Now it’s the new year and the color trends for 2011 have started to emerge. Believe it or not, but many of the sweaters we wear this year, the napkins and tablecloths we buy, and the pillows we layer will surprisingly all be the same color. Thanks to the “color of the year”, a color and a few color palettes will stand out from the crowd and become the colors that will fill our closets, homes and lives without most of us realizing it. Some may think it’s a marketing ploy, but the colors really do become part of the times. So when you look back 10 years from now, the color of the year will make “sense.”
Last year the color of the year was turquoise, a color that symbolizes healing and compassion. This color is inspired by water and sky and represents an escape for many people. So what could be next?
Well, Pantone has released the color of the year 2011 and it’s called “Honeysuckle” (Pantone 18-2120). This color is full of confidence, courage and bravery. Honeysuckle’s bold spirit will fill you up, lift you up, and keep you motivated all year long. Full of vibrancy and vigor, Honeysuckle can be a stark contrast to the escapism of turquoise. Honeysuckle makes us deal with everyday problems and face them squarely. He contradicts the gloomy economy and the overabundance of soft colors in today’s market. “During stressful times, a color like Honeysuckle lifts people’s spirits and uplifts them,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Caught somewhere between a hot pink and a red, Honeysuckle can easily be worn by both men and women. It’s a bold, eye-catching hue that looks good both day and night and will add a lively touch to interior spaces when used on walls, pillows, bedspreads, small appliances, and tabletop accessories.
Honeysuckle is an updated color that adds a bold and dynamic feel when used in large areas of a home like the entryway, bedroom, or living room. It is perfect for use in craftsman house plans. When used in the kitchen or dining room, it will stimulate your appetite. But, a great way to incorporate this color into the kitchen is to use it with placemats, linens, glassware, candles, and even small appliances. If you need to cover old or shabby cabinets, try painting them honeysuckle. Or, for an even bolder statement, paint an accent wall Honeysuckle for a burst of energy in the kitchen, hallway, or family room.
Because Honeysuckle is probably considered a more feminine color, it may not be a decorator’s first choice when trying to stage a home for sale on the real estate market, but if Honeysuckle is used in subtle touches, the home will certainly for sale will stand out from the crowd.
Other color palettes that will shine
Create a cheerful and light-hearted home using a citrus yellow hue. Not only will it exude positive energy, but it will keep your mood pleasant. Make your home interesting and use this color in unexpected areas like a powder room or dining room. It also looks fantastic mixed with soft blue and khaki. Research has shown that yellow is uplifting, helps people fight fatigue, limits anxiety, improves relaxation, and maintains a positive mood. Who wouldn’t want that every day?
With the return of vintage, smoky violets, deep browns or burgundy, berry colors and even bronze will transform your home interior into something rich and elegant. Classy and sophisticated, pair these colors with dark wood furniture and leather upholstery and your home will ooze style.
The complete opposite in many ways to the vintage color palette is the farmhouse blueprint inspired palette. With society’s current sentiment of trying to “go back to basics,” this color palette uses colors often seen at a farmer’s market for inspiration. Playful oranges, leafy greens, bold blues, and textured brown tones will give your home that earthy, back-to-nature feel.
Last year, turquoise was the color of the year and symbolized escape, so if you want to hold on to that fantasy but switch gears a bit for 2011, why not try translucent colors with a pearlescent or satin finish? Creamy whites, soft grays, and neutral sage tones will make your home feel like an escape while adding a soft retro feel.
Going back to basics in the way we live in 2011 will also resonate with another color palette that includes tribal colors and many other earth tones. The concept of “tribe” reflects the concept of communities today and reflects how important the people around us are. Rich oranges, browns, indigo blues and curry colors will dominate in this palette and add excitement to any interior space in your home.
As you can see, 2011 is going to be a very diverse year! Whether you’re looking for new vacation home plans or just a way to update your current residence, you may find something exciting. From exploding pink hues to soft silvery gray hues, there’s something for everyone in these color palette trends.