New hues hit the runway in 2009’s color lineup; this dining room shows off the Conscious Luxury collection by Sherwin-Williams.
Design & Decor
Covering the Spectrum
Nothing’s simply black or white — it’s always a little gray, especially this year, when you’ll see a variety of colors found deep within the rainbow.
BY
Brooke Pearl
PHOTOGRAPHY
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore


St. Elmo’s Fire, a vibrant yellow, is from Benjamin Moore’s ‘09 color palette.


Sherwin-Williams Gold Tapestry collection.


Sherwin-Williams’ Local Momentum


Dior Gray by Benjamin Moore


Peony by Benjamin Moore


Wales Green by Benjamin Moore

The 2009 color forecast is here. It’s time to wipe the palette clean and start with something new and fresh. This year it’s all about sophisticated neutrals (like gray) complemented by bursts of color.

Industry researchers and professionals created the 2009 color palette based on the way we live and what influences us today — travel, economy, cultures, food, fashion and the global environment, among others. “We literally attend fashion shows in France, design shows in Germany and England or furniture shows in Italy, as well as paying attention to our own backyard and reading up on issues of the time,” says Sonu Mathew, senior manager of Color and Design for Benjamin Moore & Co. “The influences are global and the result is local.”

Taking into consideration the state of the economy and new political, social and cultural beginnings, Sonu and the North American Creative Design Team at Benjamin Moore spent two years formulating a 2009 color palette that exudes nothing but optimism, the “why” behind their choices. Some favorites include St. Elmo’s Fire, a touch of yellow to add warmth, energy and provide confidence; Peony, a   luxurious pink tone just right for accenting a wall or piece of furniture; and Wales Green, which is relaxing and fun. Neutral tones include Dior Gray and Stone Brown — not to mention green is becoming part of the  neutral color palette, according to Sonu. “Tone, value and intensity may shift, but the colors we select are meant to be livable,” says Sonu, who is currently house-hunting and plans to incorporate several of these colors into her own home.   
 
Also painting the country, with similar approaches as Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams unveiled its four color “families” for ’09. “Colors are definitely toned down from previous years, but that’s not to say they’re void of color,” says Jackie Jordan, director of color for Sherwin-Williams. “Overall, the colors are more sophisticated with several more neutrals and an emphasis on gray, which is the new backdrop and neutral color.”

Within the four color families, Conscious Luxury is all about going green, from hotel rooms to fashion, reflecting botanical hues, while Techno Color is all about, you guessed it, consumer electronics and high-tech  innovations, even fitting in a little of Mother Nature’s green. Coming off the international scene, Global Tapestry comprises global influences from Russia, East Asia and Latin America — vibrant and colorful. Local Momentum represents local, eco-friendly options influenced by ‘homemade, hand-grown and hand-crafted.’

With so many colors to choose from, deciding on what’s best for you and your home can be a little difficult and possibly overwhelming. But when incorporating new colors or color palettes, start simple. (Not all colors at once, please.) “People should look at what they already have,” Jackie says. “Look for something that’s inspiring in your room, like a painting,” and use a color from it. Neutral colors also will warm up a space, and they’re easier to pair with colorful accessories. Plum and violet colors might tickle your fancy — they hit the runway for the first time last year but will continue to gain momentum in 2009, Jackie says. Another color that hasn’t been seen a lot is Constant Coral — it’ll debut by the end of the year. On Sherwin-Williams’ shelves, you’ll find pink, purple, orange, red, green, yellow and brown named Zany Pink, Plum Dandy, Tigereye, Enticing Red, Alexandrite, Daffodil and Umber — and in multiple shades.

Sonu agrees that this year is more about details than complete room makeovers. “Start with something you love,” she says. “If you have a painting, vase, quilt or heritage piece like a chest, look at the colors, textures, patterns and finishes in that item for inspiration.” If you want something that’s really fun in a specific space that doesn’t make a dramatic change, Jackie recommends painting the interior of cabinets or a closet a bright color for a refreshing surprise every time you open the doors.

At the end of the day (and possibly after a long day of palette pondering), your home represents you and your personality, so go as color crazy as you want.