DISCOVER THE COLOR TRENDS OF 2009
You don’t have to look very hard to spot the color trends that have a major influence on the choices of bedroom, home office, bathroom and kitchen cabinet colors for today’s home interiors. The news, the Internet, and even our favorite lifestyle magazines showcase consumer interest in preserving the environment and exploring cultural diversity. So it’s from these two sources: Nature and Global Travel that designers are drawing inspiration for their color palettes for 2009.
The Colors of Nature
Within just a few years, environmental awareness has become less of a trend and more of a way of life. The influence and integration of nature’s colors within the home are the results of this eco-chic movement. Colors that connect us to the earth: calming shades of gray, warm rich browns, creamy whites, soft fresh greens help create an environment that is welcoming and relaxing.
Bring The Outdoors In With Surface Materials
Incorporating these colors into your interior can be done by selecting surface materials for walls, floors, and countertops which reflect colors found in the environment: the subtle colors and rough texture of a stone wall stand in contrast to the Cherry Honey Spice cabinetry in a casual space for entertaining; warm gray tile flooring helps ground the cabinetry in Maple Canvas and Cherry Cinnamon for a serene modern office; and a window wall frames a dramatic view for an elegant bath retreat in Cherry Cinnamon.
Bring The Outdoors In With Cabinetry
Timeless colors for bedroom, home office, bathroom and kitchen cabinetry incorporate nature’s palette - in all its varying hues – from the lightest shade of white to the deepest black. These all have a natural “of the earth” quality that is in keeping with the eco-movement. Deep brown cabinetry in Cherry Chocolate is accented with the soft cream colors of Maple Canvas with Cocoa Glaze to create an elegant, sophisticated kitchen; Cherry Vintage Onyx cabinetry contrasts with Maple Burnished Ginger, resulting in an inviting space for cooking, entertaining, or connecting with family after a long day. This popular color trend is all about bringing your favorite colors from the earth into your home.
Global Accents
Travel to exotic destinations – whether real or aspirational – continues to fascinate us, as we integrate warm spice and jewel tones into our kitchen and bathroom colors and throughout our home. Vibrant shades of saffron, cumin and paprika bring lively punctuations of color to interiors, while deep ruby reds, warm golds, sapphire blues and emerald greens add richness and depth. Metallics are starting to warm up as well, with gold, copper and bronze metal accents beginning to show up along side the cooler silver, pewter and steel metals that have been in favor for so long.
Use A Little
Want just a pop of color? Create drama with rich woven textiles, decorative art pieces, tile in a lively pattern, or a bold paint color on an accent wall to complement bedroom, home office, bathroom or kitchen cabinetry in warm wood tones; here daring yellow and red walls create interest, without detracting from the rich cabinetry in Cherry Kaffe. A little can go a long way, and by incorporating objects, colors and materials that evoke feelings of exotic locales, your kitchen will reflect your personal interests.
Use a Lot
If you can’t get enough of your favorite spice colors, go all out and surround yourself with cabinetry that becomes the dramatic focal point of your kitchen in warm Cherry Cinnamon. Continue this color trend on the ceiling for a space that is unmistakably warm and exotic.
The Best of Both Worlds
For a space that brings together the best of both worlds – the calming influence of nature-based colors with the excitement of vibrant hues from global influences, mix it up a little; clean lined cabinetry in earthy Maple Willow is trimmed and accented with spicy Cherry Cinnamon. The result is so much more than the sum of its parts!
Wondering how to pair the perfect colors for your kitchen, bathroom or other rooms throughout your home? Get tips from the designers in About Color.
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