Overview
It’s a New Year, and in examining what the year will hold, those in style based industries ring in the New Year with color and style predictions for what is ahead for the next twelve months. While predicting color and style may seem like random musings, there really are some key indicators that we as a society may never think about that tend to drive color and style. There is not a crystal ball that makes all of these predictions come true, and the whim of consumer’s buying habits can change more quickly than one would think. Dress designers, for example, may bring out collections full of mini-skirt hemlines, but that does not mean that women will buy them just because they are predicted to be in style. The same is true for what consumers will be looking for in selecting products and colors for their homes.

When we are in conflict, or the economy is weak, we tend to see colors that are “safe” to the point of being drab or grayed out. When the economy is doing well, and we as a society are optimistic about the future, colors are more bold and clean. For 2010 there seems to be some of both of the above predicted for home interior trends. While the economy is far from being well, it is better than it was a year ago, and after twelve horrific months of lagging sales and loss of jobs, most people seem to be looking for the positive in things going forward. With this attitude toward the future, we are seeing “safe” neutral colors blending with bold shots of vibrant tones. In a sea of turmoil we are looking for the tranquil shades of nature. We are also concerned about the “greening” of America and so earth tones are, once again, leading the way in many markets. Looking for sunnier days in our economic conditions, yellows will continue from 2009 to be popular in setting the tone for 2010!

Home trends have always been influenced by many things that we encounter in our daily lives. It used to be that apparel was the main gage of what would eventually be popular for the home. While apparel is still an important factor in predicting what colors and styles will make their way into our homes, there are so many more visual factors that play a part today. If we buy color and style in one product, will we not live with the same themes in our homes? More and more the answer is yes. If we plan a wedding, usually one of the most important days in life, and select a color(s) for that event, would we not feel comfortable living with this color(s) daily? Again, probably so! Below you will find leading design segments that may influence what we choose to put in our homes in 2010 directly or indirectly.

First we should look at the color that Pantone has deemed “color of the year” for apparel and home for 2010. That color is turquoise. This color is said to be an inviting, luminous hue that combines the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green. Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing. It is thought that as the economy improves more and more people will once again book vacations, and tropical island getaways, where turquoise water abounds, will top the list of popular destinations.

In many cultures, turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color. It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy. Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

In fashion, turquoise makes a statement that can look elegant and dressy in fine silk and gemstones, or casual and fun in cotton and athletic apparel. Because of its versatility, turquoise is a great accent color in jewelry, purses, shoes, hair accessories and even nail polish for women, and ties, shirts and sportswear for men. It is predicted that turquoise will first make its mark in the fashion side of the style industry and slowly move into the home furnishing industry by the end of 2010. To date this seems to be true as most vendors of home furnishing fabrics have not begun to showcase this color in the new items that are being shown at market. This could be a trend that takes some time to cross over and develop from the apparel industry, but it is definitely a trend color to keep an eye on as the year progresses.

Interiors
The main color and style groupings for home in 2010 include botanical palettes of hues that reflect consumers' interest and commitment to preserving the environment. These can include soft greens and yellows, chalky whites, and aqua as an accent color. There will be a shift away from sage and olive greens toward more of a leaf green. These natural tones are calming yet invigorating, like being in a spring meadow. Green continues to be a very important color. Thanks to younger consumers layers of various shades of green is starting to emerge as a color palette.

Another important trend to watch for are colors that deal with the African continent, including soft green, smoke blue, sand, mauve, lemon and copper. This earthy collection also works well with exotic accent pieces in the room, like African statuary or Middle Eastern rugs. These motifs tie into the sustainable “earth friendly” movement. Pattern motifs that will reflect this trend will be batiks, paisleys and ikat.

In another unexpected color shift, lavenders and purples have become popular for bigger spaces. In the past, bedrooms and bathrooms were sometimes done in these colors, but now lavenders have moved into the larger living areas. In this palette, lavenders can be combined with deep purple or mauve, pink, bluish- gray and beige. The result is a room that is both sophisticated and soothing to the senses. Paint manufacturer Sherwin-Williams has introduced a line called Conscious Luxury which emphasizes this palette.

Brights will take their cue from nature. Colors to look for are “flower colors” such as orchids, vibrant greens and buttercup yellows.

Gray seems to be emerging as the new neutral.

Shapes that were headed toward strong geometrics with hard edges and corners have softened with a slow economy. While geometric forms will still be seen in 2010, they will have softened edges and rounded corners with a movement to organic, fluid shapes.

Playing with pattern scale will continue in many home market segments. Taking a portion of a motif and blowing up the scale has already been seen in the market, and this trend will continue. This method is popular for making designs look less formal and makes classic patterns look fresh yet innately comfortable. This is especially important in selling a younger customer that, while not opposed to traditional design, does not want something that looks like what their parents or grandparents had in their homes.

Layering of similar and sometimes dissimilar pieces will also be a trend to keep an eye out for in 2010.

Any shift in design in the coming year will underscore consumers’ need for comfort and stability. This includes nature themes as well as touches of Americana, such as green markets, farmland and even quilting.

Paint
Color trends for 2010 in paint take inspiration from a variety of social and economic influences. In addition, living space personalization continues to act as a driver for color change, with accent walls or niche areas appropriate for small doses of high impact bold color while using more subtle hues on broad wall areas. Paint manufacturers are also predicting mid-range neutral tones and softer colors that will act as a backdrop for room schemes.

Eggplant has now made it into the paint palette for 2010 as well. Purple continues to rise on the popularity chart for the home.

ICI the world’s largest decorative paint manufacturer has predicted Icy Blue as 2010’s color of the year. They sight that this light airy color is optimistic and symbolizes infinite horizons, new beginnings, renewed energy and a positive dynamic.

Yellow, one of the most popular paint colors of the past two decades, will be hotter and brighter than ever. For years, interior designers and color experts have sung the praises of yellow's uplifting impact on our moods. Next year, they’ll take it to a whole new level, recommending much brighter shades than the toned-down hues that had been favored in the past. The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance. Yellow also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation. Benjamin Moore’s color experts expect this fresh take on yellow to have a subtle green influence, while gold tones will also rise in popularity.

Here are some of the other hot paint colors expected to emerge on the scene in 2010:

Green will blend with yellow to finally move away from the sage greens that have dominated home décor for years. Green is also the easiest color for the eye to see, and is also the most restful and comforting of all colors. It is a color that, on its own, can contribute a vibrant pop to a room, or create a softer look when paired with neutrals. It also is a perfect foil for bright contrasts, such as deep blues and orangey reds.

Lavender will be the hands-down winner in the bedroom. It portrays luxury and elegance and evokes warmth and comfort.

Slate and charcoal gray will be the hot new neutrals, taking over from the browns and beiges that had been so popular. Cool gray can be paired with almost any color for a winning combination.

Aqua has been a recommended color by cutting-edge decorators for a couple of years and will continue to be strong next year.

Blue will make a comeback after falling out of favor for a few years.

Shades of red will be darkened with purple and blue tones. Red and white pairings will also be popular.

TableTop
Updated neutrals, bright shots of color and layered looks are the predictions for tabletop. Until the economy rebounds it is predicted that consumers will be looking for the purchase of one or two key items to freshen what they already own. As in any uncertain time, consumers are looking for good design, but in products that are easy to live with for a longer period of time. Mid-range tones are important as well because they will most likely have the longevity that customers are looking for at this time. Neutrals will be looking toward nature for inspiration.

Look for shades of sand, sea and sky. These will be paired with equally muted shades, or accented with shots of bold bright colors especially reds and yellows. Neutrals no longer only encompass shades of white, beige or black. The new neutral palette can range from green to brown, blue and even purple. The key is that these new shades add tone without personality while giving presence and dimension.

Green colorations not only fit the natural color palette, but the environmental story as well, and in the world of tabletop, what food does not look good on green?

Style trends that continue to be important for tabletop are botanicals mixed with stripes, polka-dots or animal prints and butterfly motifs will continue to be seen in 2010.

Fashion
As previously noted, Pantone has predicted that turquoise will be the color of the year for 2010. The remaining fashion colors for 2010 follow in the footsteps of other style categories as neutrals and splashes of bright colors round out the trend forecast. Fashion trends, like with tabletop, also predict that the consumer will be looking to freshen existing pieces in their wardrobes rather than purchasing all new items.

Jewelry
Jewelry trends seem to reflect those of other home areas for 2010. The focus for this industry is on all things “green,” whether that means nature-inspired designs that incorporate butterfly or snake motifs, or designs featuring green-toned gemstones or nature inspired browns and yellows.

Picking up on the “earthy” trend we should expect to see a rise in stones such as chocolate diamonds and in keeping with the nature neutrals of tabletop gems with olive green, sugar-almond, salmon pink and deeper powder blues.

Jewelry will also echo the design trends of tabletop such as layering of both similar and dissimilar objects, use of paisley motifs, oversized scale and the unexpected shot of bright color accent with neutral palettes.

Wedding
Blue continues to reign as a top wedding color scheme for 2010, but the other forecasted colors for the year are shying away from the traditional.

Black was a popular color and accent color for 2009 and this trend should carry through 2010, but the main trend will be toward vibrant shades of orange, yellow, pink, purple and green.

Silvers, grays and all shades of chocolate will also continue to be popular, and once again turquoise will be seen stepping into the spotlight not only for flowers and apparel, but as an icing color on many cakes for 2010!

Finally, the universal color of love, red, will continue to be a classic wedding color even in a year where untraditional shades have been predicted.

Automotive
The new color choices for the United States auto market for 2010 is also reflective of other fashion groupings where color is concerned. White will make a big influence in the auto industry. White is seen as a clean neutral.

Silver and gray tones will also be important, and will take on hints of cool color in the form of steel blue, fashion pinks and deep purples.

Black continues to be a classic color and also will take on undertones of rich jewels.

Red is still a hot color and will be paired with clear neutrals at the luxury end of the market.

Greens and blues play into the nature theme and continue to build momentum in the automotive industry. Blue has been a strong color for some time now, but greens have always played minor roles for autos. With the movement to natural looks it is predicted that green colors and green and blue combinations may be the strongest colors in this field by the end of 2010.

Home Appliance
Black has finally been replaced as the number one color choice by stainless steel. This “color” has been coming on for the last few years, and now accounts for 90% of all appliance sales in the United States. While stainless started as a shiny finish, this color family is now dominated by matte luster. Stainless will continue to rule on major appliances for the kitchen in 2010.

While brighter colors are being talked about in the appliance industry, this will most likely only be seen on accent appliances such as mixers and blenders.

One area where color is trying to make a statement is in washer and dryer combinations.

As a side note, the “must have” appliance for the kitchen just a few years ago, the trash compactor, has been replaced by the wine cooler/refrigerator, and it is predicted that in 2010 we will also start to see cheese coolers as Americans continue their fascination with artisanal cheeses.

Conclusion
Now you have it! Theses are the style and color predictions for a majority of the style industries in America for 2010. Will turquoise really be the “it” color this year? Will you be more inclined to buy a white car this year? Will your new family room include paisley or batik patterns? The ONLY way to really know for sure is to wait twelve months and take a personal inventory. Style and color predictions are always only that predictions, and only as accurate as the buying public makes them!