For 2021 expect color trends to move in four distinct directions. When we view these color groups through an overarching societal perspective, one of dissonance or paradox, it helps us to understand the subtle shifts in hue, the importance of neutrals and a slight graying of colors. We will also see unprecedented palette combinations. Hues from the Abundance colors will be offset by Dream undertones. What’s different - the combination of saturated color with tonally diluted shades.
Dream
Dream colors are charming, intimate and tender. These atmospheric hues remind us of that world between sleep and wakefulness - a strange but wonderful world of in-between.
The colors of Dream are somewhat complex, tinted but not with pure white. You could say these are the colors of pretend or make-believe. A stylistic direction important within this category is one of manipulated or articulated surfaces. Textures which create their own subtle color palettes of shade and tone, light and shadow. Softer hues show to advantage elaborated form and surface.
Pastry Pink is frosty like frosting. A paler than pale shade of sugary richness makes it a perfect hue for summer birthdays, and new babies.
Ming is a quiet green with just a hint of iciness that belies its iron base. These undertones make it athe perfect complement to Red Velvet.
Calamine, this soothing warm coral pink is gentle and tender just like Mom. An evolution of the cosmetic pinks popular now, this iteration is soft, clear and light.
Dry Martini is distilled and pure. A warm, almost gray with just a hint of olive. A beautiful neutral relaxes and calms the moody mid-tones.
Unpredictable partnerships are important trends in decorative style. Unusual juxtapositions of motif to color or material as well as re-conceptulaized iconography make this one of the most important directions for decoration and pattern. You might say these soft pastel hues at first blush seem innocent but, like the 17th century French court that inspires them they are also full of lusty life. Create striking contrast with pairings of Dream and Abundance color. While these hues couldn’t be more different, put together in skillful combinations, they tell intriguing stories.
Abundance
The colors of Abundance are complex and lustrous. Dark, moody and complicated they symbolize the state of dissonance in which we live. On the surface, rich and lush, these tones hint that our health, our resources, our world are far from infinite. In fact the realization and acceptance of the opposite is our new crushing reality. Replacing many of the orange influenced reds of years past, cooler more feminine reds dominate the forecast for 2021. The distilled reds reds pair well with warm, yellow tinged greens and neutrals. Abundance hues are shadowy and deep, perhaps with a story to tell, emotional and a little bit sullen.
Faux Bois is a dusky brown with all the richness and depth of wood and none of the warmth. A very fashion forward hue that pairs beautifully with the green gold neutrals or the dusty teals and aquas.
Peeled Grape is the moody and sullen offspring of the rich purples from last years forecast. Paired with lilac or lavender it can stand in for brown..
Rich and luxurious, Red Velvet, a beautiful distilled red that can be both masculine and feminine, embodying the depth and emotion found in the colors of Abundance.
An emerging illustrative direction I call Vanishing Outlines is a countertrend to ubiquitous silhouette design. With soft and skillful brushstroke look for a returning interest in strong and luscious watercolor techniques. In the palettes of Abundance, complex tonality will be key. Intricate color narratives make for the most fashion forward palette directions in 2021. Supper shades of subtlety in mixing and pairing darker colors with black or charcoal create shadowy combinations. Gunmetal metallics nudge silver and pewter gray for center stage and lustrous mineral tones vie for attention with the emerging jewel tones in our state of Abundance.
Grace
Grace colors delight the senses. The attractive qualities of these hues make them timeless and always relevant; self-possessed hues that tend to be calming. Not too bright and not to dark, clear and familiar, we often surround ourselves with these colors in the home; pretty color.
The enormity of what’s at stake is finally sinking into our collective conscience. The canary calls from artists and designers, joined by scientists and doctors have strengthened the green color family’s presence in next year’s forecast. Also, look for natural motifs; leaves, grasses, seeds and pods to gain. Lime or the other hot greens become less important as the green range takes on the goal of messenger.
Eats, Shoots and Leaves. A greener evolution for chartreuse - this is a warm, leafy staple. Summery in nature.
New Leaf. Originally in my forecast for 2016. I’m bringing back this clear mid-tone to round out the gray and gold influenced greens for 2021.
Calamine, this soothing warm coral pink is gentle and tender just like Mom. An evolution of the cosmetic pinks popular now, this iteration is soft, clear and light.
Lady Like is a perky, pretty hue. A well-mannered lilac balanced preciously between pink and blue. Spring perfect for everything from virtual proms to poodles.
Rich, robust and chocolaty, Sturdy Brown is faithful and friendly. In times of turmoil Sturdy Brown will prevail.
The new analogous palettes mix tones as if weaving a lustrous tapestry. For example, a combination a rich, blue tinged red with muted terra cotta and light gold. As colors shift to the feminine - forms and shapes will will also - simpler, lighter and more delicate. The use of narrative in art and design is one way we see the strengthening stylistic direction of sophisticated or adult whimsy.
Promise
The colors of Promise are festive, cheerful and luminous. Happy hues of good fortune, these honest tones represent the promise of a brighter future, for our health, our planet, for our world. Not too bright and not to dark, clear and familiar, we often surround ourselves with these colors in the home; pretty color.
The enormity of what’s at stake is finally sinking into our collective conscience. The canary calls from artists and designers, joined by scientists and doctors have strengthened the green color family’s presence in next year’s forecast. Also, look for natural motifs; leaves, grasses, seeds and pods to gain. Lime or the other hot greens become less important as the green range takes on the goal of messenger.
Superman. This electric blue from the outer limits stands for everything that is honest, good and true. Superman can hold his own when paired with with either the intensely warm or chilly reds in the forecast.
In The Swim. Chlorine crystal clear, this sun warmed pool blue couldn’t be farther from the sea. But water it is and therefore more becoming more scarce and precious every day.
Boiled Lobster is a polished scarlet that is blistering hot and a perfect complement to In The Swim.
Sizzzler. The most passionate color in next year’s forecast is also the only true orange. Vigorous and hot, expect Sizzzler to enjoy a long and healthy life.
The cool, clean lines in geometric expression will strengthen as an alternative to the softness and warmth of earthy naturalism. From European artists I am noticing an increased interest in complementary palettes, a great way to create lively tension with happy hues. However upping the sophistication quotient for vivacious color, monochrome is an even newer palette direction for the colors of Promise.