Color Vision 2009 – Neutrals, Browns and Grays
To round out the discussion of colors for 2009, we must include the neutral category. Neutrals are seldom pure in color and often are influenced by some or all of the other colors. They are usually softer colors with a longer shelf life. We are seeing colored neutrals coming into play – neutrals with more saturation of color. To many consumers, neutrals are a “safe” purchase.
Established classic colors are a soft ivory that is a yellow tinted neutral like warm camel, a mushroom taupe that makes a great background color, and a stone color that is greenish, brownish, and taupish. That should just about cover everything!
As we move into the new neutrals we will see some gray influence such as a mushroom gray or driftwood color. Blues will influence the slate and steel colors. Black will be influenced by green as we will see in the auto and technology industry. The black will become softer with the green addition.
Bridgestone will become the bridge between gray and black – a very earthy stone and brick color.
Browns are still very popular. Rich Chocolate is still the best selling color. It is a comfort color in fabrics, in clothing, and in food. We see it reflected in the choice of darker woods in door trims, wood floors, kitchen cabinetry and furniture. Chocolate colors combine well with blues, and light and deep, rich turquoise. There is also an established mid-brown with the influence from nature. This has a slight yellow hint. The new brown will have a coffee-with-cream color – soft, warm, yet still neutral.
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