2013 Color Forecast

The powers that be have waved their magic wands and forecast the hottest colors for 2013. Some old favorites are still there, and long lost pals are resurfacing. Color trending is a tricky but interesting business affecting the fashion industry, product engineering and of course home environments. In homes these color trends are incorporated into the design with paint on walls, tiles for a kitchen backsplash or bathroom shower, cabinetry, and fabrics and window treatments. Over the last several years there have been repetitive general color groupings with updated hues and tones to make them fresh and new. Generally speaking, you will find an exotic jewel toned color grouping, a nature based, historical and pastel.

A wonderful example of a popular jewel toned color is Emerald, a vivid green that reflects the sophistication and beauty of the gemstone. Emerald is the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year.(Pantone is the world-renowned authority on color.) They describe Emerald as - "Lively. Radiant. Lush... A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony." For more see Pantone Color of the Year. 

One color making a big comeback, and a simple stroll around the mall will confirm it, is Blue. Blue from navy to aqua is making a big push this year. It is a safe, well liked and varied hue that can formalize, casualize and spruce up a room. It pairs well with any number of neutrals or other strong counterparts like apple green, orange, yellow and red. Think of all the team uniforms pairing blue. Blue has a calming effect and that is likely why it is making a surge. After all the stress and distress of the economy over the last few years people want to feel safe and relaxed.

Not all color trends need to stand out. Benjamin Moore's 2013 Color of the Year is Lemon Sorbet, a soft yellow. It complements bolder colors and coordinates with popular pastels. It can make a basement or lower level feel more open and cheery, provide the backdrop for an elegant master suite bedroom, or blend the elements of a new kitchen. To learn more about this color visit Benjamin Moore. Where you will also find trending color groups that may be a great start to sprucing up a room in your home.

For its Color of the Year, Sherwin Williams selected a pastel called Aloe. The color is perfect for areas of relaxation and contemplation - a spa bathroom, a comfortable porch, or an elegant living room. To learn more about how to use this color visit Sherwin Williams.

Color can be added to any room - drop in an accent wall of your favorite shade of blue, pick up some home accents, pillows or a new rug. Paint an old dresser in the bedroom or end table in the family room to breathe new life into it. Color has a profound effect on our perception of how a room “feels”. Don’t be afraid to try something new.

Amber Newton
Lead Designer, New Spaces 

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