Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Early Peek at 2009 - 2010 Interiors and Environmental Forecast

Denyse Schmidt's line reflects the upcoming color trend "Vegetable Garden".

Rockras Jewelry Collection by Kimberly McDonald



Candice Olson Lighting Collection at A/F Lighting

The Color Association of the United States is preparing to release their Interior and Environment forecast for 2009/20010. The Color Association is the oldest color forecasting service in the US. Since 1915, the Association has been issuing color reports in elegant, fabric-swatched booklet form. The Color Association is the only forecasting service that selects its colors through a committee panel of eight to twelve industry professionals. The panels continue to be a 'who's who' list of trend makers in the fashion and shelter industries. I have to say, even after seeing Christine Chow speak a number of times, I am still shocked at how 'right on' their forecasts always are.

I am currently in Europe, and will bring back new trend data to support these two forecasts, and also seek out any other emerging trends I see. I am really excited to see what is happening in the way of design lines and surfaces. I also plan to take a look at retail and spot any new directions. I will visit Amsterdam, Cologne, Paris, Nice and Cannes. I expect to see a solid representation of the 'Vegetable Garden' pallette in the South of France. I'll return the week of November 11th, with lots of new information to share.


Candace Olson Collection from A / F Lighting

There are 2 major directions surfacing for 2009-2010. According to the Color Association, they are "Rock Crystal", and "Vegetable Garden". Knowledge of color and interior trends will support your goal of being a knowledgeable expert and resource to the new home consumer, and additionally ensure that your displays are current and forward in direction.


Rock Crystal

According to The Color Association: "The first group in the 2009-10 forecast is called Rock Crystal, evoking a sense of subtle but luxurious beauty. A nuanced palette includes variations on ivory, pearl gray, and bronze with colorful touches coming from soft blues and olives. Glossy or iridescent finishes add a modern polish." They direct us to the Rockras natural jewelry collection for trend direction, made from beautiful agates, blister pearls and natural crystals.

At Hearth and Home, we saw traces of this emerging during our 2007 Market trip in Las Vegas. Candace Olson launched a new line of lighting that reflected the spare, minimalist and clean lines, and combined them with natural influences such as shell and abalone.


Vegetable Garden:

The Color Association points out: "Vegetable Garden" is a delightful grouping of appetizing mid-tones like Heirloom Tomato, Butternut Squash, and a range of rich blues and leafy greens. The wholesome charm of this story is particularly suitable for the enhancing the comforts of the home." This is a natural progression of the rich hues in Provence inspired decor. They point us to Denyse Schmidt's work that you may have seen in Dwell or Metropolitan Home.


The Color Association Membership information and forecast purchase information are available at: http://www.colorassociation.com/site/corporatemembership.html

________________________________________________________________

The Design Minds at Hearth and Home Blog is geared to support design center staff and the new construction industry in selling options and upgrades to the new home consumer. Subscribe for updates. Contact Krisann Parker-Brown for merchandising or marketing support of your design center. She will be happy to work with you on your assortment and presentation to ensure you are on track for the upcoming decor trends.

Krisann Parker-Brown is the merchandising manager for Hearth and Home Technologies, the leading manufacturer and retailer of fireplaces and hearth systems. Krisann supports design centers and new construction builders in presenting Heat & Glo, Heatilator and Quadra-Fire hearth systems, and consulting on design center merchandising, point of sale and the consumer experience. Contact her at brownkr@hearthnhome.com or 952-985-6537