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Thought Leader

Insights and analysis on creative thinking.

Insights Into Color, Texture, and Design

General trends that will surface in our industry.

by Kathy Lamancusa (March 19, 2007)

(Note: Kathy has an enormous resume: retailer/distributor; designer; author of countless books, magazine articles, and CD's; made numerous television appearances and videos; consulted for numerous companies in and out of the industry; wrote a magazine column for many years, most recently Craftrends; and conducted the largest retailer workshop/seminars in industry trade show history. She started as a designer, but quickly gained a reputation as an observer and predictor of emerging trends.)

Silver is the first choice among car colors. Silver accounted for 24% of all North American vehicles produced in the 2006 model year. White was second with 16%. Black and red tied for third with 13% each. Blue was next with 12%. Naturals including beige, copper, orange and brown also were at 12% and green came in next with 7%.

Blue pearls are now being artificially created in cultured abalone mollusks. It is the product of the brightly colored, blue-shelled paua abalone, which is indigenous to New Zealand. It takes two to three years for the abalone to create an iridescent bluish-green stone with a flat side, which is convenient for making jewelry. Each pearl sells for between $1,000 and $5,000.

Green continues to be a strong choice by consumers. Look for softer, more botanical greens borrowed from the many shades of nature to be offered by product designers. Green is also becoming a popular marketing approach as people look for ways to create a sustainable world to pass along to the next generation.

Natural tones such as beige, brown and tan will continue in popularity. Shades that reflect the colors of rock, stone, and soil will be at the top of the list of offerings.

Ethnic shades in a rich mix of countries and cultures including deep, rich ethnic reds, and warm, spicy oranges will provide visual excitement to the background of natural, earthy tones.

Unexpected strokes of gold and copper metallic will liven up the palette and the design details offered by designers around the world.

White is being seen in a mini-trend of crisp furnishings as a reaction to the highly decorative, overly adorned objects of recent years. It is being seen in everything from furniture to place settings.

Textures to pay attention to include those that support an eco-chic trend, which is becoming increasingly popular. Leaves, flowers, and twigs are important in realistic versions and fantasy versions alike. Shells combined with flowers create interesting applications in home interiors. Chiseling looks are popular, as are perforations and punched designs, which form tiny geometric forms and floral embellishments. Faceted offerings create an optic effect when applied to metal.

Multilayered materials, chunky weaves, and three-dimensional constructions in fabrics and textiles are totally touchable, but appear coarse and complex. Thick, raised stitching, tufts of layered fabrics and felts, and gathered rows of shirred materials give the eye something to get excited about.

Circle motifs are on the move in every style from geometric and retro to classic and contemporary. Curved lines and wavy designs will support the circle, creating a new look that has a timeworn and comfortable feel with a splash of personality.

(Note: To read Kathy's previous "Thought Leader" column, click on the title in the right-hand column. To contact Kathy, email kathy@lamancusa.com.)

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