Overview

The year 2011 has started with guarded optimism. Everyone is looking for continued signs that the economic nightmare is really over. Reports have touted that there has been improvement for months, but many have yet to feel the impact in their personal finances.

The first few months of the year have shown a gradual drop in the unemployment numbers, but the reality for many is that they are still desperately searching for work opportunities. Retailers showed a growth from holiday spending over historic rates, and the stock market, while not bullish, is certainly regaining strength. However, the growth teeters as world crises have sent oil and gas prices soaring and recently the tragedy in Japan has global financial hubs holding their collective breath. The human tragedy is heartbreaking, and while the world mourns with Japan, there is also concern about how this will possibly affect a global economy that is still in need of nurturing and healing.

These are just a few of the things that will help shape and influence our outlook for the balance of 2011 and beyond. As the world becomes a melting pot of cultures so do our universal views of style and color trends. What happens in one part of the world now alters lives around the globe at lightning speed. As we become more technologically linked our ideas have also become more intertwined. While some trends take longer to reach from one continent to another the basis for commonality in thought about style and color trends are becoming more congruent with each passing year.

With that being said, what can we expect to see in 2011? There is not a crystal ball that makes all of the following predictions come true, and the whim of consumer’s buying habits can change more quickly than one would think! In looking at the physiology of color we seem to have been in a dichotomy for the last two years. When we are in conflict, or the economy is weak, we tend to see colors that are “safe” to the point of being drab or grayed out. When the economy is doing well, and we as a society are optimistic about the future, colors are more bold and clean. Color predictions for 2010 were not drab or muddy at all! There was a trend toward cleaner, clearer colors, and that trend is predicted to continue through 2011. Even if world conditions are not ripe for such a positive prediction, many feel that after several years of bleak economic conditions that the consumer is ready to shed the “glass half empty” mentality and “will” their view to be more focused on a “glass half full” outlook.

Color trends are fleeting and ephemeral; color connections, told through compelling design stories that speak to the consumer’s heart, mind, and soul are the future of color direction. Not all of the color predicting groups agree on what will be “the” color for 2011, however most all of them agree with the colors that should be trending over the course of the year. Let’s look at color families first to see the broad palette and then break this down to specific categories to see how these may apply. In order to gain the most insight into color and trend predictions for the home we will look at everything from runway fashions to wedding and auto colors. By studying each of these we can gleen how all of the influences in our daily lives can impact what we are, or are not willing to surround ourselves with in our own homes.

• Red
  Red in all of its shades will be important in 2011. Red is the color of fire and passion. The world is in a period of accelerated change, a fire building across our globe as we move in a new direction with renewed energy. Fiery red passion is surfacing as the main concept that will fuel the colors and design ideas of 2011. In India, fire is seen as a cleanser and purifier; it prepares the world for new beginnings. Fire clears away the clutter and brings the possibility of a phoenix to rise from its ashes. A single flame is a symbol of hope and the reds, and shades of reds that we see trending offer the fireworks of the 2011 color palette. The coming year will challenge brands to set themselves on fire with passion. The brands that come alive with honest, intense warmth and understanding will succeed in attracting customers to their tribal fire. Pantone has predicted the color of the year to be Honeysuckle, a vibrant pink, and like the blossom it will add a feminine accent to the popular gray trend. Honeysuckle will evoke a sense of sweet, a happy childhood memory and offers a sense of nostalgia and energetic impression. This shade of pink is not just for little girls anymore! Look for this love-of-pink to be seen in both interiors and fashion. Pink has been popular for a while and will probably actually grow in its acceptance, especially very saturated pinks.

• Orange
  Orange is the ultimate fashion color of the year, and is also predicted to show up in paint and wedding color palettes as well.

• Purple
  Purples will still be considered a bold move but lighter shades of violet, darkened mauve, raisin tones and bluer purple tones will be standard and very common in all interior decorating elements. Finally, purples will move away from recent mauve hues and come alive with the influence of fire. The new purples are like the colors seen deep under smoldering coals, a bright glimpse at the joy of the future. Fire will also pull navy into a deep, royal blue purple. In England there is also a move away from brown as the major color, and a growing love affair is going on with the color aubergine. Aubergine is a deep purple brown eggplant like color. Similarly Benjamin Moore has named Vintage Wine their color of the year for 2011. This color has also been seen on the runways of top style makers: Versace, Channel and Burberry. Various shades of soft grayed purple continue to be used in interior decorating and design.

• Yellow/Gold
  Yellow has always found its way into home decorating schemes but now you’re going to see a darker or richer yellow emerging as a sunny accent color. The Color Marketing Group predicts that the “Next Color” for 2011 is a mustard gold tone that they call Honey Moon, and it is grounded in a sense of optimism. Frivolous is out. Upbeat and realistic is in. This shade will move away from glitzy gold and toward a remembrance of things past. It is a warm color reminiscent of warm, worn leather. This color offers a fresh face on yellow and blends the sensual stimulations of color and taste. Take the sweet earthiness of honey and combine it with the romance of a harvest moon to uncover this blended yellow. This color of yellow is described as Dijon mustard with a rich golden patina. It looks amazing contrasted with ebony, espresso or charcoal gray.

• Blue
  Blues are making an interior decorating come back in a big way, and the long-term global blue cycle will continue to develop. Bright, clean blues still symbolize hope for a unified planet, but new blues will be more aquatic in tone. Light aqua and sky blues are still popular, but bright electric, cobalt and navy shades are the choices of fashion experts for 2011. Look for these colors to be paired with orange, dull gold and rust shades to create some of the most fashion forward interiors of the year. Turquoise and ice blue have been popular for a while but now a truer shade of blue is finding its way into home décor. Blue and white prints and plaids are very hot and will be mixed together to form the new blue room.

• Green
  Greens are taking two opposite directions when it comes to interiors. Look for green that moves into an olive hue or even something that leans further into the browns. On the other end of the spectrum you’ll see greens that are heading into the teal shades. All shades of green seem to be trending and you will see greens being layered and reminiscent of the forest floor. A green color is the easiest color for the eye to see, and is also the most restful and comforting of all colors. It is a color that, on its own, can contribute a vibrant pop to a room, or create a softer look when paired with neutrals. It also is a perfect foil for bright contrasts, such as deep blues and orangey reds.

• Pale Gray
  Grays will be a neutral color in 2011 used to balance deeper, more saturated and interesting color shades. Expect to see grays ranging from almost white to very dark and every shade in between with hints of blue and green. Gray hues will not only be used in paint for wall colors but will be very popular for furniture and fabrics in 2011.

• Dark Gray / Charcoal / Black
  Charcoal, smoke, and ash will inspire soft whispers of color. Graphite black will celebrate the new Nobel Prize-winning compound grapheme a super-strong but light carbon. (As a side note some say that grapheme will be heralded as one of the materials that will literally change our lives in the 21st century. Not only is grapheme the thinnest possible material that is feasible, but it's also about 200 times stronger than steel and conducts electricity better than any material known to man at room temperature. Researchers at Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering who proved that grapheme is the strongest material ever measured said that "It would take an elephant, balanced on a pencil, to break through a sheet of grapheme the thickness of Saran Wrap!") Currently deeper to mid tone shades of gray are being used in upholstery fabric and combined with a mid to light gray color wall paint. Accents to this scheme can be any one of the following: grayed mauves, rich wine, vibrant pinks, coral, oatmeal or lime. Additional popular accent colors are the citrus hues of lime, lemon and orange. These colors really pop a black and white decorating scheme or a charcoal sofa.

• Brown
  We will see a range of light golden browns emerge in 2011. These shades will be natural, comforting, luxurious and impart a sense of well being. Think shades of cashmere, almonds, fine scotch, and aged tobacco. For 2011 chocolate brown is losing a little ground as a color scheme anchor to make way for gray as a major color player. Chocolate continues to show its versatility by mixing well with a medium to light gray for a warm and sophisticated look. For example mix a chocolate sofa or bedding with gray cushions and wall paint for a handsome updated look.

• Neutrals
  Tone-on-tone sand, oyster and creamy beiges are popular and timeless anchor colors for 2011. These colors are layered throughout the room. Walls are painted in one of these warm light inducing colors and the drapery is often a shade lighter or a shade darker than the wall color. The furniture is either a dark contrast or similar but usually a little darker than the wall color. Accents in this color trend are earth toned. In Europe the neutral colors of gray, beige and greige are continuing to be chic and stylish trends.

• Metals Colors
  The metal colors of gold and brass are back for 2011, but look for continued trending of platinum and stainless steel.

Interior Motives

Taking the pulse of the consumer is as important as selecting and predicting the color palette for 2011. Consumers have returned to the mind-set of the essential and the traditional. The background to this change in consumer behavior is that, in recent years, consumers have built on an ethical self-image, concrete quality and service demands, which they want to maintain, even in difficult financial times. Consumer behavior may have changed but their standards have not!

The new consumer landscape is characterized by quality, longevity, sustainability and significance. In this context, designers are researching forgotten skills and traditional craftsmanship is making a comeback. This goes hand-in-hand with a growing desire on the part of consumers to find out more about manufacturing and manufacturers.

Look for the mixing of high-tech with craftsmanship, new with old. Also, look for ethnic influences from all over the world to meet with novel patterns, prints and fabrics. Nowadays, a decisive factor in purchasing decisions is the consideration about what is really important. Consumers are sick of design for design's sake, Utility stands for simplicity, accessibility and an invitation to use. Products marketed aggressively in glossy brochures are being replaced by the untreated and fundamental. Designed for everyday use, utility products give greater meaning to their relationship with the user and suggest a longer lifespan. The pure, modest and unadorned will be celebrated as we move into 2011 and beyond.

A new interest in crafts from the past, including milling and wicker-weaving is evolving. People are looking for distinctive individualistic features marked by imperfection not perfection. A new organic look is being created, which nature captures in all its forms, characteristics and materials. The interest in making everything old new again stems from the current economy. Since people are thinking about the economy, that's telling us some of the styling of the past isn't discarded, but instead brought back in a new way. What's important today is to think in terms of practicality. To overcome this, retailers are going to want to give consumers something new, and this is where color plays an important role. For example, maybe a consumer is drawn to a red car, but when they get to the show room they decide to go with the black version. But you need to have that red car to get their attention.

It has been said that to think forward in 2011, go back! A romance with the past will take us in new directions.

These rich time periods will be informing trends, as well as new colors:

• Tudor (through Elizabethan) England will bring back voluminous velvets, tapestry accents and tear-drop pearls.

• The 1940s will again inspire features in light maple, pecan and walnut, as well as seersucker, jersey and cable knits.

• Mayan, Incan and Hopi tribal influences will give us geometric florals, trapezoids and primitive portrayals of the sun.

• Prints are back and in a BIG way!

Carpet
What is under foot for 2011? Carpet is really fabric for the floor, so it is no surprise that the color predictions for the coming year are mirrored in what we will be seeing in this category of products.

Pink is also the “it” color for the carpet industry. Not quite mauve, the color direction here is the "cheek's blush" transition from the pink. Slightly grayed, the carpet world’s pink has its roots in English cabbage rose chintzes and 40's Hollywood glamour, but with a modern edge. It is said to be the “new mauve” of this century!

If you're dreaming of adding an element of drama and excitement to your life, then a fiery hot-house red might be just what you need. Nothing says "drama" more than a classic red roadster, a tube of red lipstick, or a red carpet entrance. Velvet saxonies are ideal for dramatic red carpet and work remarkably well with a little or a lot of color within the same space.

Green will be a hit in many shades for carpeting. Green is linked to so many positives in the color psychology world. It is seen as a link to the environment, the sustainable movement and to all things associated with nature and freshness.

Gray is seen as sleek and modern. It will be seen as the signature color of metropolitan living at its best.

Carpeting in the blue color family will be inspired by the Swiss lakes region as well as runway fashion. Inky indigo blues, deep-water blues and pin-striped navy blue menswear will be seen as safe and familiar. Pair these blues with surprising color combinations and you can make them either funky or serious. Blue with gray is reliable, while blue with canary yellow or lemongrass is edgy.

Paint
The color of your walls will help set the mood for many decorating schemes in 2011. While neutral shades will always be top sellers at the local paint store look what new colors and shades are preparing to take the spotlight in the coming months!

Benjamin Moore's color designers are forecasting Vintage Wine as 2011's color of the year. First seen on the fashion runways of New York, Paris, and Milan, this rich hue with a deep brown base and a hint of smoky violet is just as magnificent in the home. As an undertone in many of the latest wood finishes, leathers, and other textiles, Vintage Wine, and its lighter variations, will make a great paint color pick for many applications over the coming years. This stylish brownish dark purple color will help create a relaxing background for brighter contemporary decor items, patterns and dynamic color accents. Intimate dark chocolate and smoky-purple mixes will be used as the main color in contemporary modern interior decorating colors schemes in 2011.

Pink may not be the first color you think of when selecting a paint color for your living room or dining room, but it's surprisingly versatile. From sweet and pretty to bold and sophisticated, it can be perfect choice for a variety of spaces, and surprisingly enough…men like it too! Don’t be shy with corals either as they will be taking reds and pinks to all-new levels.

ICI Paints Malaysia is one of the world’s largest paint manufacturers, and holds a prominent position in the decorative paint industry in Malaysia. Their prediction for paint color of the year is a light, airy, citrus yellow that symbolizes a freer spirit, sense of fun and positive energy. Encapsulating a mood of hope and optimism, it conveys a feeling of fizzy sherbet, new growth, relaxed fun and the goodness and vitality of sunshine. Yellow in color psychology is often associated with:

• warmth and sunshine
• refreshing, cheering, and uplifting
• promote communication and learning
• combat fatigue and depression
• engendering feelings of wellbeing and positive thoughts
• enhance relaxation and minimize stress and anxiety

The turquoise of 2010 is still featured in the 2011 color collections and can accent charcoals, sands or creams.

Tabletop
The pairing of color and texture in tabletop schemes help to create the mood of today’s dining room. Food has become a passion for multitudes of devoted and want-to-be “foodies” around the world. The Food Network has helped to create celebrity chefs with fan followings that rival many rock stars! Tabletop trends are as important to home interiors as catwalks are to the fashion industry. Here are a few predictions of what will be hot for this year’s perfect table settings.

Neutral tones will help create a quiet, reserved look while simple linen and cotton napkins, paired with smooth matte serve ware with slight imperfections in plates and bowls, will help to convey a unique sense of craft.

Romantic dinners are back! Embossed dinnerware with lace patterns, scalloped edges, decorative relief and small metallic touches will lend a hint of refined sophistication.

The use of graphic art contemporizes tabletop settings for a younger generation. Spliced diamonds, chaotic zigzags, bold dots, and intense video game graphics energize tablecloths, placemats, and napkins.

Organic textures are showcased through the use of bamboo, bark, rattan, and felt, giving tabletop settings a distinctly down-to-earth feel.

The garden party look remains strong in 2011 as bold blossoms, stylized flowers and water color techniques transform tablescapes into a visual garden of delight.

Luxe dining shines in golden tones. Gilded surfaces, discreet shimmer, embellished linens and braiding and beading techniques transform tabletops into a covetable collection.

A global aesthetic is reflected in a blend of cultural influences, enriching tablescapes with bold color, diverse pattern and unexpected textures.

Bold bright stripes will be a major tabletop trend in 2011. Thin and thick stripes with a playful mixing of color energize cotton tabletops and make a bold statement about our desire to have fun and infuse our home with color.

Home Appliances
Major appliances in kitchens tend not to change with fashion, but cabinets and paint colors do. For 2011 the “pink” kitchen is predicted to make heads turn! Pink toned cabinets are already showing up in designer showrooms and in some European-based big box retailers as well. It’s not the first year that IKEA’s has shown pink in their catalog, but it is a big factor in their 2011 release. Pink themed cabinets will be mixed with modern stainless steel, or retro pink appliances. Look for plum, bright green, royal blue, navy, turquoise and red to also be popular kitchen cabinet choices as well. Kitchen Aide shows that fashion trend colors are also popular in their iconic stand mixers with the top selling colors ranking as follows:

1. Tangarine
2. Empire Red
3. Pistachio
4. CornFlower
5. Black

The “big three” colors for major kitchen appliances are white, black and stainless steel.

• White
  

  White appliances will blend with bright kitchens that have been decorated with light pastel colors like soft yellow, mint green or shell pink. White appliances will also work well with color combinations that mix bright bold colors (like royal blue, deep purple or mango orange) with white. White appliances will match with cabinets that are also white or of a natural wood.

• Black
  

  Black appliances have a sleek and modern appearance that fit well in kitchens that have already been decorated with dark or medium-dark colors. Avoid buying black appliances for a pastel-colored kitchen because black will dominate any soft or pastel colors you decorate with. Black appliances will work best with neutral-colored cabinets like gray or cabinets that are painted with a cool color like blue.

• Chrome/Stainless Steel
  

  Chrome and stainless steel appliances tend to give a kitchen a "professional" appearance, reminiscent of kitchens in restaurants and catering services. Chrome fits best with medium-dark colors and neutral color schemes that involve grays, whites, blacks and an accent color. For a kitchen with chrome appliances, adopt a no-nonsense decorating scheme with counters made from a stone or stone look-alike material and wooden cabinets.

Fashion
Spring’s not quite here, but the mood in fashion and beauty is drenched in anticipation of the new season. In 2010 people wanted something that gave a sense of calm to the public away from the chaos after the onslaught of the economic crisis. In 2011 they are ready to accept something more fresh and cheerful. Something that will make them come back excited. Though 2011 will see us move still further from the economic woes of recent history, don't expect a massive change in the tangent of fashion: the major excesses of the last decade are gone, and 2011 will see us, rightfully, continue on with a drive of subtle consumption mixed with obvious quality. Fashion trends will accommodate the fact that we'll be buying less but spending more. That means less bland, and more quality with fewer indulgences, but better statement pieces. Retro looks and lace will be popular. Sometimes a little detail is all it takes to change the feel of a garment. Stripes are a dominant part of any spring / summer fashion season and spring 2011 sees stripes with an unsurprising nautical dominance.

Flirtatious Honeysuckle is a feel-good hue that brings a festive sense of playfulness to this season's palette. This vibrant pinkish-red for both apparel and cosmetics makes consumers feel alive, and is a perfect post-winter pick-me-up. Fashion designers agree that the color of Honeysuckle is not just a touch sweet on fashion, but also would look good when paired with dark colors and neutrals.

Orange is so essential to the fashion palette at the moment that it nears status as a neutral. It’s combined with all sorts of colors, particularly so in the spring interpretations of the 2011 color blocking trend. The sharp lines of blocks and stripes find their foil in an even more profuse appearance of frilly florals. Lace appears in feminine concert with the flower invasion, though it’s most often held to white and black.

Wine is the new black in fashion. When a fashion brand makes a piece in several colors, there are a handful of standards that tend to get made. These include neutrals like black, white, and gray as well as classic colors like red and yellow. For 2011, however, a deep burgundy color is showing up among the standards. The hue, which some might also call maroon, is definitely not a perennial favorite. In fact, it seems to go through long periods of ostracizing by fashion-conscious dressers. In fashion it’s been a couple decades since this color was really hot and the time lapse has made it look fresh and modern from the runway to the rack to the sidewalk. Wine shades are showing up on the covers of 2011's first fashion magazine issues – in small details like makeup, typesetting, and accessories. This sets the tone, so to speak, for the whole year.

Not all designers will dare reintroducing bright shades but citrus shades like oranges and yellows were present in many of the fashion designer's collections. At awards shows, such as the Academy Awards, colors that continued to be very popular were black, tones of red, orange and deep shades of blue and wine.

Jewelry
Jewelry color trends parallel interior predictions for 2011 as well! Plain metals and eco friendly materials: wood, bone, simple and soft semi-precious stones will mix with earth colors and this simple palette will prevail for 2011.

Pearls will be the big player as we see them with different eyes than ever before. They will convey a sense of hope and simplicity.

Ornamented bracelets and lacey looks will be a favorite look too.

Fine jewelry is a lasting purchase, so there should be no surprises that diamond jewelry will continue to be a classic choice in jewelry pieces.

Although the majority of jewelry worn will stay within the classic category, women will also choose to accessorize with bold pieces.To achieve this bolder look, women will pile on the cuffs and bracelets. Dangle-style earrings and large hoops channel this more intense look and will continue to be a top pick.

Classic pieces will also be given a bolder look in 2011 by layering jewelry pieces together. This applies to everything from cocktail rings to necklaces. For a unique take on a classic diamond pendant necklace, wrap it around your wrist and transform it into a bracelet, for example. It's fashion forward and classic.

The sky is the limit when it comes to jewelry in 2011. Celestial-themed jewelry is a top pick. Stars and moons are infiltrating the jewelry scene, with diamonds popping up here and there amongst the celestial themes.

Flower motifs will also continue to be worn this year, especially sprouting up this spring.

Black and white motifs persist in proving people like dichotomy in their designs. Darkened metals paired with diamonds make a bold statement, as do black diamonds paired with white metal. The color scheme ranges in everything from earrings to bracelets. That said, white-on-white is a hit too. Diamonds always work well with white gold. Cluster gemstones and diamonds also make their way in everything from necklaces to rings, generating a big look with a smaller price tag.

Textured metals are also a key trend as are antique-style pieces. Old or young, everyone likes jewelry that has a history. This trend ranges from overt antique-like (wearing a coin) to subtle antique-like (wearing a grandmother's diamond pendant necklace).

Although trends vary from person to person, it's safe to say that 2011 will stay classy when it comes to jewelry.

Look for these colors to be popular choices in jewelry for 2011:

• Orange is one of the hottest color trends for jewelry in 2011. Numerous designers are using orange in their collections from inexpensive fashion jewelry all the way to pricy Hermes ‘H” bracelets.
• Blue is trendy for 2011. From light delicate blue to dark saturated and even midnight blue.
• Beige is without question a trend. It is appropriate to combine along with other colors and looks tidy and sophisticated. When wearing this hue you look excellent no matter where you are.
• Green is a tone that will bring good feelings associated with spring and summer. Look for citrus tones and deep pools of green to be shown throughout 2011.

Wedding
There will be more color in bridal gowns in 2011. Influenced by the catwalk, more contemporary oyster shades, elegant cloud grays, nudes and the palest pinks will be features of the couture bridal collections this year. Dresses in 2011 are all about the detail. The simple and refined strapless column dresses that have been popular over the past few years are blooming with adornment, appliqué, beading and trims on everything from necklines, to accentuated waists and hemlines.

Dresses are becoming more about romance than elegance and floral motifs will be featured heavily. Fans of simple shapes need not worry, there will still be plenty of clean and graceful lines, but there are more opportunities to express personality through detailing or adding accessories to the dress..

Lace is big news in 2011 as it can be used across the whole dress, just to accentuate the bodice or even as a shrug across the shoulders. It’s also key to the vintage look that continues to be big in 2011, so if you’re looking for something really on trend, combine a vintage shape with a combination of luxe textures, for example, lace or toile and silk.

No self-respecting bride will be bareheaded in 2011! The wedding shows have been jam packed with chic headwear. From glittering tiaras to headbands trimmed with extra large flowers in contrasting tones and sweet 50’s style half veils, the embellishment and detailing trend is finished off with headwear.

Bridal Colors to watch for in 2011 will be:

• Black and white: Black and white combination will be combined with touches of pink.

• Purple: This shade expresses creativity and also underscores a desire for individuality and confidence. Chelsea Clinton, for example, went for dark but impactful colors, revolving around plum.

• Pink: Pink suggests delicacy and femininity. A wedding party dressed in pink will add extra romance to the whole affair!

• Red: Red is the color of love, energy and power. Matched with white, this color will highlight the intense love and passion of the wedding day and at the same time it shows a desire for perfection in the new beginning symbolized by the ceremony.

• Blue: Shades of blue symbolize a positive air because blue induces a state of calm. Navy will be one of the trending colors for weddings in 2011 and beyond. This year look for it to be paired with vibrant yellow. Navy will be liked for its formality, its vintage feel and the fact that it’s not black!

• Green: Green symbolizes freshness, imagination and a sense of joy. Combined with white green suggests hope, luck and fertility.

• Orange: Orange is an intense way to wear yellow. It is the color of energy, good humor, self confidence and a love of exotic things. It is a wonderful color for a wedding held in late summer or early autumn. Look for peach and coral to also make a comeback for weddings in 2011.

• Gray: Shades of gray began to emerge as a “mixer” color in 2010, and the trend is predicted to continue throughout 2011 as well.

Seasonal wedding colors for 2011 are expected to be:

• Spring colors Pink, tangerine, lilac, periwinkle, hot pink, fuchsia, lime, yellow, cream, soft violet and white.

• Summer colors Red, yellow, orange, coral, fuchsia, blue, sky blue, green, lime, lilac and lavender

• Fall colors Burgundy, dark green, navy blue, silver, gold, creams, burnt orange, taupe, brown and plum

• Winter colors Red, silver, white, cream, burgundy, sky blue, navy, purple, plum and gold.

Automotive
The new palette of colors for the automotive industry for 2011 takes its cue from a more conservative set of design esthetics, but it is surprisingly close to some of the home and fashion trend predictions!

During times of prosperity, the most popular car colors tend to be black, white, red and silver with a shiny finish. During times of recession, the "earth tones" such as green, yellow, brown and orange become popular with a duller shine. There is also something known as “The Culture of Brown” in the auto industry. This color theory shows that brown represents wholesomeness and earthiness. While it might be considered a little on the dull side, it also represents steadfastness, simplicity, friendliness, dependability, and health. Although blue is the typical corporate color, UPS (United Parcel Service) has built their business around the dependability associated with brown. Blue and gray tend to have no "predictive value" regarding economic conditions. Let’s see what color trends are predicted for 2011 regarding the cars we will drive!

• White: White is the trend color for 2011 in the automotive industry. White is simple. White is clean. White is changing. New white concepts show matte finishes and tri-coat applications with slight hue shifts, which bring forth a yellow-gold influence.

• Silver/Gray: Silver evokes the sparkle and glitter of Hollywood. Adding large, coarse flakes to extreme liquid silver evokes a technical and futuristic realm. New grays will show added hints of cool color in the form of steel blues, fashion pinks and deep purples. The new silver is nothing like the silver of yesterday, which for years was the dominant color for cars all over the globe. Its frosty and cool or highly reflective surfaces (Liquid Metal), as well as its ethereally tinted nuances, are absolutely inspiring.

• Black: Black is evolving with new effects. Adding flakes to a basecoat changes everything, bringing forth dark, rich jewel tones of deep cherry red and midnight blue.

• Red: Red is still hot. New reds have hues ranging from yellow to blue and are see in every model from sport to luxury.

• Blue: The color blue stands for nature and is considered to be a soothing element. Blue is safe, serene and spiritual. Blue continues to ascend in popularity in all hues and depths. Some of the most popular blues will include ice blues, spa blues and navy blues.

• Green: In the automotive color world, green plays only a minor role. However, the future of green should not be underestimated. Green speaks of life and nature. Green evokes the environment and sustainability. Today’s green has staying power by reinventing itself, and when paired with blue to create the effect of a stormy sea, green may be unstoppable.

• Neutral Colors: The percentage of neutral colors is likely to increase in the next few years. Warm, earth-based neutrals with hue movement will also increase in popularity as they are influenced by the environmental movement and Hollywood trends. They reflect the matte gold of fashion and jewelry. Richer mahogany colors are influenced by dark wood furnishings. The warmest of earth-toned neutrals range from vibrant orange to smooth copper and brilliant bronze.

Conclusion
There you have it! These are the style and color trend predictions for a majority of the style industries for the coming year. Will Honeysuckle be the “it” color that you decide to live with in 2011? Will you now be more likely to purchase dinnerware with a lace motif or buy a white car in the next twelve months? The only way to truly know is revisit your purchases next year at this same time. Style and color predictions are carefully studied and hours of effort are poured into making them timely and accurate, but in the end consumers are the ultimate decision makers and they are the only authorities that can determine what “rings the cash register” in the coming year!