So right before the new year, I put out a post discussing 2017 Color Trends based off color of the year selections from various paint companies, color forecasts, fashion color trends, and a multitude of other resources that helped me put together my trends list. Many of the images are just pulled from Google to support the trends, but I made all of the color palette visuals in Photoshop.
"To be wild and free, to live beyond wild imaginations..."
This particular post is inspired by a Color & Design Trends Report created by Dunn-Edwards. At work I put together a little brochure featuring all this information...I ended up adding my own personal input and brought the report to life in a creative way so I thought I'd share just how my imagination interprets color.
Many of the color palettes and scheme ideas directly reflect some of the trends I listed in that previous post, so I thought it was very fitting to include a personal summary and reflection of the information they provided as well. CLICK HERE to view the original color & design report by Dunn-Edwards.
THE COLOR PALETTES
There are a total of 5 different color palettes, representative of different passions, styles, cultures, and personalities. Inspiration for these palettes was pulled from everyday items and lifestyles as well as nature and space. Most of the palettes can be mixed up and combined in countless ways to create a unique color scheme customized to your particular style.
After sharing all 5 color palettes I will include a breakdown of the different color families and what makes them so on trend for this upcoming year and quite possibly for future design. The colors can be used for residential, commercial, hospitality, or even institutional design projects. Although these palettes are not limited to the interior design world and can be utilized in fashion, art, graphics, technology as well as in numerous other areas found within everyday life. Through this breakdown I'm hoping many will be able to deconstruct the palettes and create something more personal. Each of these colors can be interpreted in countless different ways, which in turn can truly enhance or even brighten life.
This color palette is all about an adventurous spirit, willingness to experiment, and the art of discovery. It is being embraced by people who want to be the first to try ANYTHING!! The designs are reinventing and revealing, while the materials used are usually raw or hand-made. There is a selection of warm neutrals, earthy combinations, moss influences, deep underground and mineral infused colors, extremely representative of vegetate and organic characteristics. The strong, rugged, and densely pigmented hues add power to just about any space, yet still remain inviting and cozy.
Use this color palette on design styles like Mid-Century Modern, Art & Craft, Futuristic, Conceptual, Rustic or even put together an outfit inspired by this palette.
Below are scheme examples for some of the ways this color palette could be mixed around to create a variety of color possibilities.
Some visuals showing how the color palettes can be applied to various spaces...
Inspired by a Neo-bohemian lifestyle, which is representative of eco-conscious and self-sufficient designs and materials. It focuses on life’s pleasures, DIY projects, and evokes magical, enchanting, dreamlike atmospheres. There are feminine touches with fur, feathers, fringe, florals, and lacey details as well as bronze and aged copper finishes. The palette is relaxed with a romantic summery vibe, using intense botanical hues, tropical tones, fresh brights, and naturals highlighted by brights.
Use this color palette with design styles like Traditional, Eclectic, Retro, Neo-Hawaiian, Tiki Revival, Art Deco, Tropical, Scandanavian, Baroque, Neoclassical or use them to inspire your upcoming project whether it's in the graphic field or something completely unrelated. Thinking outside the color norms might lead you to incredible destinations...
Here are some color schemes that showcase how the Creative Ingenuity palette can be mixed together in a variety of ways.
Get even more inspired with these magical interiors...
This color palette is meant to reflect the natural curiosity of humans and was highly influenced by visionaries and innovators seeking original experiences. There is also a unique fascination with the ocean and space, resulting in an aesthetic where high tech meets human touch and organic forms. It embraces the nomadic lifestyle with warm faded colors, soft pastels with gemstone infusions, translucent, watery, dusty, opalescent color blends and whitened effects creating a mysterious and magical palette. Interior finishes include metallic pieces juxtaposed against airy fabrics, marble, rich accents, as well as hand-crafted glass blown features.
Use this color palette with design styles like Postmodern, Contemporary, Minimalist, Art Deco, Conceptual, Futuristic, Organic. You could also let this color palette inspire an invention or some type of original creation.
Check out these schemes that illustrate different ways this palette could be mixed around...just think too...this isn't even half of the options available!
How about some interior inspiration?!
Wanderlust is all about dreamers traveling the world and experiencing a variety of cultures as well as environments. This palette was designed for globetrotters with a strong personality and a confident sense of taste. Many of these people view the world from a different perspective, which has resulted in transforming world education into life at home. Craftsmanship is key with this palette, while the colors are lush, romantic, and worldly. There are colorful neutrals with fresh oranges, deep pinks with reds giving off a fruity, exotic, flowery vibe. The colors are paired with intricate wood carvings, Tahitian prints, enameled copper, dyed cement tiles, embroidery details, and lots of leather.
Use this palette with design styles like Mediterranean, Spanish, Traditional, Organic, Rustic, Eclectic, Ranch, Loft, Desert, Exotic. Maybe even let these colors whisk you away to an unforgettable location you never could imagine...until now!!
Here is an arrangement of color schemes that demonstrate how to utilize this palette. Of course you can mix and match anyway so that it best suits you and your needs.
Now, let's see some interior applications for this color story...
Embraces unconventional lifestyles and cross-generational values as well as supports the idea of reinterpreting objects and the typical everyday in order to make life more fun. Many of the spaces serve a multi-purpose or have some type of multifunctionality. There are several DIY experiments involved such as paper quilling, furniture refinishing, and other craftwork. By mixing industrial style finishes with pastels and saturated primary colors this palette appears rich and deep in tone with bold, surprising pops of color. Freestyle geometric patters, surrealistic approaches, sportswear fabrics, cartoon and comic forms, and graphic color play are all key features with this palette.
Use this color palette with design styles like Modern, Minimalist, Futuristic, Eclectic, Artistic, Conceptual, Unconventional, Experimental, Industrial, Retro or use them as motivation to get up, get out, and experience life!
The following color schemes are just a few examples showing some of the different ways you could use this palette.
Now, to finish out this section with some interior examples for this fresh and modern color palette.
COLOR BREAKDOWN
To sum this all up...2017 color is...
Romantic with lush details, yet fun and adventurous. There are ethereal and exotic characteristics that help create astonishingly magical spaces. Pulling inspiration from the past, while looking toward the future by incorporating, space-like, martime, or retro influences.
Modernist, tradtionalist, the quirkey, the bohemian, the globetrotter, the pioneer, the innovator, the wildly imaginative spirit...there is a color palette for all personalities and styles.
Cultural shifts have created a broader sense of how colors are combined. Worldly traditions through fashion, art, technology, food, medicine, and even entertainment are all shaping the color palettes of the future. There is a new focus on diversity and innovation, as well as the growing desire for a holistic lifestyle and organic materials, which are blending together to create a fresh, unique life perspective. This newfound life perspective is changing the the way we use and incorporate color into our everyday lives.
Throughout this next part you'll find a breakdown of various color families that are from the palettes listed above. The sections also have a small description explaining what is prominent about each color family and what part it plays in 2017 color usage.
Pinks embrace natural tones like cherry blossom to chemical looks like cotton candy, whereas reds are ranging from classic to browned, adding drama and vibrancy. The pinks bring romance to the forefront with soft, whimsical hues, while the red adds the punch. For those looking to create some adventure within a space or want to take a bold risk, throw in a bright red or fuchsia for an unexpected pop.
These next pictures are not only great examples of how reds and pinks are playing a part in color this year, but also provide a little bit of added inspiration to possibly not only go more bold with your color, but with your choices in life as well.
Sophisticated and nuanced with copper finishes and terracotta highlights. Russet, amber, rosewood, and clay are key tones for this color family. Citrus colored accents are trending this year and are being paired with a mix of cool and warm neutrals for an interesting yet organic color palette. Earth tones will also go well with oranges, giving the bright color a more grounded aesthetic.
A picture's worth a thousand words right??? Well check out these images that showcase all the complex tones and hues present in oranges.
The key color for 2017, which alludes to the warming of all color ranges. It is pushing forward in many directions from yellow-green and honey glow hues to creamy and pigmented banana yellows. With yellow, you can create a vivid and fun space or tone it down for a muted or more pastel approach. Both of these styles transform yellow from a"dated" color to fresh and inviting.
Yellow can be used in all sorts of ways...below are just a few pictures that demonstrate some of those possibilities.
Highlighted from spring tones that are fresh and grassy, to fall tones like khakis' and sages'. This is suggestive of the strengthening of greens in design and how they are being more widely used. Green is inviting, crisp, relaxing, and yet still warming through the deeper tones. If you're looking for a color that will add a spark of visual interest to your space or wardrobe...then maybe a shade of green is just what you need!
These are just a few examples that show how transformative and intriguing the color green can be...might I add green is my favorite color. :)
Strongly pigmented in cerulean and blackened blues, which ultimately continues the prevalence of blues in design. Blue has been popular in design for some time now, as it is considered one of the most calming and serene colors available. The richer toned blues are representative of space and are intended to create drama and sophistication, while lighter shades of blue reflect an oceanic or beachy atmosphere.
Blue would be a great color to do a monochromatic look with because of the wide variety of shades. Below are examples of how blue is incorporated into our world and everyday life.
Usually displayed with blue or red undertones, while lavender and mauve show up in fall color combinations. There is a vast range of shades in purples and all of them create a sense of wonder and magic. The tones vary from soft, light, and whimsical to mysterious, daring, and majestic. A purple could be the perfect touch of drama or playfulness to any project.
The following pictures demonstrate just how magical, whimsical, and dramatic various shades of purple can appear.
Browns are chic and show in cooler undertones or copper enhancements. Luxurious ranges of brown highlight the warming of color trends. Beiges are pink and cosmetic tones, showing the transition from camel and sand tones into the newer beiges. These warm neutrals pair well with natural or unfinished wood tones and range from more muted shades to darker earthy shades.
Get some inspiration for warm neutrals below!!
Grays are cooled and bleached, almost white, or display in deeper tones similar to pewter or gravel. The cooler neutrals mix well with chrome or nickle finishes, as well as with light and airy fabrics. Most of these grays or off-whites have a bluish undertone, which is more prominent in the lighter colors and could cast a slight blue hue. For many industrial or modern styles cool neutrals work quite well.
The next few pictures should bring you inspiration and show you some ways cool neutrals can be used in everyday situations.
I genuinely hope those that read this post really enjoy the summary I have provided for the Dunn-Edwards Color & Design Trends Report (link's at the top of the page). It took about 3-4 days for me to complete this post...mainly because of all the color swatch examples, which I did in Photoshop. If anyone is interested in downloading the Dunn-Edwards swatch colors for their own personal use, CLICK HERE.
This blog was extremely enjoyable to write and put together. I am in love with color, always inspired by it, and am intrigued by all the ways color can affect mood, emotion, aesthetic, and so on... I wanted to write this because I felt it applied to more than just interior design, but can be applied to other aspects of life as well. Thank you each for reading and supporting the moments or ideas I'm sharing through this site. I wish to inspire every person that reads in some way, even if it's in the smallest of ways.
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul" - Wassily Kandinsky
Thank you again.