What we are seeing: Colors for 2010

What colors should we expect?

The 2010 color palette will be awash in gray and other neutrals, but also those citrusy yellows and greens. Purple is back, as are the jewel tones that were so popular in the 1980s. Metallics haven’t lost their luster either.

Also expect soothing colors — pastels and neutrals, such as silver, lilac, purple and off-white. Brights — orange, green and magenta — will remain strong contrasting hues.

In fashion and interior design, expect metallic bronze, gold and silver to be accented with the berry colors of plum and red-based purples. In fabrics, turquoise mixed with tangerine will also be trendy.

Why are these colors hot?

Paint companies, fashion designers and furniture makers watch the mood of the country and tailor their colors accordingly.

How do they group the colors?

Sherwin-Williams set up its palettes based on themes: rooted (think cultural artifacts and animal prints); treasured (warm, cream-based colors, such as mellow coral and faded verdigris); simplified (grays from mid-tone to dark); and refreshed (florals, sunshine yellow, tangerines and grapefruit).

PPG Porter Paints’ “Voice of Color” line highlights 20 colors, a blend of classic neutrals and hot colors like raspberry-pink. Its “zest” palette is a wink to the 1950s and a nod to the ’70s and ’80s.

Diamond Vogel sees five color trends influencing homes: the beige boutique (neutrals dominating); respect (watery blues, earthy colors); radical (unusual pairings of colors and harmony may be ignored); and reactive (orange, coral and purple — all slightly muted).

What’s up with some of these color names?

A good name is everything in the paint world. Glidden gave its “Just Baked” kitchen colors easy-to-visualize monikers like Cinnamon Stick, Ripe Apricot and Warm Caramel. But there’s good news with these hues: They’re calorie-free.

— Staff Writer Rhonda Stansberry

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