# Monday, April 12, 2010
Color Forecast Spring Summer 2011
Yes - 2011 - we can never start planning too early!

As the economic downturn begins to subside, what were once green shoots of recovery are becoming more than germinating seeds.

2011 sees optimistic and striking colors present amongst the darker tones with colors that indicate new growth, such as those in "Spirit", sit alongside those that donate vibrant determination like the rouges in "Genteel".

Post-futuristic palettes are also popular - the bold pigments of "Risk" and brushed steel of "Whisper" - as technological advancement reaches new levels of sophistication.

Are you ready to make a statement with COLOR?

Color is one of the most powerful tools we have to create the ambiance we desire in our space. The response to color is a primitive one, more emotional than intellectual for most of us.

Color may be: inviting, dramatic, tranquil, warm, sensual, elegant, refreshing, dynamic, beautiful, romantic - or - it may be bland, tacky, garish, basic, cold, harsh, insipid, sterile.
It's no wonder that so many fear to really use color in an inventive way to create your desired atmosphere.

One reason color is so challenging is that it's not the actual color per se that creates the milieu in the space - it is how it is used, how much of it is used and what it is combined with.
So naturally there is trepidation for the inexperienced when selecting colors and trying to create the perfect atmosphere that is desired.

Challenge yourself that this is the year you will decide to
 use color to create
 the perfect atmosphere you desire in your home!


Color Forecast 2011 Overview

"The universe will reward you for taking risks on it's behalf."
Shakti Gawain, Author

It used to be that once the latest designer colors hit the fashion runway, it would be another 3 - 4 years before we would see those same colors in the home furnishings market.

But not today! In this fast paced world with information flying around the globe faster than we can blink an eye, we are seeing the same fashion runway colors almost instantly in the home furnishings market.

  • Does this make creating our home's perfect atmosphere with color harder or easier? Neither, really. But, what is does do is gives us more options. Is this good or bad - that's up to you!
  • As you take a look at these different color stories, pay attention to how you are reacting to the different colors.
  • Keep in mind - each story has colors that will create the color story feeling individually - don't look at using all of the colors as shown together - rather look at selecting variations of the hues.
  • Challenge yourself to find your favorites and have fun!
    "Whisper" Color Story


"Whisper" Color Story
In a world of smoke and mirrors, Whisper takes on the illusory nature of the mirage in soft colors and hand tinted finishes reminiscent of pre-color photography. Yet, this is not a static homage to a bygone age.

Movement is inherent in everything, from dancing flames to the dripping of a tap. Whether wet, frosted, burnt or cloudy, surface textures play with different levels of opacity, while furniture and architecture are skeletel, as interiors seamlessly blend with exteriors allowing the inside out and vice versa.
"Spirit" Color Story

"Spirit" Color Story
Steeped in folklore, Spirit is an homage to the coming of Spring, perhaps evoking a bucolic idyll that never really existed beyond a Sunday night TV costume drama. The message is simple: fresh nature, fresh colors, rustic textures and hand-crafted objects.

It's a return to our roots, or for the city dweller, a fantasy about getting your hands dirty, baking your own bread and growing your own vegetables.

"Genteel" Color Story

"Genteel" Color Story
With a largely neutral palette combined with classic architectual details, Genteel takes us on a familiar journey through a traditional domestic setting where old fashioned board games are played, cakes are baked and comfort is derived from from friendly settings or simple pleasures such as a box of chocolates. 

Drama is evoked through key highlights: carmine, scarlet and gold, echoing nights at the opera, while gilt salon chairs are reminiscent of classic fashion shows. Finish is everything - from ormolu gilding to the icing on the cake.
"Risk" Color Story

"Risk" Color Story
Sci-fi meets low-fi in a reflection of our troubled times. Our post-industrial society embraces the beauty in the old, while melding it with the modern and the futuristic. The result: an environment filled with science fiction references from Flash Gordon to any of the current crop of Marvel Comic re-makes.

Finishes and materials combine these two elements: rough and smooth - crude oil, coal and rough glass contrasted with super-sleek airbrushed finishes polished to a mirror-like gloss.
For Color of the Month Updates:
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Click on these links or scroll down for my Lighting Series: get practical lighting tips and interior design ideas that you can use to enhance your home decor.

Action Step #1: Switch Your Switches
Action Step #2: Light Your Life with Lamps and Lights
Lighting Series Intro: Lighting Interior Design Ideas - Lift Your Spirits with Light
Action Step #3: Accentuate with Accent Lights - Coming Next

Please write with your comments or questions and let me know how I can best help you with interior design ideas for lighting solutions that will lift your spirits and create a positive impact in your life. barbara@barbarakrai.com

Barbara Krai Interior Design - Serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, Dunedin, Odessa, Safety Harbor, Lutz, Avila, Cheval, New Port Richey, Bradenton, Lakeland and all surrounding Tampa Bay Beaches and regional areas along the West Coast of Florida.
Monday, April 12, 2010 2:53:32 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #    Comments [0]  | 
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