Interior designers predict color trends for millennium

by Dawn Woods

for the Business Journal

Forecasters of the millennium predict distinct trends in color: clear, bright, optimistic, and calm, relaxing escapism from a frenetic world.

Because consumers, designers and manufacturers want a choice, it is hard to predict one hot color.

Instead they want palettes of color which will evoke particular moods or feelings.

For example, for a rich, sensuous feel, one might choose a golden russet shade, purple-tinged blue and an intense true red.

In Leatrice Eiseman's new book, "Color for Your Every Mood," Eiseman has devised palettes that will remind you of your favorite places.

Colors of the beach include a crisp white, warm pink of sunset and a bracing aqua. For a Parisian cafe feel, such colors as deep claret, ombre blue and wrought iron could be used.

Experts are expecting to see a shift toward sharper, richer and clearer shades of color, specifically reds, purples and blues. Red will become a favorite for the millennium, whether it be a red with black undertones or the newest deep, mysterious Tibetan red.

Colors with a metallic spin and fun and wacky hybrid colors such as green-cast browns, blacks with gray casts and blues with purple casts will grow in popularity.

According to the Color Marketing Group, the following 12 colors are predicted to appear in consumer product markets in 2000:

Wild berry a pure, nearly true, bright red.

Innocent blush a sheer pink with slight peach undertones.

Red rock a metallic color or iron-ore hues.

Biscotti a neutral that is softer than traditional camel.

Spaqua the green edge color of a thick plate of glass.

Wasabi a clear wash of celadon, faintly yellowed, with a whisper of gray.

Aero blue the hue of sky approaching dusk.

Atlantis blue Êan intense and iridescent blue with a slight influence of green.

Royal plum the sole dark value in the Color Marketing Group forecast palette, especially suited to the luxury market. It may be used as a neutral or a bridge to other colors.

White veil tinted whites, creating a chameleon appearance.

Aluminum foil Êthe coldest, most urban interpretation of silver.

Colorado mist a metallic or pearlized neutral bridge between beige and gray.

Whatever trend you choose, be aware that color has the power to influence your environment and can create strong associations, whether it be on the conscious level or somewhat deeper level of the psyche.

According to Eiseman, color doesn't have to be beige anymore.

(Dawn Woods is an allied member-ASID and works at Final Touch Interiors in Springfield.)

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