2011 Color Trends

As part of the design trade community, I recently had the opportunity to attend a Benjamin Moore 2011 Color Trends seminar.  This is the third one of these types of events that I have attended, but I have to say this year's trends are the most exciting to me because they more closely reflect what I am seeing trending right now and what my clients are gravitating towards.


The seminar was lead by Mary Hoffman, Color & Design Specialist for Benjamin Moore.  Mary explained that 2011 year is the year of balance.  Neutrals are a huge story this year and many of the colors we are seeing are very much earth inspired.  These are colors that make us feel calm and restore balance.  This year there is no "shock" of color like the saturation of color we might see on TV.


She shared several color stories with us, but I want to bring you just a few that are speaking to me right now.

Yellow is still present, but rather than a bright citrus yellow we saw last year, this year this color is moving more into the gold range.  Orange is still present going forward, but in more earthly livable tones that are more comfortable.

Purple is another color moving forward from last year, but this year we are seeing more magenta and lavender.  The presentation of these colors in small pops make them very easy to live with as well as vibrant and fun.

Finally the Red story for this year is showing a darker or more "blackened" red.  This story also includes pink in two shades: one as a more "Barbie Pink", and the other as a comforting light pink.  The pink is giving a nod to mothering and nurturing which is of course is at the heart of how we experience comfort.


I am hopeful that you will be inspired to use some of these color trends to freshen your space and bring some increased comfort to your home.