Trend Forecast 2013: Color

Sara Pepitone -- Interior Design, 1/1/2013 10:36:00 PM

A kitchen featuring Valspar's Mustard Glaze, one of their projected trends for 2013.

Paint and coating manufacturer Valspar agrees. "For 2013, we are working towards capturing a happy and meaningful life at home," says Sue Kim, Valspar Color Strategist, who considers the newest influences in clothes, food, and interiors when creating color palettes. "People want to mold their home into a space that reflects ingenious ways to face the realties of the moment." That means colors ranging from uplifting peaches, light-hearted pinks, glowing ambers, dusky blues and transparent greens.

Green is a sure thing for Pantone as well. Their team of ten experts—inspired by art, technology, travel, new textures and even sports —chose Emerald as Color of the Year. "Emerald is a lively, radiant and lush green," says Lee Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute. "Emerald is the color of balance and harmony, enhancing one's sense of well-being and inspiring insight and clarity."

Commandeur says Emerald is not the easiest shade, but certainly a spectacular one. And it combines wonderfully with natural shades. That works for Barbara Haaksma, vice president of design and marketing for Milliken's global floor covering division, who sees colors taking on a nature-inspired vibe.

"Oranges are more saturated, and are red and brown-based. The approach is still intense, but is richer and less acidic. Chocolate browns will continue to help add depth to interiors, but with a more chestnut, red-base than before." Haaksma notes the entire spectrum of purples is emerging as well—from mauve to a very plum hue.

"Color is no longer just a matter of flat shaded material and pattern," says Commandeur. "More then ever certain shades are linked to specific material types."

<<Back to main article

Trend Forecast 2013: Construction

Trend Forecast 2013: Floor Plans

Trend Forecast 2013: Materials

Trend Forecast 2013: Customization