Color trends for 2015 Themes can be peaceful or bold, but have some breathing room
When I am asked what colors are going to be on trend for the coming year, I think about what the next few years hold for us in terms of lifestyle choices and changes in the marketplace.
Since we all lead different lives, no single trend will be the answer for everyone. But most of us share the invasive nature of technology.
I read a quote from Leatrice Eiseman, who is the executive director at the Pantone Institute. It is her job to create annual color palettes that direct what will be available for the decorating and fashion industries.
She says, “There is a growing movement to step out and create ‘quiet zones’ to disconnect from technology and unwind, giving ourselves time to stop and be still. Color choices follow the same minimalistic en plein air theme, taking a cue from nature rather than being mechanically manipulated.”
With this sensibility in mind, here are my four color themes for the coming year. They can be peaceful or bold, but are sure to give you breathing room from hectic days.
Picture the warm, rustic hues that fill the woods and fields; this is my Ancient Garden palette. Inspired by my olive groves and lavender fields in Italy, I see a combination of rusty tones, ripe olives, aubergine, dusty greens and lavender. This palette is worn by time and yet fresh with re-birth.
Fabrics and wallpaper with these shades will create a subtle beauty in botanical patterns. I would keep walls light and indulge in one dining room or bedroom wall in rich aubergine. Glorious.
Next is my take on Blue Daze. The many shades of blue are a perennial favorite for everyone. For me, duck egg blue is the most peaceful and beautiful color for a bedroom. But there are many other magnificent choices. T
his past year’s fashions featured a strong blue, which I think of as Greek blue, chosen for sweaters, shirts, dresses and as an accent color. The depth of this rich shade radiates a natural energy, bold yet comforting. For decorating, I used a combination of strong blues on the bedroom wall shown here, creating a midnight sky effect.
Deep indigo blue was applied as the base coat. Dark and light blue glazes were rolled over the base coat randomly and dabbed with a clean cloth to soften any hard lines. Paired with white, blue brings a classic combination of clarity and freshness to the room. Equally stunning would be white walls with Greek blue chairs or sofa, or accents of dark blue in cushions, lamps and modern paintings.
Industrial Neutrals are the new modern chic style. White and tones of grey from slate and barn wood to the palest dove grey are naturals alongside repurposed wood furniture and iron fixtures.
The no-fuss palette allows the hand-hewn mechanics and working character of this style’s pieces to breath, and produces a quiet atmosphere filled with interest and thoughts of what has gone before. A color blast of orange or lime green is a delightful surprise that adds spirit to the mix.
More and more we are seeing Lyric Pastels with their friendly charm making a fresh showing in our rooms. Soft notes of pink and the palest green coat the walls, while baby pink chairs and sofas upholstered in lilac combine with dancing florals and geometric designs in purple, Kelly green and tangerine.
It’s time to hide the cellphones and iPods and make your own music, however you choose.
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