Design trends for 2008 are running the gamut from “Earth Friendly” to “Glitz and Glamour.”  The trend of coming home to a soothing cocoon at the end of the work day continues to expand design offerings to fit the requirements, varied needs and desires of consumers worldwide.  Style also plays a huge role in determining color as well as psychological influences.  Rooms are being created as an integrated mix that suits the personal style of the customer, with an end result that is an eclectic mix of pattern and color that is a statement of individuality rather than a grouping of matched “things”.

In the psychology of color we see two historical trends colliding.  Normally in an election year we see colors becoming brighter and clearer representing the freshness of change.  This is where colors have been predicted to go through 2009.  However, with recent economic downturns and the continuing war this could be altered.  When the economy is headed in a downward direction, or the country is at war, colors tend to move to grayer more somber shades.  Stock market bounces as we saw this week could continue the clear, clean bright predications for colors and chances are that this will be the case.

Texture is still very important.  Surface texture always adds depth and dimension to fabrics.  Look for this trend to continue.  Large over-scaled motifs are also important. It is a great way to update a classic design element.  Cotton prints are being sought after in all ends of the marketplace again, and even chintz finishes are being requested.  Roses are still the most dominant floral motif, but look for cherries to be seen in many designer showrooms as well.  Menswear is also making a move in the “best supporting” companion role.  Masculine tweeds and plaids are being paired with classic floral patterns for a fresh take on traditional looks.  Attention to details is also an important feature that is taking hold.  Fine dressmaker detailing is showing up at all levels of the industry.

Color trends have changed over the years.  In the past color was a commitment that lasted.  Today’s consumer views color as representing a current stage not a life-long commitment.  It merely represents a statement of the present and can evolve with future changes and moods.  All color categories have major food influences.  Think biscuit, caviar, eggplant, ginger, coffee bean and cherry!

Current predictions for color directions are as follows:

·        Metallics:

Metallics are still on the rise.  Shown throughout European fabric fairs for the last two seasons this often trendy look is making a bid for style continuity.  All levels of sheen are being seen from burnished metals to glossy mirror-like finishes.  Silver, gold, bronze and platinum tones are at the forefront of this area of color.

·        Reds:

Reds continue to play a starring role in the home fashion color palette.  Bright red accents will mix with black and white as we move toward the Olympics.  We saw this “world event” influence during the Australian Olympics as well.  This is when “mineral” colorations emerged.  Along with true reds, look for a softening in the red family as well to include rich raspberries to soft pinks.  Pinks will also mix with the black and white palette as a sophisticated high-end combination.  Brown shades of red will mix with chocolate and cocoa to create a homespun look that will influence the American country home style as well as reflecting the “cocooning” and “nesting” instincts.  This color combination reinforces a sense of stability.

·        Black & White:

These two colors combine to form a unified force.  We do not see these as two separate colors but one.  Black & white combinations are seen across the board and at both the medium and high end.  Look for pairings with red, pink and browns as well as taking a solo role all to itself.  Metallic accents also pairs well with this combination for a clean transitional/ contemporary look.

·        Neutrals:

Neutrals are always the safe choice when dealing with color.  These combinations are soothing and appeal to those looking for an “uncluttered” feeling.  Also look for neutral palettes to pair with metallic accents for an updated blend.

·        Purples:

Purples have remained the “new neutral” for over almost ten years, and show no sign of slowing in popularity!  This is the color of the mind.  Purples will pair with browns for a chic sophisticated combination.  Pressing to the forefront are shades of lavender.  Soft blue cast lavenders are predicted to be mixed with soft greens for a fresh, clean palette.  Think Hydrangeas!

·        Blues:

Surprise…spa blue combinations are still in the spotlight!  Spa shades are like animal prints they have passed the “fad” stage and have taken their rightful place as a major force in the blue family.  Peacock and Turquoise are also making strong fashion statements.  Normally, these shades are seen as accents in a color palette, but now they are taking on the primary focus.  Blues are being shown in all shades from the lightest sky blues to medium federal and Wedgwood all the way to deep navy.

·        Greens:

Green may be the most talked about color of the season!  In the past when we talked about green we were talking color.  Today it can be color or eco philosophy.  As a color family,  greens are evolving from classic gray-greens to more yellow hued lifestyle nature colorations.  Green represents life, growth, fertility and financial stability.  Soft greens are associated with calming influences.  When mixed with blues and aquas, greens take on a soothing tropical note associated with rest and rejuvenation.  Acid greens will be seen mixed with purples at the upper end.  Even old friends like the ever-popular 1970 trademark avocado is re-making itself but this time the colors are called wasabi or gingko!  Green is making its way to the head of the class as the new neutral of the season.  From an eco standpoint, green Earth friendly products are not only becoming more in demand they are being offered more readily than ever before!  The marketplace has seen a resurgence in linen, bamboo, wood, jute and hemp products for the last few seasons.  More ecological materials are being introduced as well from recycled plastics and rubber to used x-rays and tires!  Design and color must still be right for consumers to purchase these more ecologically minded offerings, but the demand is there.  Cost of eco products is high as these items currently are expensive to manufacture.  Earth friendly products are still in the early stages of development and can be thought of similar to organic foods just a few years ago and look how far we have come in this area today.  Our industry is scrambling to address this category of products because inevitably sustainable green is a long-term necessity.