The following is an excerpt from "Tips on color trends for the home from Carpet One."
NEW COLOR TRENDS FOR THE HOME
Softer colors take center stage; how to "color your world" in shades that will last
(MARCH 2001) - What's "in" and "out" color-wise this year? Color forecasters for the home furnishings industry predict that the "pallette will warm" and "colors will soften." Translation: look for yellow beiges, golden browns, soothing blues, and spicy oranges to be popular this year, with blues in all shades - from teal to robin's egg and even Prussian blue - topping the list.
Why blue? It's calming and relaxing. "Blue is an important color trend for this new decade because it gives a feeling of peace and tranquility - something we're all striving for," says Melanie Wood, fashion industry color consultant and former vice president of design for flooring company Mannington. Some color experts think the popularity of blue is linked to the bottled water trend and our thirst for clear, pure water. Others say blue relates to our fascination with the sky, space, and spiritual questions. |
"Blues will build in popularity this year and become even more dominant in 2002," predicts Sandy Bone, vice president for hard surface flooring at Carpet One, North America's largest flooring retailer. "At the same time, we're seeing spicy warm colors that draw on Middle Eastern, Asian, and Latin influences, which is a good example of the increased 'multi-culturalism' we're seeing in all kinds of home furnishings. In fact, Oriental reds will be the number one accent color for the year."
But since you can't change the color of your flooring as often as a coat, how does a homeowner decorate in style? "Carpeting and flooring colors are more neutral because they must last," says color consultant Pat Verlodt, president of Color Services & Associates, Huntley, Illinois.
"To create a stylish look without breaking the bank each year, accessorize with trendy colors, and keep permanent items less vivid," advises Bone. "Use an 'in' color for an area rug, window treatment, throw pillow, or slip cover, but stick to the basics for your big ticket items like carpeting or ceramic tile. A smart choice in flooring colors can anchor a room for years to come." |
