Colour expert Lee Eiseman gave a large and excited crowd at the International Home + Housewares Show an in-depth look at the leading colour and design trends for 2019.
Describing different influences, she says industries such as food and florists really set the standard for what’s to come next year in the homewares market.
“People ask me what will be the new black? Well, white is going to be the new black. But lots of different combinations of black and white with patches of colour,” she says.
“Also, flowers are very inspirational. Florists and stylists are so engaged, looking for different techniques and are always one step ahead of everyone. This creative side has crossed over into homewares and flowers are cleverly used in this category.
“The food industry is also an inspiration for the homewares industry with lots of incredible designs with the use of bold colours. There has been a change in perception and what is acceptable now when it comes to food and colours, which is very exciting. Also, 3D printing in the food industry has made way for some incredible designs.”
So what are the eight leading trends according to Eiseman?
Cravings
Cravings is a palette that tempts the eye as well as the taste buds with spicy reds, flamingo orange and rich purples. “Seductive allusions to fetish foods deepen the irresistible message of the palette,” says Eiseman.
Syncopated
This is a palette pulsating with all the right moves according to Eiseman. “Syncopated is lit with energy and exhilaration by brilliant white, glowing yellow and a hot yellow-red. Easily orchestrated into intensely rhythmic patterns, each of the colours in this energising mix is ready for a solo performance as well.”
Paradoxical
A synthetic colour language that is both luxurious and accessible, the Paradoxical palette proposes style and design created by unconventional couplings, an eclectic mix of high and low, traditional and modern, says Eiseman. “The colour juxtapositions are as disparate as the deepest green with the most vibrant red-pink, or as relatable as a dark galactic blue combined with light serene blue, or plum wine and lavender crystal. The shimmer of gilded beige, silver and pale gold add to the intrigue.”
Musings
A quietly reflective yet vital palette of gentle and hushed shades that conveys a relaxed, healthy lifestyle made even more so by a sense of pleasure and enjoyment. Low key and easy to live with, colours include the variegated greens of an herbal garden under a golden or greyed mist, and a pale lilac tint highlighting a warm rose tone. “The sophisticated subtlety of shadowy purple and two distinctive supporting shades of grey deepen the picture,” adds Eiseman.
Cherish
Cherish captures memories of comfort, enjoyment, affection and contentment. Included in this palette are romantic rose and dulcet mauve, wispy white, opal grey, and a glimmer of frosted almond.
Meanderings
Whether traveling in person or in your imagination, to destinations known or unknown, Meanderings features colours including tropical island green, brilliant blue and wild orchid, canal blue, cabernet, spice route combined with honeyed chai tea and intense red.
Classico
Just as the name implies, the hues in this palette are fundamental, basic and everlasting while at the same time elegant and forever fashionable. “This is the palette where a graceful swan white and camel-coloured tan co-exist effortlessly with deep teal, chic grey flannel, burgundy red and caviar black.
“Rich gold and apricot brandy provide finishing elements to a colour language spoken worldwide, across product categories, and throughout all levels of the marketplace,” Eiseman adds.
Proximity
Forming a hybrid of technology and nature that speaks to the complexities of 21st century life, Proximity gathers together sister shades of tropical green-blues and blue-greens that blend fluidly into royal blues and clean, crisp greens, according to Eiseman.
“A sparkling grape, a clear violet, and a calming grey with a hint of lilac completes the well-integrated, harmonious, and closely related colour families, further emphasising this cross-breeding of machine made with artisan made, virtual with real.”
By Marion Gerritsen
