Both art and science are important factors in the colour and design trends influencing homewares right now, according to colour expert Leatrice (Lee) Eiseman.
Speaking during a keynote presentation at the Inspired Home Show, Eiseman, who is director of the Eiseman Centre for Colour Information and Training and executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, shared the insights and inspirations that went into creating the seven palettes in the Pantone View Home + Interiors 2024 that are detailed below.
“Being alive is an apt metaphor in a time when we are still, and we really are, emerging from the anxiety that has engulfed us in the last few years,” she says.
“We can’t ignore that. We know that no matter where we are in this ongoing process, it has left an indelible and emotional mark on our lives that seeks relief, renewed optimism and rejuvenation.
“Art is an important part of that healing as it allows us to use our imaginations to visualise new ideas or to express emotions. Science is important because it provides the very explanation for life itself and how lifeforms are created, evolve and are sustained.”
When it comes to art, Eiseman says she’s particularly interested in the resurgence of surrealism, which portrays ‘dreams as an escape from reality’. The style often incorporates unique colour combinations that dare to be different.
“Trending artforms that are more nature-based include regenerative design, which often offers a creative and quirky mix of colours, designs and materials that bring new life to anything that is abused, underused or otherwise neglected. There’s also Storm Chaser artwork that captures landscapes at tumultuous, but very colourful, moments in time.”
When it comes to science, water is emerging as a theme in several ways. One is literally in terms of the popularity of the blue palette, which is often associated with clarity, health and balance. Another is in the popularity of products coming from ocean-related materials, whether seaweed or clay from the powdered shells of sea creatures. There’s also the continued popularity of pearlised finishes and metallics, which evoke the undulating motion of water.
Sustainability or nature-based colour and designs continue to resonate, as does anything related to health and wellness, she adds.
• Sustenance―this palette reflects the rituals of entertaining and dining that never goes out of style, says Eiseman. It evokes feelings of creative cooking, love and laughter, and the joy of sharing. It involves greens, blue-greens, a yellow-green, some deeper tones and a suggestion of pink.
• Replenish―Eiseman calls this ‘a water-born palette, which involves many shades of blue but also incorporates apricot and pink to add a touch of newness. Evoking thoughts of self-care, hydration and calming bath rituals, it’s all about life balance and rejuvenation.
• Creative Mixology―every colour family is represented here in this palette that Eiseman calls great fun. This palette is all about individuality and experimentation, allowing for free-spirited aesthetics and the mixing of old and new.
• Sanctuary―for those who want softness and steadiness, Sanctuary offers relaxation and harmony with several pastels, mid-tones and a deeper, chocolate-like brown. It inspires a simple environment, where smart technology solutions are hidden underneath the surface.
• Stylist―inspired by fashion crossovers, this combination features many blues and blue-greens, but also incorporates metallics, which add a sheen and ‘the feeling of undulating water’, says Eiseman. This palette feels both traditional and contemporary and has universal appeal.
• Surrealism―consumers looking to escape from the everyday with unexpected and unusual colour combinations will likely appreciate this one, she says. Described as ‘illogical, quirky and witty’, Surrealism evokes feelings of an uninhibited dream state.
• Scenic―inspired by the prismatic hues in nature’s light spectrum, this palette is dynamic and visually arresting (think flashes of lightning, bold sunsets, reflections of bright colours on clouds). “Pinks and purples combine with oranges and orange-pinks, as well as some earthy tones for a quite beautiful effect,” Eiseman says.
