{what determines a color trend?}

It takes many factors to make a color trend, from fashion, politics, the economy, art exhibits, Hollywood stars, rock legends, environmental issues and dozens of other outside influences.

Fashion is always something you have to watch when tracking trends. The old world art of lace making and the use of loose woven materials with a peek of bright color behind them is a trend taken from fashion and being interpreted into home furnishings.

Another detail taken from art to fashion is color blocking, this is the use of bright colors without pattern, combined into interesting color combinations. This popular trend is resurrected from the art of Piet Mondrian, a Dutch artist from the early 1900’s and popularized in the 60’s.

{five color myths}

1. Does this match?

Have you had someone show you a color choice and ask, does this match? I have been put in that situation dozens of times and can’t help but reply in all honesty;  “no it does not match, but it does coordinate”. In order for a color to match it has to be the same exact color whereas if it looks good next to its companion then it is a good coordinate.

2. Red will raise your heart rate

Red will only raise your heart rate if it is entire room of red that is highly illuminated and you have to spend a great deal of time in it for the color to make your heart speed up.

3. The best room designs are those that have coordinated fabrics in the same patterns

These “matchy, matchy “ rooms are out of style, it is better to have a variety of colors and patterns that look good together rather than using  the same pattern over and over again.

4. Red cars attract traffic police

{Hirshfield’s Colour Canvas 2012: Part 1}

Color is the universal language. Throughout the globe, color is used to convey emotion, personal style, drama and storytelling.

The interesting thing about color is the way it can be mixed and matched to create functional color palettes that compliment larger societal trends.

The Hirshfield’s Colour Canvas 2012 collection features color combinations that harmonize with the greater surrounding colors representative of different regions, along with forecast color trends. Each of the color combinations demonstrates the use of a neutral or off-white mixed with forecast colors and harmonizing hues. In this post, we will take you on a tour of three of the six new collections; the Australian, Asian and European collections.

The colors in the Australian collection represent the area’s rich culture of aboriginal art, the treasured Great Barrier Reef and the simple, clean design  common in Australian homes.

{color: the key to mixing patterns}

Some people find mixing patterns to be a difficult task, but by using color to tie the patterns together make it easier to achieve.

Today’s styles and trends include mixes of patterns for effect and interest, this has its roots in the fashion industry. This trend was started by the youth market and spread to high end fashion and then onto the home fashion industry.

{top tips for adding color to your space}

Choosing a paint color can be tricky. What color do you choose? Do you need an accent color? What color should your accessories be? It can be enough to make you just want to stick with beige! But don’t worry – you know your local Hirshfield’s color expert is always ready and willing to help you pick out the perfect paint color and give you advice.

For a quick lesson in color, we found an article over on HGTV.com outlining the top 10 tips for adding color to your space – here are some of the tips we like best:

Use the 60-30-10 Rule
Decorating a space in terms of color is as easy as 60-30-10. Don’t believe me? Take a look at some rooms in magazines or in Designers’ Portfolio. You’ll notice that the rooms you like the most are almost invariably divided into percentages of 60-30-10. Why this works is anybody’s guess. Perhaps it is the human tendency to see an overall theme in the 60 percent hue, unifying the coloration. The 30 percent provides visual interest and the 10 percent, not unlike jewelry, provides that little spark of sparkle.

HGTV.com / Design by Kenneth Brown.

So, when decorating a particular room, divide the colors into percentages:
60% of a dominant color
30% of a secondary color
10% of an accent color

{bits & pieces: emmanuelle moureaux}

Banking never looked so good. I ran across Emmanuelle Moureaux’s work over at Black Eiffel, and tracked down more of her work at her website. Her use of color, along with such simple shapes, bowls me over.

{best colors for workplaces}

Does your place of work make you feel inspired? Stressed? Sleepy? It can be more than just the pile of papers and clutter on your desk that can affect the way you feel at work. Color and design can also leave you feeling any variety of emotions that could affect your productivity in the workplace.

Of course everyone is different and everyone’s work has a different definition of “productivity,” so in reality there is no one magical color combination that is perfectly suited for a work environment. Pantone.com offers some variables to consider when choosing a color for your space:

• What are the other colors that are present in the area—flooring or carpeting, blinds, chairs, tabletops, etc.?
• What is the color of the widget you are producing and is there just one color or many colors?
• What is the geographic location as that will affect the light in the space?
• How much natural light enters the the area and what direction do the windows face? What is the source of artificial lighting?

Once you have answered these questions for yourself, there are still some other general color rules to keep in mind:

{decorating with pastels}

Easter conjures up thoughts of lilacs, pink bonnets, baby blue Easter eggs, and buttercup yellow chicks. Put those pastel colors to use in your home in a variety of ways. The soft palette can add a sense of spring to your home all year, with its light and airy feel. These rooms are great examples of how to use pastels in your home.

Want your space to feel more relaxing? Soft colors can provide a sense of serenity. Rest in rooms that utilize pale hues for a tranquil feeling morning, noon, or night.

Add warmth to a room without sacrificing style or sophistication. Mix muted tones for a look that’s soft and inviting.

Pastel colors are an excellent alternative to white and other off-white shades like cream and beige. Like white surfaces, pastel shades reflect sunlight, making them appear differently during the day. Soft tones also show texture from the reflection.

Use shades of the same color to add dimension and depth to a room. An assortment of pastel tones work together to create an overall statement within a designated area.

Pastel colors can serve as an accent to bold paints and fabrics. Lighten up a rich, chocolate brown with a light pink. Alternatively, liven up an otherwise ordinary white space and add synergy with a vibrant pastel pop.

These Hirshfield’s no-fail pastel colors will stand the test of time if you’re looking to add softer tones to your home.

*These color images are meant to serve as a guide and may look different on a computer screen. Stop in to your local Hirshfield’s to get the most accurate color representation.

{color predictions for 2011}

2011 is right around the corner – and we’re all anxious to know what color Pantone will choose as their color of the year! So to tide us over, we asked the color experts at Hirshfield’s what color they think will be honored in 2011.

Hirshfield’s Lakeville, 1222 Grape Soda
We predict the “it” color of 2011 will be a rich color so we picked Grape Soda. Also, this color could fall in the category of a chameleon neutral – it would look good with taupes, greens and grays.

Hirshfield’s Coon Rapids, 0058 Angelic Choir
We put it to a vote! Everyone chose their favorite color and Angelic Choir was the clear winner!

 

Hirshfield’s By Appointment, 1173 Purple Stiletto
One of our staff has been seeing this color everywhere on billboards. It is a nice, refreshing color with just enough red in it.

 

Hirshfield’s Roseville, Devine Mist or Bavarian
One of our staff saw an article in the paper that purple reigns! This color is fun and different and works well as a neutral. The staff has been recommending this color to customers and they seem to be liking it as well!

 

Kathy Basil of Hirshfield’s Design Resource, 0535 Zen Retreat
My go to neutral for 2011 is going to be Zen Retreat. I like it because it’s the perfect dramatic background for almost any color. If your flat screen TV is an eyesore, paint the wall this color and you’ll love it!!! I guarantee it!

Hirshfield’s Shakopee, 0247 Apple Crisp
This is a very rich, warm color.  This deep caramel shade will give definition to any room. Besides, when you look at it, you can almost smell Grandma’s fresh baked apple crisp cooking!

 

Hirshfield’s Maple Grove, Beauport Aubergine Historic Colors
We’re seeing this color in the design magazines, clothing in the stores and customers are bringing in their finishes and asking for grays and plums/purples. Last but not least, Cindy (our resident trend expert) likes the color! Cindy has mixed pints for samples. Customers are loving it!

 

Hirshfield’s Apple Valley, 0199 Sandy Shoes
We think Sandy Shoes is going to be THE color to have.  It’s a color that pairs well with almost anything and is light enough to fill a whole room with rich chameleon color or stand alongside a cream as an accent.  In a dark space, it becomes a moody, modern gray. In a bright and sunny space, it becomes a lively yet earthy taupe.

Hirshfield’s St. Cloud, 0448 Ice Flow
This color is very relaxing and calming which is needed with the turmoil in the world. Our staff was drawn to the softness and how it is a lovely muted blue-green.

 

Hirshfield’s Edina, 0379 Orestes
This color takes on chameleon like qualities. It shifts under different lights – Looks green in some lights and gray in others so it works well with most colors.

*The experts at Hirshfield’s recommend not selecting colors based upon a computer image – these colors should only serve as a guide.

{colors for your kitchen}

Kitchens are great places to explore using color in your home. But it’s also a space that can be overwhelming – where do you start when you also have floors, cabinets and countertops in the mix? And, don’t forget the finishes on your appliances. Are they white, black or stainless? Those finishes will really impact how a color transforms a space.

Interior Design Ideas

First – start with how you want your kitchen to feel. Do you want it to be relaxing? Energizing? Classic or trendy? Narrowing down the feel for your space will help you take the next step in deciding on your colors.

Triple H Renovations

Then – head to the paint store! Pick all of the colors you like and then narrow them down to two or three. Cindy at Hirshfield’s in Maple Grove says warm colors like browns, darker reds and golds are really popular right now because they go very well with the newer granite countertops. Cindy says if you can bring in a sample of your countertop and even a wood sample for your cupboards or a floor sample they can really help you narrow down a color to choose. And, she says don’t forget to let them know about the other colors in your home – especially if you have an open floor plan.

Consider natural elements – quartz, stone, granite, wood – when you’re looking at paint. Colors in these tones can really help tie all of the finishes in your space together. This gray and brown kitchen is anything but boring.

HGTV

Jewel tones really pop against the dark cabinets in this space.

HGTV

If you have white cabinets – the color you choose for your walls will really stand out. This is a great space for color like the brick red featured in this modern, Asian-inspired kitchen.

HGTV

If you want to stay neutral on the walls or cabinets – use your countertops, island or backsplash as places to make an impact with color.

Home Designing

BrooksWood

Modern Decors

Bon Appetit!