Pantone builds eight new color palettes

in 2004 color forecast

The effective use of color plays a major role in attracting consumers’ interest in new products, according to an international color expert who spoke at the Opening Day Press Breakfast, sponsored by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association for the International Home Furnishings Market.

“Humans are intrigued by newness and novelty,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. With an educational background in psychology, design and business, she continued, “You need to show a new color, something that draws the eye and makes them pay attention.” She is the author of five books on color, including The Color Answer Book slated for release this month.

“As color remains one of the most important ‘persuaders’ in the marketplace, it behooves all segments of the home furnishings industry to know about the latest trends in color, and, most importantly, to understand what drives consumers’ tastes and needs,” she noted as an introduction to Pantone’s 2004 Color Forecast. The trend report identifies eight distinct palettes, including:

Natural Instincts -This is the quiet environment that is closest to the simplicity found in nature, reflecting a love of weathered wood, natural fibers, of all things organic and real. Whether the space is rustic and rural or more polished and urban, the neutral tones and an intricate variety of rock, stone, pebbles and grasses are the connecting colors that lead to this special sanctuary.

Beach Retreat – A vast placid sky, a gently rolling surf, footsteps in the warm sand this is the palette that offers a relaxed retreat, an escape from the invasive and hectic surrounding world. The colors are a medley of deep marine, lavender blues and sky blues, oyster gray and cloud whites. The combinations are clean, uncomplicated and always harmonious.

Global Warming – A vital, bold and sensual palette, this warming trend is a strong color story made up primarily of color wheel neighbors in and around the red family: molten lava, spicy orange, dancing pink, magenta purple, vivid yellow with an unexpected jolt of an electric blue. This is an adventurous and exotic color grouping that will be seen frequently as accent against neutral, natural or darkened tones.

nhancing Hues – Taking its cue from the world of cosmetics, this pleasing palette celebrates a myriad of skin tones. These flattering hues are gentle, soft and mellow, yet more complex and sophisticated than simple pastels. The combinations offer subtle, stylish possibilities.

weet Stuff – When the world outside starts to get too somber and serious, it’s time to indulge in some delicious eye candy. Sweet but never cloying, these confection shades entice the eye by adding a new level of tantalizing tastes with combinations such as: mimosa, smoky grape and pink mist or brandied melon, taffy and banana crepe.

Creature Comforts – Evoking thoughts of a welcoming and nurturing home it may be a bit of cottage living or country in a condo, but always cozy and effortless in its appeal. This is an engaging presentation of warm cozy quilts and comfort food colors such as soft creamy whites, rustic reds and golden yellows.

treamlined – It’s sleek, stylish and gracefully configured minimal and modern meets design statements of the past. Inspired by the curvaceous, compact and gleaming Airstream trailers that captured everyone’s attention in the 50s, it is still seen both as motor home or dressing rooms to the stars. The aerodynamic styling inspires metallic finishes such as chrome or silver, while other design icons inspire the glamour of polished black or the stark simplicity of pristine white, used singly or in the classic combinations.

inishing Touches – This is a palette of attainable luxuries that speak of quality and elegance. These are the styles and colors that traditions are built upon, a tasteful blending of time honored antiques with noveau style, understated rather than over-stuffed, a hint of opulence with the practical reality of a home that is lived in and enjoyed every day. The colors are lush, classic and rich, reflecting the possibility of intricate combinations.

“Color is a catalyst for stirring emotions, creating moods and adding pleasure to our daily lives,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the AFMA. “Everyone has preferences, and color allows us to express our personalities as well as create a sense of freshness and excitement in our homes.”