Change has been one of the few constant factors over the last months. The pandemic is not only accelerating the trends that were already happening or beginning to emerge, it also is giving rise to new trends and color and the way we live. But how will the holidays and the coming year look like? In terms of color trends, Laurie Pressman from Pantone Color Institute, one of the leading authorities on color forecasting, showed several examples of key trend themes at one of the educational sessions at the virtual PMA Fresh Summit that was held yesterday. In this article, a peek into what has been shared.
Laurie Pressman, Vice President at Pantone Color Institute.
COVID-19 - relationship with nature
According to Pressman, the pandemic has been and still is a life changing event and nature plays an important role in it. Many trends come from nature and as the consumers' relationship with nature is changing, trends are as well. Over the last month, more and more people spent more time outdoors - "it was one of the few freedoms we've had." nature contributes to overall health and well-being and in turn, it is more appreciated and people are eager to preserve all that nature has to offer.
Nature in trends
So, how it is reflected in the trends? Pressman explains that the trend of bringing nature at home started already last year, but it seems that COVID-19 fueled the trend. Regarding colors, green - and nearly all tones of green- are important. Not inly plants and flowers are brought indoors for the green, also in furniture, walls and other decorative material green is repeatedly used. Also a combination of real flowers and floral art wall paper is bringing nature inside. This combined with the trend of gardening, the home office and more are opportunities for the ornamental industry.
Environmental impact reduction
Also an increasingly more important topic is the reduction of environmental impact. This is also one of the reasons people are supporting local businesses. Trendwise, sustainable practices are also an opportunity. According to Pressman, these come in all different colors shades.
Fall and winter trends
Looking at some of the upcoming trends for fall and holiday, Pressman mentions that we will see the natural garden style mixed with some statement pieces, giving that organic in feeling. "We see a lot of gold and yellow and coral and orange tones for the warmth that they bring." One of the newest statements that we starting to see, she says, is whole combinations of reds and pinks and purple and this also is across all different feelings; it is not one particular look. "It is a trend that we are seeing in other areas of design so it makes perfect sense that we would see this being introduced into floral as well. It is positive, less expected, so it gives more of a unique feel, but brings in whole sense of vibrancy as well and just an upbeat feeling." On top of that, she also mentions that there are some bold and unusual statements for holiday, as well as bright colors and also artistry.
2021 trends
For 2021, where the new normal will take shape, Pressman describes several trends. From a color point of view, she says that it is time for some feel good color, that energize, inspire and so on. Overall, the Pantone color stories for 2021 is on sending a reassuring stabilizing message. It is a pallet of color that is at the same time nursing and inspiring, practical and inspirational, adventurous and comforting. All of which helps servicing an antidote to the unrest and uncertainty that continues to go forward for the next little while. In terms of colors, she expects the following colors to be trendy next year, namely pink, red, orange+brown, yellow, yellow green, blue greens, blue's, purple's, and neutrals. Trend themes for 2021 are folkloric, terracotta, composed vivify, fragrance, plantoid, foraged, and bouquet.
PMA Fresh Summit will run through Thursday, October 15th. To register to attend the event, click here.
For more information:
Pantone Color Institute
www.pantone.com