Bright to Light:
New Color Trends Span the Spectrum

 

Trend and Floral Consultant
Previews Hottest Colors
A color can define an era. Remember Kingfisher blue in the fifties? Avocado green and Harvest gold in the seventies? Confident Nancy Reagan red in the eighties?

Shaped by economic, cultural and environmental influences, the study of color can be traced back to 1917 when the first color forecast was issued jointly by silk and wool manufacturers. Today, color influences every industry imaginable.

"Color trends can be strong market drivers," says Denise Lee, trend consultant for the Society of American Florists (SAF), "because the majority of a consumer’s first impression of a product relates to color."

For that reason, consumer marketers–from packaged goods and fashion to manufacturing and the floral industry–are keenly following the national mind-set and its impact on color. "Color trends are manifested in many ways," says Lee, "in home interiors, gifts and with floral arrangements where consumers have the freedom to experiment with emerging color trends affordably."

Lee highlights three trends in the marketplace already shaping floral designs for the millennium:

Bold, Bright and Blue
America is becoming more diverse. Young adults are rediscovering the outdoors and nightlife. And baby boomers are not mellowing out, yet. These bolder lifestyle trends increase demand for color variety, exotic design and brighter hues.

As a result, rich reds, intense violets and bright yellows are growing in appeal. And bright blue is a trend forerunner, overtaking green as the most popular color of the future. "We see it in nail polish and candy. Consumers are definitely developing a new taste for blues and other brights," says Lee. Floral arrangements reflecting this trend show a stronger, vivid palette of colors. "In a spring arrangement, for example," says Lee, "you may see a switch from lavender to deep purple or royal blue, from pale yellow to lemon yellow, and from light pink and peach to fuchsia and coral."

Ultra-Pastels
On the opposite side of the spectrum, but striking a chord with many Americans as well, is the color trend influenced by the Voluntary Simplicity Movement. A shift towards seeking balance and simple pleasures, the Trends Research Institute reports that never in the Institute’s history has a societal trend grown so quickly.

"As a way to find balance amidst the stresses and hectic pace of modern life," says Lee, "consumers are lightening up their environments with neutrals, sheer colors and super light pastels." Florists complement this look by using one color of flower in a vase–several stems of white iris or butter yellow tulips, for example. Another technique is to use a cluster of delicate vases, each holding a single stem of a soft-colored flower. "This is a great look for elegant dinners, parties or weddings because the light color reflects the glow of candlelight," adds Lee.

Techno-Colors
Hi-tech vibes inspire new color schemes, too. Today's technology enables people to see more of the approximately six million colors detectable by the human eye. Technology also helps flower growers select features they wish to enhance by cultivating new varieties to fill consumers’ demand for diversity.

"These new varieties of flowers are so striking that they’re instant style-setters," says Lee. "For your next dinner party, ask your florist to create individual favors highlighting a unique bloom–they’ll work as name card holders and will be conversation starters." New varieties also put a new spin on old favorites. "If someone adores peach roses, give them one of the wonderful new apricot or terra-cotta shades," suggests Lee. "Or send bi-color roses or mini-carnations to show someone a different side of their favorite flower."

Becoming a Color Connoisseur
Like fashion and interior designers, professional florists have their finger on the pulse of today's newest hues using color trend analysis to artistically create arrangements for maximum visual impact. "Your florist can help you expand your color palette," says Lee. "With just a little advice and guidance, you too can become a connoisseur of color."


 

 


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Revised: February 22, 2008