Trends will be dictated by the colours found in our natural environment

Colour trends and interior design styles are driven by us as individuals, as well as by society as a whole. We grow and develop year by year under external influences such as world affairs, economic climate, technology and, more intimately, family, friends and career. These catalysts shape our personalities, our behaviour, our wants and needs – and by extension, the environment in which we live and work, and as such, have a basic desire to make these spaces reflect our ever-evolving personalities. Thus, trends can be seen less as dictated, and more as absorbed. At any one time, influences are at work involving different social catalysts, which conflict and interact. As a result, society seeks to reconcile this variety of influences and this is reflected in our use of colour and design.

To identify the catalysts: current events and issues that may influence colour, internationally recognised designers, architects and researchers were commissioned to explore politics and social demography, as well as contemporary fashion and architecture. This is done on a global scale, acknowledging that influences and trends are a global phenomena. After identifying worldwide cultural trends, the group then develops a palette of colours, which are expected to be popular in the coming year.

From their research, leading colourists confirmed that a key characteristic in modern society is that we are frequently looking to reconcile conflicting forces and values. For decades, western society has lived by an ‘either-or’ principle, however in our current culture, we have adopted an ‘and-and’ principle. Perhaps we will wear the latest designer jeans with a high street t-shirt or eat gourmet cuisine one night of the week and a microwave meal the next.

This understanding that society is driven by a desire to balance seeming opposites has influenced the development of a palette of colours that allow conflicting colours, textures and finishes to work together. This underpins the way in which colours and textures can be brought to life successfully.

Opposites Attract
For 2008, Crown Trade has highlighted three contrasting pairs, which work in opposition, to help formulate a range of colours. These pairs, as with the underpinning theme of balance, are prominent trends in contemporary culture, and as such, are expected to influence future colour and interior design.

The first of these opposing pairs is ‘Geometric and Informal’. Geometric recognises the current trend for angular design and regimented patterns. Notably, this theme took its inspiration from current architecture, which uses basic shapes and blocks. Informal, however, stems from an absence of design and the imperfections of our surrounding environment. Informal is about creating personality and relaxation.

‘Awareness and Tales of the Unexpected’ comprise the second opposing pair, making up the colour palette. Awareness incorporates the need for green design in contemporary society, and takes influence from patterns and colours found naturally in our surroundings. Working in opposition, Tales of the Unexpected provides relief from these more commonplace, everyday colours and injects elements of vibrancy and surprise.

The final opposing pair is ‘Without Nostalgia and Adornment’. Bringing iconic colours, shapes and patterns into the colour palette, Without Nostalgia takes its influence from simple found objects, which have become integrated into our contemporary society. Adornment contrasts this idea with elaborate finishes, layering and ornate patterns.

Creating Colours
After establishing and exploring each opposing pair, the leading colourists then translated the themes into a palette of colours, textures and finishes that they expect to be dominant in 2008.

Industrial greys and browns, and solid primary colours, such as blue and red were formulated from the Geometric trend and are placed next to the softer, more neutral tones of the Informal. Awareness proposes that the trend for green design will be reflected in earthy greens, high russets and mustards in 2008. On the other hand, Tales of the Unexpected suggests that subtle splashes of bright and flamboyant colours will be used more regularly. This use of bold colours is also reflected in the iconic blues, reds and oranges of Without Nostalgia.

Adornment indicates that luxurious, satin and high gloss finishes may prove a popular choice for the coming year, and stresses that silver, metallic or chrome colours will remain common. Texture is also crucial to Adornment with a focus on layering and material finishes.

Life in Colour
Colour is the most powerful aspect of an interior, with the ability to influence the way we feel, think and behave. Although colour is a personal choice, by interpreting the subtle behavioural and mood changes in society as a whole, it is possible to develop an understanding of where interior design is heading and imagine how colour may be used within it.

With consumers much more astute when it comes to interior design, it is crucial that housebuilders and developers are in touch with these current trends in colour and interior design. By acknowledging the colour, texture and finish trends anticipated by Crown Trade, housebuilders, specifiers and architects are more equipped to create stylish, contemporary developments, which the consumer is looking for.

Comments