Design forecast for 2008

We’re starting 2008 in a climate that looks and feels pretty different from last year — the economy is stormy, the political outlook is foggy and we’re paying a lot more attention to the environment. This month, we asked Home Accents Today’s Designer Panel to share their thoughts on these and other factors that could impact this year’s styles. Below, their answers to the question, “What trends and colors do you see emerging in 2008?” — Susan Dickenson

I think you will see two very different perspectives in color and trend for 2008. With the economy, oil prices and personal expenses at record highs, it will all be about opposite ends of the spectrum. At one end of the spectrum, it’s opulence and the look of wealth in gold, metallic finishes, reflective surfaces, overscaled lighting and over-the-top furniture. The second trend is more classic — the look of traditions passed down, antiqued and worn with aged finishes and hardware. I believe we always cycle back to the middle and pull out trends that we are familiar with when the economy, going into an election year, is like it is. — MA

I believe that specific areas call for specific color trends. Major cosmopolitan cities have long been influenced by fashion runways where sophisticated color combinations and constant change is the norm. Therefore I suspect that Tokyo, Manhattan, Paris and Los Angeles will embrace the trend towards the ’80s look and the Tom Ford and Calvin Klein black, gray and white — the ultimate hip for 2008.

However, In Los Cabos, where I do the majority of my work, I find people seeking simplicity and relaxation. Simple color palette combinations and more natural colors reflecting the environment appeal to most. Soft ocean blues and sands are extremely popular and so are neutral tones of cream with burnt orange and terra cottas. —SE

Color acts as a metaphor for diversity. I see a continued use of ethnic-influenced hues emerging for 2008. People are more socially aware today than in the past and are exposed to many cultures and color traditions. A global movement toward peace, health and well-being brings blue, green and yellow to mind. The color blue tends to have a calming effect that counteracts chaos and agitation; green is the color of nature and one that says growth, balance and harmony; yellow denotes joy and happiness and creates a cheery and uplifting effect. Looking ahead, I personally feel that these colors will be popular with consumers. —BG

Please! Please! Please! Let at least one of my predictions come true for 2008, because the 2007 American home furnishings market-place was really conservative and thus really boring (to me!). My picks for 2008:

1. “Grandma with a twist,” a category that merges modern day design and technology with nostalgic, grandmotherly icons of days gone by — chromed cuckoo clocks, reinvented lace motifs in slick black vinyl, turned chair spindles morphed into edgy contemporary furniture.

2. “Mid-century makeover” — mid-century has become a booming business for retailers selling the real deal in vintage, and retailers selling the 2007 re-models and knock-offs. The design is comfortable, not extreme, and inspired from an era of homes built for quality, design and value. Now consumers are back at that place looking for all three in one item.

3. Gray, in tones ranging from blue/grays to brown/grays, merged with hot oranges, bright greens and yellows. Customers are seeing a “sea of brown” in stores and they’re losing interest. —GO

Metallics … and I’m a big fan. It’s like the ’80s all over again! Great textured golds and coppers — so much more depth and character than the mind-numbing wave of “everything has to be chrome” that seemed to be the mantra a couple years back. I’m big into brass right now for hardware and fixtures, albeit in an elegant satin finish. I think the trend is re-emerging from the desire to have a little splash of extravagance brought back into interior work. Like anything else, it has to be tempered — a little goes a long way. You’re seeing metallics (or will be shortly) in some really amazing places: ceramics, kitchen appliances … and Phillip Jeffries’ new line of metallic leaf wall coverings. I heard a commercial for some retailer saying they even have metallic jeans. Don’t know about that ... pass my 501s, please. — MS

2008 is an election year, which brings with it a sense of hope and pride. I for one am energized by the promise of a new era. Look for red, a color associated with energy, power and passion, and blue, a symbol of loyalty, intelligence and stability. Yellow is an obvious choice as an accent color. It signifies hope and joy and offers a lighthearted alternative. — PT

Black and green are gaining strength. The trends are again European-influenced, mixing traditional with a cleaner twist. There’s so much of the same out there. I think the consumer is looking for more specialization in design rather than off-the-rack merchandise, and is willing to pay more for better quality. I also see garden, indoors and out, becoming a very important part of all-year buying. —RO

Unique, special or handmade objects and browns, mauves and ecru are the trends that I think will be strong for 2008. It all stems from the state of the economy. With the downturn in the housing market, the decline in value of the dollar and rising fuel costs, the average consumer is buying less, and is focusing on things that will stand the test of time. While the economy continues to be worrisome, I believe that the consumer will gravitate towards interesting, warm, comforting and colorful palettes for their interiors. The home remains an oasis from the outside world. —DW

Natural and cultural elements dominate 2008 trends especially when it comes to colors. The trend follows larger developments of eco-consciousness and globalization. Nature’s inspiration goes beyond the usual greens and earth tone browns to include elemental stone tones, nuanced neutrals, rich brights and serene water colors. Global influences bring in ethnic flavors in jewel-tone colors like deep oranges, purples, reds and yellows, which complement each other in many ways. Pops of color will be evident in all elements of the home in furniture, textiles and accents. —DW

I see cool gray hues, from shades of charcoal gray to dull pewter, as the emerging color for ’08. Look at what is popular this fashion season in the couture section of your favorite store: charcoal grey mixed with black and white accents, combined with metallic accessories. Mirrored silvers, polished golds and vibrant coppers will also be strongly represented and continue with a trickle-down effect over the next two years. A related trend is jewelry on furniture, such as placing a metal cabochon at the top of a pleat or a crystal or pearl button on upholstered pieces, to create a one-of-a-kind signature look. Overriding everything, though, is the movement to bring unique elements from around the globe into the home, to create a distinctive and personal retreat. —BZ

I think you will see two very different perspectives in color and trend for 2008. With the economy, oil prices and personal expenses at record highs, it will all be about opposite ends of the spectrum. At one end of the spectrum, it’s opulence and the look of wealth in gold, metallic finishes, reflective surfaces, overscaled lighting and over-the-top furniture. The second trend is more classic — the look of traditions passed down, antiqued and worn with aged finishes and hardware. I believe we always cycle back to the middle and pull out trends that we are familiar with when the economy, going into an election year, is like it is. — MA

I believe that specific areas call for specific color trends. Major cosmopolitan cities have long been influenced by fashion runways where sophisticated color combinations and constant change is the norm. Therefore I suspect that Tokyo, Manhattan, Paris and Los Angeles will embrace the trend towards the ’80s look and the Tom Ford and Calvin Klein black, gray and white — the ultimate hip for 2008.

However, In Los Cabos, where I do the majority of my work, I find people seeking simplicity and relaxation. Simple color palette combinations and more natural colors reflecting the environment appeal to most. Soft ocean blues and sands are extremely popular and so are neutral tones of cream with burnt orange and terra cottas. —SE

Color acts as a metaphor for diversity. I see a continued use of ethnic-influenced hues emerging for 2008. People are more socially aware today than in the past and are exposed to many cultures and color traditions. A global movement toward peace, health and well-being brings blue, green and yellow to mind. The color blue tends to have a calming effect that counteracts chaos and agitation; green is the color of nature and one that says growth, balance and harmony; yellow denotes joy and happiness and creates a cheery and uplifting effect. Looking ahead, I personally feel that these colors will be popular with consumers. —BG

Please! Please! Please! Let at least one of my predictions come true for 2008, because the 2007 American home furnishings market-place was really conservative and thus really boring (to me!). My picks for 2008:

1. “Grandma with a twist,” a category that merges modern day design and technology with nostalgic, grandmotherly icons of days gone by — chromed cuckoo clocks, reinvented lace motifs in slick black vinyl, turned chair spindles morphed into edgy contemporary furniture.

2. “Mid-century makeover” — mid-century has become a booming business for retailers selling the real deal in vintage, and retailers selling the 2007 re-models and knock-offs. The design is comfortable, not extreme, and inspired from an era of homes built for quality, design and value. Now consumers are back at that place looking for all three in one item.

3. Gray, in tones ranging from blue/grays to brown/grays, merged with hot oranges, bright greens and yellows. Customers are seeing a “sea of brown” in stores and they’re losing interest. —GO

Metallics … and I’m a big fan. It’s like the ’80s all over again! Great textured golds and coppers — so much more depth and character than the mind-numbing wave of “everything has to be chrome” that seemed to be the mantra a couple years back. I’m big into brass right now for hardware and fixtures, albeit in an elegant satin finish. I think the trend is re-emerging from the desire to have a little splash of extravagance brought back into interior work. Like anything else, it has to be tempered — a little goes a long way. You’re seeing metallics (or will be shortly) in some really amazing places: ceramics, kitchen appliances … and Phillip Jeffries’ new line of metallic leaf wall coverings. I heard a commercial for some retailer saying they even have metallic jeans. Don’t know about that ... pass my 501s, please. — MS

2008 is an election year, which brings with it a sense of hope and pride. I for one am energized by the promise of a new era. Look for red, a color associated with energy, power and passion, and blue, a symbol of loyalty, intelligence and stability. Yellow is an obvious choice as an accent color. It signifies hope and joy and offers a lighthearted alternative. — PT

Black and green are gaining strength. The trends are again European-influenced, mixing traditional with a cleaner twist. There’s so much of the same out there. I think the consumer is looking for more specialization in design rather than off-the-rack merchandise, and is willing to pay more for better quality. I also see garden, indoors and out, becoming a very important part of all-year buying. —RO

Unique, special or handmade objects and browns, mauves and ecru are the trends that I think will be strong for 2008. It all stems from the state of the economy. With the downturn in the housing market, the decline in value of the dollar and rising fuel costs, the average consumer is buying less, and is focusing on things that will stand the test of time. While the economy continues to be worrisome, I believe that the consumer will gravitate towards interesting, warm, comforting and colorful palettes for their interiors. The home remains an oasis from the outside world. —DW

Natural and cultural elements dominate 2008 trends especially when it comes to colors. The trend follows larger developments of eco-consciousness and globalization. Nature’s inspiration goes beyond the usual greens and earth tone browns to include elemental stone tones, nuanced neutrals, rich brights and serene water colors. Global influences bring in ethnic flavors in jewel-tone colors like deep oranges, purples, reds and yellows, which complement each other in many ways. Pops of color will be evident in all elements of the home in furniture, textiles and accents. —DW

I see cool gray hues, from shades of charcoal gray to dull pewter, as the emerging color for ’08. Look at what is popular this fashion season in the couture section of your favorite store: charcoal grey mixed with black and white accents, combined with metallic accessories. Mirrored silvers, polished golds and vibrant coppers will also be strongly represented and continue with a trickle-down effect over the next two years. A related trend is jewelry on furniture, such as placing a metal cabochon at the top of a pleat or a crystal or pearl button on upholstered pieces, to create a one-of-a-kind signature look. Overriding everything, though, is the movement to bring unique elements from around the globe into the home, to create a distinctive and personal retreat. —BZ

I think you will see two very different perspectives in color and trend for 2008. With the economy, oil prices and personal expenses at record highs, it will all be about opposite ends of the spectrum. At one end of the spectrum, it’s opulence and the look of wealth in gold, metallic finishes, reflective surfaces, overscaled lighting and over-the-top furniture. The second trend is more classic — the look of traditions passed down, antiqued and worn with aged finishes and hardware. I believe we always cycle back to the middle and pull out trends that we are familiar with when the economy, going into an election year, is like it is. — MA

I believe that specific areas call for specific color trends. Major cosmopolitan cities have long been influenced by fashion runways where sophisticated color combinations and constant change is the norm. Therefore I suspect that Tokyo, Manhattan, Paris and Los Angeles will embrace the trend towards the ’80s look and the Tom Ford and Calvin Klein black, gray and white — the ultimate hip for 2008.

However, In Los Cabos, where I do the majority of my work, I find people seeking simplicity and relaxation. Simple color palette combinations and more natural colors reflecting the environment appeal to most. Soft ocean blues and sands are extremely popular and so are neutral tones of cream with burnt orange and terra cottas. —SE

Color acts as a metaphor for diversity. I see a continued use of ethnic-influenced hues emerging for 2008. People are more socially aware today than in the past and are exposed to many cultures and color traditions. A global movement toward peace, health and well-being brings blue, green and yellow to mind. The color blue tends to have a calming effect that counteracts chaos and agitation; green is the color of nature and one that says growth, balance and harmony; yellow denotes joy and happiness and creates a cheery and uplifting effect. Looking ahead, I personally feel that these colors will be popular with consumers. —BG

Please! Please! Please! Let at least one of my predictions come true for 2008, because the 2007 American home furnishings market-place was really conservative and thus really boring (to me!). My picks for 2008:

1. “Grandma with a twist,” a category that merges modern day design and technology with nostalgic, grandmotherly icons of days gone by — chromed cuckoo clocks, reinvented lace motifs in slick black vinyl, turned chair spindles morphed into edgy contemporary furniture.

2. “Mid-century makeover” — mid-century has become a booming business for retailers selling the real deal in vintage, and retailers selling the 2007 re-models and knock-offs. The design is comfortable, not extreme, and inspired from an era of homes built for quality, design and value. Now consumers are back at that place looking for all three in one item.

3. Gray, in tones ranging from blue/grays to brown/grays, merged with hot oranges, bright greens and yellows. Customers are seeing a “sea of brown” in stores and they’re losing interest. —GO

Metallics … and I’m a big fan. It’s like the ’80s all over again! Great textured golds and coppers — so much more depth and character than the mind-numbing wave of “everything has to be chrome” that seemed to be the mantra a couple years back. I’m big into brass right now for hardware and fixtures, albeit in an elegant satin finish. I think the trend is re-emerging from the desire to have a little splash of extravagance brought back into interior work. Like anything else, it has to be tempered — a little goes a long way. You’re seeing metallics (or will be shortly) in some really amazing places: ceramics, kitchen appliances … and Phillip Jeffries’ new line of metallic leaf wall coverings. I heard a commercial for some retailer saying they even have metallic jeans. Don’t know about that ... pass my 501s, please. — MS

2008 is an election year, which brings with it a sense of hope and pride. I for one am energized by the promise of a new era. Look for red, a color associated with energy, power and passion, and blue, a symbol of loyalty, intelligence and stability. Yellow is an obvious choice as an accent color. It signifies hope and joy and offers a lighthearted alternative. — PT

Black and green are gaining strength. The trends are again European-influenced, mixing traditional with a cleaner twist. There’s so much of the same out there. I think the consumer is looking for more specialization in design rather than off-the-rack merchandise, and is willing to pay more for better quality. I also see garden, indoors and out, becoming a very important part of all-year buying. —RO

Unique, special or handmade objects and browns, mauves and ecru are the trends that I think will be strong for 2008. It all stems from the state of the economy. With the downturn in the housing market, the decline in value of the dollar and rising fuel costs, the average consumer is buying less, and is focusing on things that will stand the test of time. While the economy continues to be worrisome, I believe that the consumer will gravitate towards interesting, warm, comforting and colorful palettes for their interiors. The home remains an oasis from the outside world. —DW

Natural and cultural elements dominate 2008 trends especially when it comes to colors. The trend follows larger developments of eco-consciousness and globalization. Nature’s inspiration goes beyond the usual greens and earth tone browns to include elemental stone tones, nuanced neutrals, rich brights and serene water colors. Global influences bring in ethnic flavors in jewel-tone colors like deep oranges, purples, reds and yellows, which complement each other in many ways. Pops of color will be evident in all elements of the home in furniture, textiles and accents. —DW

I see cool gray hues, from shades of charcoal gray to dull pewter, as the emerging color for ’08. Look at what is popular this fashion season in the couture section of your favorite store: charcoal grey mixed with black and white accents, combined with metallic accessories. Mirrored silvers, polished golds and vibrant coppers will also be strongly represented and continue with a trickle-down effect over the next two years. A related trend is jewelry on furniture, such as placing a metal cabochon at the top of a pleat or a crystal or pearl button on upholstered pieces, to create a one-of-a-kind signature look. Overriding everything, though, is the movement to bring unique elements from around the globe into the home, to create a distinctive and personal retreat. —BZ

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