Articles on Design - Color in the Home Home color trends are rapidly changing. Experts throughout the remodeling industry agree colors aren't what they used to be; in fact, there has been a 30-40 percent change in the look of colors in this decade alone. Consumers want excitement in their homes. They want to be cutting edge. But they are also getting a little nostalgic as the century comes to a close. The home industry is responding by introducing new products in new shades. Gin Ebnesajjad, Color Styling and Development Manager for Dupont Corian, says that while earth-inspired tones are hot, consumers don't want to see the raw, natural colors that were popular last year. They want complex and warmer tones that work well together. "It is a basic economic trend," she says. "Colors in the home industry need to have longevity, compatibility and be aesthetically pleasing. Unlike fashion, home colors don't change season to season. They must endure, yet still make a statement about the homeowner's individuality." They also need to coordinate with other items in the home, which means they must take on a chameleon-like ability to match the closest items in the room as well as the ones farthest away. Colors are fresher, more optimistic today. Consumers no longer want the strong, intense colors of the past. They are seeking soothing, softer tones that are both clean and clear, as an escape from the stress in their lives—from rising crime to tenuous financial security. They want it all—longevity, coordination, warmth, soothing qualities, softness, excitement, personalization. The response from the home industry was to turn toward the Earth. Janet Carter, a color consultant for Kohler Co. notes that a touch of yellow has been added to the color scheme to warm it up and add comfort. But she warns that it is not a resurgence of the yellow earth tones of the 1970s. Today's earthen hues are much richer and more complex because of the heightened level of technology. They are leaning toward the warm neutrals in the red and yellow end of the spectrum. Carter does note, however, that the earth tones of the '70s lasted longer than any other palette in the home industry to date. The return to a warmer version of these colors may indicate a bit of nostalgia. Nostalgic or not, consumers want individuality more. You can see it in the automobile industry as well as in the world of fashion. In the 1995 Pantone/Roper Consumer Color Preference Study, purple beat red for a third-place ranking. Blue and green retained their respective standings in first and second place. "It comes as no surprise that Americans overwhelmingly chose the color that best evokes a soothing, calming tranquility in a frantically fast-paced, often insecure world," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "It may seem a stretch to equate color and design directions with our state of mind and body, but these trends have always reflected society's concerns and interests, and surviving stress is a key issue in today's world." How can you keep up with the numerous changes? Mimi Cooper, principal in the Cooper Marketing Group, recommends watching those places that have always been a step ahead, be it magazines, stores or catalogs. Look for new colors and keep looking for them. Depending on your region, you may need to turn your eyes to the nearest big city or New York. If you want the most daring color treatments, research shows that Europeans tend to be more color daring than Americans (which may be the result of producing smaller product amounts which represent less risk). The best route for consumers n the one that will lessen the risk considerably during remodeling projects or color changes n is to rely on your professional consultant, whether it be your architect, contractor or designer. These professionals keep an eye on the trends and the history of color and products in the home. They will be able to tell you the impact of your choices on the resale value and many other important factors to consider when choosing your new look. | 
