As a professional Atlanta color consultant, it is my job to know where color trends are heading and to keep you in the loop.
Several weeks ago I had the privilege of attending the Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast presentation for 2012. It was given by my friend Carolyn Barton, who is the Designer Marketing Manager for the Southeastern Division of Sherwin Williams. Here’s proof that I was actually there with Carolyn:
Carolyn Barton and Myself
Yes, Carolyn looks GREAT while I seem to be having yet another bad hair day. But back to the seminar…
So how do color forecasters come up with what’s “trending”? Much of what they put together comes from the fashion runways of New York and Paris, but the forecasting goes way beyond fashion to spot trending in global markets for furniture, architecture, textiles, automotives, technology, and just about any other industry you can imagine. When the forecasters begin to see repeated themes and colors in the various industries, they know they are onto a trend.
Which brings me to trending colors for 2012. I want to thank Carolyn for providing the Sherwin-Williams color charts. They came on a single large piece of cardboard which I had to cut into separate palettes, then scan for viewing. The quality is not the greatest, but you’ll get the idea. First, let’s take a look at the reds:
Sherwin-Williams Reds for 2012
As you can see, the palette runs from the bright lipstick reds to salmon, chorals, violets and burgundies. Red is HUGE on the runways these days. Red-headed models are everywhere! (Maybe it’s time for a change in hair color. Hmmm…….) Also, in Carolyn’s presentation, we saw reds in Japanese culture, Middle Eastern clothing, and furniture design highlighting the human circulatory system! Also, there were a number of red inspired interiors at High Point.
On to blue. As you view this collection of hues think of faded American denim; rivers, lakes and seas; crisp blue skies and Paul Newman’s eyes.
Sherwin-Williams Blues - 2012
The blues of 2012 basically celebrate water and denim. In addition, various hues of blue were found in consumer electronics, the streets of Paris, dinnerware (LOTS of blue & white), home textiles, furniture and fashions and yarns on the streets of New York.
Sherwin-Williams Greens - 2012
A preppy, sporty “true” green will be seen everywhere in 2012. The new greens are found in sea and forest, algae & moss, roof-top gardens, land carpets (as seen in aerial views) and Japanese tea.
Sherwin-Williams Neutrals - 2012
The neutrals for 2012 are a mix of warm and cool tones (including “mustard” yellows) and come to us, primarily, from raw, organic materials. The colors include gold, cream, taupe, gray, concrete, milky white, tan, brown and sunshine.
That wraps up my version of the Sherwin-Williams color forecast for 2012. As for me, I’ve got a pending Atlanta home staging job on a vacant property and can’t wait to add lots of red accents, knowing I’ll be “on trend.” Have fun playing with the new palettes!
If you want your home to glow, the colors to flow and the clutter to go, call Patsy Overton Interiors. 770-843-2307 Accredited, Licensed, Insured.
