Color Me Sensible and Spirited

On the cusp of each new year, trend-setters usher in a hue that’s expected to be the “color of the year.” For 2011, Pantone – the world-renowned authority on color — announced it had selected “honeysuckle.”

That’s right, the 2011 color of the year is a stunning bold pink, not too hot, not to cold.

So intense pink wouldn’t be your pick?

There is a method to the madness. Pantone selects the color of the year through a process of combing the global visual landscape in search of color influences. “This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling art collections or a hot artist entering the scene, technology, even an upcoming sports event that gleans worldwide attention and the country in which it will be held, hot travel destinations and other socioeconomic conditions,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “This is a very thoughtful and time-consuming process.”

Why honeysuckle, then?

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues.” says Eiseman.

In the Pink (and the blue, yellow, purple…)

After years of playing it safe, designers and consumers alike are embracing captivating, stimulating colors to lift their spirits and say goodbye to dull and boring. Although black and neutrals like gray, beige and taupe continue to be staples for consumers, designers punch up the basics with vibrant pops of bright colors like Gold, Violet and Fuchsia. It’s time to think “the brighter the better – anything goes.”

Research has shown that color influences our emotions in a variety of ways, but perhaps most importantly, it’s the first sensory touch point with a customer or client. “The first point of interaction is shaped by the color, and color is the most memorable sense,” says Leslie Harrington, the executive director of The Color Association and a color consultant. “Before anything else, they see color.”

The Hot and the Haute

Want to know how color will evolve in 2011 according to the Pantone experts? Which hues will be hottest and most attractive to consumers?

Below are the 10 most influential colors for the coming season. A pallet aptly named “Sensible and Spirited”.

Bamboo, a surprising fall hue, brings a warm, exotic flavor to the season. Like a filtered sunset on the waning days of fall, Bamboo is a standout yellow with a subtle green undertone. This dappled shade pairs dramatically with several of the top10, including Phlox, Teal and Honeysuckle.

Evoking the freshness of a cool mist in a dark forest, Cedar is a versatile, mid-tone neutral green. It is a natural with Deep Teal, and sophisticated and timeless with Phlox or Orchid Hush.

Deep Teal, a strong, blue-toned green, suggests ocean depths and the color of the sky as daylight descends into darkness. A great standard when used with Cedar, its color-wheel neighbor, Deep Teal is also a unique counterpoint to Honeysuckle.

Consumers continue to add stability to their wardrobes with neutrals. Rich, decadent Coffee Liqueúr brings a sense of elegance to fall, and is a savory alternative to basic black.

Radiant Emberglow, a traditional autumnal tone, emanates the warmth of a glowing fire – the perfect panacea to the crisp air of fall. Combine Emberglow with Coffee Liqueúr for a classic look, or with Honeysuckle for something a bit more retro. Add a spark with shoes or a handbag in Emberglow, or perhaps a patterned scarf combining purpled Phlox or Deep Teal.

A deliciously warm camel tan, Nougat is tastefully embellished by Phlox, Emberglow or Honeysuckle.

Offering a sense of continuity from spring, dynamic Honeysuckle adds a bold punctuation point. This playful, reddish pink works with any other color in the palette, especially fall staples like Coffee Liqueúr and Nougat. To add some intensity, pair it with complementary Bamboo. Flirtatious and festive, Honeysuckle produces a healthy glow – great for cosmetics and holiday soirees.

Orchid Hush, a unique tone of gray with complex orchid undertones, blends well with any other color in the palette.

Phlox, a magical, deep purple with a hint of mystery, is an outstanding statement when worn on its own. Add Phlox to this season’s neutrals to create a bit of drama, or combine it with Cedar, Deep Teal or Coffee Liqueúr for something extraordinary. To add even more excitement, pair Phlox with Honeysuckle or Bamboo against a Cedar background – a combination inspired by Mother Nature.

Quarry, a reliable medium gray, remains, as always, a practical, dependable staple.

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