Annual Color Forecast 2013; Gretchen Schauffler, Founder of Devine Color Presented at the Portland Chapter of the International Interior Design Society
Color Forecast 2013
Gretchen began her
presentation with a review of
the last few colors nominated
by
Pantone for Color of the Year and how they were
selected based on current
trends of the times.
According to Gretchen the
color choice itself is a “fad reworked from something that
has been here since eternity”.
She pointed out that the
same 6 colors of the rainbow
we see today have been with
us since the beginning of
time and it is these same 6
colors that are reworked each
year based on economic,
political and environmental
events and the effects these
events have on society.
Knowing the difference between a trend and a fad helps to substantiate the idea that color itself is trend-proof. As explained by Ms. Schauffler fads come and go while trends slowly move us into change. Using Pantone’s 2013 Color of the year as an example, emerald is the fad and the trend is bold color. It is the growing confidence of women that is allowing the bold colors to continue as a trend. This boldness can now be seen in more than just color, it is seen in patterns, fabrics, all kinds of materials including carpets and other flooring. Some of the other examples she highlighted of colors,based on trends included Blue Iris, the 2008 color of the year chosen for reassurance in such a year of major changes. The following year 2009, Mimosa as first seen on Reese Witherspoon, was the color of choice and showcased the feeling that ”optimism is paramount”. She went on to discuss other trend proof colors such as white and the purposeful use of white as paired with color, not the absence of color.
Although the annual color choice is selected based on social trends, the popularity of a color and the enthusiasm with which its received is still based on personal experience. As an example, Gretchen shared the special meaning Emerald Green held for her. She also shared her experience with red and asked the audience to consider the impact of certain colors on their choices throughout life. Gretchen expressed her belief that “This personal experience with color allows the buyer to connect on an individual level”.
Gretchen concluded her
presentation with a
philosophical look at where
we are going based on the
popularity of current and
upcoming movies. Citing Beast
of the Southern Wild,
Moonrise Kingdom, and others
she see’s us heading towards
a period of deep meaning and
understanding. The remaking
of The Great Gatsby and other
upcoming movies will lend a
maternal quality to this
period of self-expression and
strong femininity which will
drive our design styles and
color choices. This feminine
strength will be coupled with
the need for re-purposing and
recycling. This nostalgia for
what we have will play out in
different ways, including
pennies showing up in
flooring materials and floors
made of old leather belts.
Looking past the immediate
future Gretchen sees these
current trends meeting
digital technology such as
the
Google Project Glass.
Coming to a close she
reminded us that nothing
under the sun is new, rather
everything we find is
rediscovered and reworked by
artists, designers, poets,
visionaries, geeks and musicians
thriving through the colors.
Finally, she concluded by
opening the floor up to
attendees to voice their
thoughts on next years color
of the year. Gretchen closed
with her vote for Violet as
Pantone’s 2014 Color of the
Year. Following the presentations
there were door prizes
provided by Area Floors, and
some of the other vendors in
attendance including
Mark Fishback from Dal Tile, Molly Murphy from Pental, and the Kentwood local distributor
Dave Scherrod of Metropolitan Flooring.
Follow the links below for more about:
International Interior Design Society
http://idsportland.org/
