2011 Color Forecast

The 2011 Color of the Year forecasts have been announced.  It is always interesting to see what colors the major players are naming as their color inspiration for the year. 




2011 ICI Colour Section of the Year - Citrus

 ICI describes the citrus yellow color as light and airy, symbolizing a freer spirit, sense of fun and positive energy.  Hope and optimism, new growth, relaxed fun and the goodness and vitality of sunshine.  In the psychology world yellow is often associated with:

*warmth and sunshine
*refreshing, cheering and uplifting
*promote communication and learning
*combat fatigue and depression
*engendering feelings of well being and positive thoughts
*enhance relaxation and minimise stress and anxiety

Sounds like a color that would enhance our lives in the middle of a cold, dreary January day in Chicago!
Look at the following photos showing the color used in different room settings and see if using Citrus in your home would be uplifting to you -

This photo shows both ICI's Citrus selection as well as a version of Pantone's Honeysuckle (discussed below).

Pantone has named Honeysuckle as their color for the year we are embarking upon.

They describe their color choice in this way - Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday trouble with verve and vigor.  A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.  Pantone Color Institute executive director, Leatrice Eiseman explains "in times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits.  Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going - perfect to ward off the blues."

Pantone's color selection is also a color that is intended to lift our spirits. Which one do you believe would be most uplifting to you?  Below are examples of Honeysuckle -

Benjamin Moore's Color for 2011 is Vintage Wine - 2116-20 if you have their decks it is in the Preview deck.  They describe this color as a very rich hue with a deep brown base and hint of smoky violet. Fashion usually leads the way and this color was seen on the runways on New York, Paris and Milan.



Here Vintage Wine and Citrus are used together.



What do you think of the colors noted for our new year?  Our opinion at Interior Enhancement Group is that color is very important to how you feel in your home.  Color speaks to each of us differently and finding the right hue or shade of your preferred colors can provide you with a peaceful and tranquil home. The last couple of years have been difficult and it is not a coincidence that two of the three color selections were made for their uplifting, refreshing qualities.