentle colors that speak of quiet spaces in an increasingly noisy world. This palette offers a comfort zone. The challenge is to keep it looking up-to-date. Modernizing a pastel palette can be skillfully and easily done by reinventing the colors and the combinations. Take the classic pastels of foamy aquas and greens, pinks and lavenders, powdery blues, sun-tinged yellows and angora whites to the next level by infusing them with a touch of champagne, or introducing the sophistication of a silvery gray or rosy taupe.
Decorating color announcement made by Belinda Crouse of www.homedecoratingstudio.com Release given from Cotton Seed Studio home office in Watertown, South Dakota.
