Gift Spring Gift Fair magazine, September 2013 | Page 17

COLOUR FEATURE
products, through the use of color. An attachment, after all, can
then lead to a sale.
Techno Color
The advancement of technology is guiding this group – expanding
the color universe typically associated with tech products and
the vibrancy and deep hues that take well to reflective surfaces.
The star of the year, Emerald, makes itself known here, alongside
a turquoise-like blue, a daring orange, an equally as strong
purple and a true blue. Jet-black and citron also make a riveting
appearance, taking the techno family together to a whole new
level of modernity.
Physicality
Power and energy come together in a ‘fit’ expression that is
unexpected. Today, physicality is not all about fluorescent hues
and eye-popping tones, but rather, takes a bow to colors that
incite introspection and a sense of calm. Forged Iron, Satellite Gray,
Antique Moss and Gothic Olive are woven into a holistic tapestry
of healing shades that encourage quiet awakenings. Think herbal
lavender and grayed grape, playing quietly with a rosy brown and
mystic foggy gray.
Sculpted Simplicity
A designer product’s dream, this collection of colors recognizes form
and structure, and how crucial they are to products and the world
around us. Excuse Pantone for saying so, but sometimes color does
not have to hog the limelight, and instead, give the form of a product
that subtle lift it needs to say hello. Sophisticated tones with distinct,
strong character can enhance the shape and very meaning of
sculpted products. Travertine, Anthracite, Blanc de Blanc and Twilight
Mauve, backed up by Anondized Brown, Ethereal Gray and a sliver of
silver. What more can a great designer product ask for?
Fluidity
The cool, invigorating shades of water underpin this collection, but
it’s also about the vibrancy of life pulsating beneath the ocean’s
surface. Dazzling blues and blue-greens gracefully overarch the
hues that can be found in coral and other sealife: shimmering
seagrass shades alongside Absinthe Green, Violet Tulle, blazing
Samoan Sun, Dewberry Purple and two tones of intoxicating
oranges inspired by coral.
Collage
Nostalgia is key in this collection, and some of these combinations
have been seen before, but retailers should always remember that
a sense of newness comes from the way colors, even if used and
well-loved, are harmonized. There is nostalgia and poignancy in
this palette – art and history merge in an orchestral alignment of
things that came before us: Tea Rose and deep Rhubarb. A warm
Pumpkin Spice with a cozy Sheepskin. They are all lifted with a
Margarita Green, Provincial Blue, and understated, yet never to be
under-rated, tones of aqua and teal.

Moda
Tamara de Lempicka meets a modern day explosion of fashion,
sexiness, theatre and all the drama and excitement of the high life.
Racy Red Dahlia can easily have an exciting affair with Blackberry
Cordial and Wood Violet, joined at any unexpected time by Amber
Green. Corsican Blue and Magenta Haze are a scandalous riot, while
Linden Green can make any room come alive. And then there is
classic Rich Gold – add it to any of the parties for an effect that will
bring the house down.
Tribal Threads
The complexity of culture, religion and politics meets the soulful simplicity
of community and life, in its barest form. The threads of tribal diversity in
this collection means that whomever a retailer is trying to reach, there
are combinations that speak of a world connected, and cultures with
their own strong spirit. Neutral tones of Bleached Sand and Kangaroo
Brown highlight an Arabesque burnt orange, while Goblin Blue makes
an appearance alongside Curry and Peppercorn. A rose-dusted cedar
shade brings everything down to earth, next to a calming, enticing
taupe-toned Incense.
Eccentricities
Sometimes you need to go crazy and embark on an adventure. A
kid’s section, or a selection of products with humor, need to have an
eccentric twist and sometimes, an almighty lift. Take tongue-in-cheek to
the next level and be brave with juxtaposition. Team Neon Green with
a zesty lemon, or nectarine with a daredevil Skydiver Blue. Fudgesickle
Brown can bring out the sweetness of Strawberry Ice. A warm red in this
collection comes together beautifully with its cooler counterpart, and
don’t forget black and white – they can really make this collection of
evocative colors truly dance.
At the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show, 2014 - 2015 color
and material trends will be discussed at the Pantone Color Watch
display and seminars. To learn more about the International Home +
Housewares Show and to pre-register to attend,
visit www.housewares.org.

Intimacy
“Here, one color seems to glide into the next,” says Eiseman. An
affinity of tints and tones in this collection create a softly tactile,
intimate marriage of warm colors and neutral tones. It proves that
a beige approach, or being understated, does not always mean
boring. Class meets sophistication with Gardenia whites and lotus
blossom pink. Rose Cloud, Fawn and Café Crème spell a romantic
wedding in a daydream, while Lavenders and Opal Gray are like
long-lost friends, rising from the memories of a Jane Eyre novel.

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