To me, this trade show, which targets professionals from the field of home fashion and design, is all about inspiration, rejuvenation, and the prospect of discovering upcoming color and design trends. I am so excited to share with you just a minute glimpse of what I saw and ― more important ― did not see in Paris at Maison & Objet.
As I navigated my way through the thousands of exhibits, with awe at every turn, I gained a sense of color direction fairly quickly. This year’s show signaled a softened restraint to color and a noticeable absence of certain hues. While I saw color cues in all product categories, those that showed the most similarities to each other were in the fabric categories — from bed linens to tabletop and textiles, from accessories to furniture.
Various images from Maison & Objet 2010, including bed linens, tabletop accessories and kitchen gadgets.
Most predominant were the shades of deep dusty plums, violets and roses, along with grays, warm neutrals and strong faded denim. With the subtlety of color, texture and pattern were key — natural weaves, heavy knitted textural effects, and pleated (and sometimes hairy) textures came to the forefront. Those that pumped up the volume with color did so with magenta, cranberry and a mid-value minty shade of blue-green — a color I am not fond of, but saw used very effectively. And, as you all know, the more you see something, the more likely it is to grow on you.
Except in the kitchen category, bright yellow and orange tones were scarce. I saw very little in these hues and wonder if this European trend will affect the popularity of these bright hues in North America.
Maison & Objet also spoke to visitors through an exhibition called “Transcultures,” which showcased our ever-changing world and how we must learn to live together with diverse family structures and varied cultural dynamics. It took a visitor from a world of “every man for himself” to a global community and a spirit of sharing. These are the behind-the-scenes, thought-provoking conversations that lead to the creation of new color and design aesthetics.
I could write a short story about all that I experienced, but I have only a certain amount of space! So, I look forward to the Sherwin-Williams® colormix™ 2011 forecast, where I’ll share much more extensive research and inspiration from Maison & Objet, as well as a vast range of many other intriguing resources.
Have you noticed any inspiring color and design trends? Share with me where you see color going in 2010 and beyond.
Post your reply below.
Jackie Jordan is the director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams and has more than 23 years of experience in design, specification consulting and color marketing. Jackie oversees the development of Sherwin-Williams color collateral, tools and systems to ensure the company meets the color and service needs of all customers. She is also responsible for developing and presenting the latest color trends and resources for do-it-yourself consumers and trade professionals. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in interior design from Kent State University, is a member and chair holder of the Color Marketing Group (CMG), and is an industry member of ASID and IIDA
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I am in complete agreement with the Paris forecast. In my residental experience here in the North East/Coastal Central New Jersey,greater metropolitan New York, I have consistently suggested the lack of colour as the direction in which to move in the past year.Especially insofar as wall color, the full spectrum of white, ivory, tan & gray seem to be a refreshing reprise from the saturated colors that have been employed for years. Contrarily however, I have seen enough of the minty blue-green that the author reports to have seen so much of in Paris.
Jackie,
This is great info; however I am however when designing I tend to stay away from the tends. I look more for the classical timeless colors. More and more clients are wanting classic, timeless design and not trends. I believe this is a cost thought on the most part. What colors are you reccomending that are more timeless?
Hi Laura,
Neutrals are forever timeless such as soft grays, tans, and taupes that lend themselves to accessorizing with color to change things up a bit. You are right about cost as we look to high-end purchases we want to make sure they have longevity so timeless colors are key.
Jackie,
I am just recently finishing a re-design of a condo in which we are using Sherwin Williams colors of Butternut and Dover White in the eating and living spaces. I am using the color Red Bay as inspiration for the main upholstry and patterns in chairs of Butternut and Sable. In the Master Suite we are doing the color Contented ( and yes, not a favorite of mine either ) but when coupled with the Dover White and Sable, it really kicks it up a notch. Then I’ve decided to bring in the Butternut as an accent and wow, “who da thunk” with the new tile work in the bathroom this suite is a stunning makeover from its previous life. The client is Asian, so keeping things simplistic but with statement were my goals. Sherwin Williams colors always come through.
Mr MG Meyering / Interiors By Design
Sounds stunning!! Thanks for using Sherwin-Williams.
What I have noticed is a lot of people wanting to paint their walls chocolate brown. This must mean the trend is over – I didn’t know it really was one – thank goodness. I will be glad to see a more subtle use of color from one area to another. And maybe finally, finally the accent wall will be retired?!? I can only hope.
Go away accent wall, opps did I just say that?
EXCELLENT ARTICLE…….LIKE THE PART OF LIVING TOGETHER PLUS……..THANK YOU.
ANN CLEMENT
DESIGN CONCEPT STUDIO
BOX 643142
VERO BEACH,FL. 32964
ASID ALLIED
DORANA@BELLSOUTH.NET
Hi Jackie –
I love to read your articles. I manage a 10,000 square foot Home Decor store. We do in-home consulation and care the Sherman Williams paint deck and kit to ever home. We have inspired people with the look and feel of our store. Futhermore, we have weekly and monthly events.
Do you travel and if you do would you ever consider being apart of one of our events? Please keep in touch.
Thanks,
Lynette Beam
The Feathered Nest
Oops – I just left a comment not a reply. I am so sorry. Please read the comment and you can delete it from the comment section.
Thanks – Lynette
Hi Lynette,
I do travel quite a bit so coordinating could be difficult but we do have many designer representatives that may be able to collaborate with you. Let us know where you are located and we will see what we can do.
Jackie: Based on what you saw at Maison, is Sherwin Williams going to incorporate the color hues into a new line of color spectrum paints? EG: New palette colors for 2011. I do color consulting on a regular basis. Enjoy your comments and trends. Thank you.
Hi Yolanda, Yes some of that information and color inspiration will be part of our 2011 forecast coming soon.
I loved reading your color impressions! I like the idea of Orange in the kitchen, it seems so mid century modern and goes great with Turquoise and Lime Green! Check out my monthly color blog on my website or email and I will send it to your email monthly.
Christine Nelson Design
blog.chiristinenelsondesign.com
Very good overview of color. Haveing attended Masion & Objet many times in the past, I’ve found, as you did, that this is absolutely the most important venue for tracking current and new trends. In years past I would question if the concepts that I was seeing in Europe would translate to what is being done in the US and I have decided that the world is so small that the important looks developing in Europe are identical to those happening in this country. Our trends are also their trends. Regional differences are absolutely occuring, but the major looks are certainly the same. The last two major shows that I have attended in the US seem to reflect what you saw in Paris. Isn’t Maison & Objet a fabulous show?… plus the advantage of being able to shop the exciting stores in Paris.
Chuck Delpapa
C DELPAPA Design
i just got back from switzerland and if you can go by the colors displayed in the expensive clothes boutiques, it’s just as you mentioned. all shades of beige, even blues, pinks and greens have a dusty hue.
margret
Recently I took a research trip to NYC and spotted some interesting examples of plums, berries, cranberry, rhubarb and other blue-based red tones. Decidedly cooler in tone than the warm shades we have been so happy with in the last few years. I saw this in home and in fashion.
I also saw plenty of saturated peach and coral tones that had a slight pink influence and I could see these colors providing the bridge between the oranges and yellows of today into the plums and berries of tomorrow.
(I have some iphone pics if you are interested).
Was looking for Jackie from Eustia, FL. Is that you?
Wasabi and gray w/ a shocking color as a punch- like raspberry or bright teal
Jackie – Just wanted to let you know that I featured several of SW’s terrific colors on my most recent blog post called “Dirt” http://www.mhstudioblog.com. Hope you’ll take a minute to check it out. We specify many SW colors in our residential projects.
Cheers,
Shari