Cultural fusion

“It is now undeniably recognized by everyone in the world that we are living in a closed system,” said James Martin, custom color designer and member of Color Marketing Group. “What happens here effects what happens there.”

In terms of color, this means cultural norms are being tossed aside, and there is a huge movement toward eclecticism. “The move is toward ambiguity in color,” he said, noting that some of next year's hottest color combinations have historically been viewed as clashing.

Martin said colors will have an ethno-aesthetic quality, with colors associated with China, India and the Middle East merging into a big melting pot. Think spice tones, jewel colors, silky translucents, bold red, jet black, strong gold and sky blues.

According to Benjamin Moore's 2009 Color Pulse, a palette called Private Identity examines the globalization trend.

“In a world without borders, that monitors and numbers each of us, our individual authenticity or Private Identity seems vulnerable,” the Color Pulse states. As cultural identities from the Middle East blend with Latino and Vietnamese living, this palette examines how to “maintain our private identity as we are absorbed into the cultural world.”

In this palette, organic brights team with pales to create unique combinations. Warm and cool metallics are in, as well as shiny black, denim and brass. Perennial green, soft Desert Rose, vibrant Mango Punch, Blushing Red, Fire and Ice Purple, Pacific Palisades Teal, Gold Metallic, Silver Metallic and Black Satin comprise Private Identity. In terms of textures, graphic prints, ornamentation, cultural inscriptions, personalized symbols, metals and wet surface looks are trend-right.

Pantone Color Institute created the Wanderings group, which Eiseman said examines the ever-fascinating exotic tones. Travel -— real or aspirational — to far-off destinations such as Nepal and Machu Picchu serves as inspiration for this grouping.

“Dusky tones of rose, Dijon-like yellows and deepened taupe mix with both mineral and Mediterranean blues and misted gray,” Eiseman said. “All shades are dramatically embellished by rich gold and scarlet red.”

A kaleidoscope of colorful patterns is captured on the framed Arabian Nights wall decor from Uttermost.

Rich colors and graphic print combine on the statement-making handbag from Escada.

A turquoise backdrop serves as a playground for color and pattern on the 100% cotton Mola pillow from Company C with wool felt appliqué.