Colour Trends Forecasts

June McLeod - Colour Expert.

June's colour trends forecasts are eagerly awaited, she is a most respected and accomplished talent with a considerable reputation for her unique ability.

Her colours and textile predictions have a dedicated following.

Her forecasts predicted amongst others, the use of  lace and velvet, we saw them being used by the fashion industry, on the cat walk and on the high street , and THE wedding dress, plus Marks and Spencer had success with their  velvet turquoise sofa. June is the only colour trends forecaster predicting colours and textiles with such accuracy. 

On the home front we continue to stay where we are rather than sell and move, some by necessity others by choice, estate agents report house moves are down coupled with property prices beginning to slide, economically forcing the majority to stay in their current home,  surprisingly many are accepting of this new way of being, gradually becoming comfortable with the staying put  arrangement by seeing  their home through new eyes and with a fresh appreciation. We return to viewing property as a long term investment, in some circumstances the reality of not being able to move has been forced on them by the economic situation, yet amongst the harsher realities of the economy there is a gleefulness abounding amongst many.

Staying in is the new going out! Comfort and colour are back in favour as we create our own unique and individual stamp on our sanctuary,  the home is where the heart is,  the hub of the family,  the peaceful sanctuary for the professional. We are all enjoying a new found freedom, discovering a new level of creativity as we become more adventurous choosing colour schemes  for our exclusive enjoyment rather than prepping the interior in bland non colours for a buyer in readiness to sell. Liberation and freedom brings colour and creativity to the fore.  We feel free to create for ourselves and our families, the nesting experience has never been so strong and colourful  as people choose to stay put  we see a greater interest in interiors,they are becoming more personalised, interesting and individualised with vibrant colours being used throughout. .Our sanctuary will become ever more important in this time of austerity.

The comfort theme is back in vogue and continues as  the minimalist look continues to fade, we choose sumptious soft furnishings for our homes, premium priced items sales are up, cashmere throws have seen a marked rise in sales for the first time in an age with soft furnishing sales up, we are now seeking colour and comfort in the home like never before, many are choosing beautiful one off show pieces for investment and good looks, this includes individual art pieces as a means of investing rather than use the banks where a derisory percentage rate continues for savers and investors alike.

People seek out excellent design and are looking for sustainability but more importantly they are seeking comfort. hence the great surge towards buying choice luxury items coupled with a rise in hand crafts for the home.Home is where the heart is, and will be for many years to come as more of us stay put and enjoy creating a long term home environent.for ourselves and our loved ones.

The colour predictions for the future are glorious vibrant jewel colours; we will see them all, emerald,ruby, teal blue, coral, peacock blue, buttery golden yellows, deep and lighter satsuma orange, ,turquoise, all supported by the use of gold, luscious thick creamy creams, ivory and warm white. Warmth, texture, layers,oppulence and luxury are key with an Egyptian theme of blues greens and golds emerging. Strong purples seem to be taking a back seat as are the cooler, distancing shades of chalk, grey, brown soil colours fading, rather we will see taupe and silver grey being used with the luxurious colour of velvety black in soft furnishings, lamp shades and extras to support the vibrancy of the jewel colours.The coming years will see a wonderful mix of gaiety and colour in what we wear and in our homes. In fashion, textiles and furniture.

As we go forward dont be surprised if the psychedelic patterns make a come back, the young are ever searching something different....sitting comfortably beside the jewel colours, hey we know each generation feel they invented sex rock and roll, and psychedelia!  As fashion continually goes round in cycles, it is timely, also the monochrome 60's look could also rear its head as a 'new ;reinvented look, flares, paisley we have seen on the high street, retro remains a strong market, we see punk creeping in slowly, punk is definately reincarnating, just a matter of time to watch the impact on fashion, something most never expected, so future trends? expect the unexpected........ with sewing and and home dress making making a come back, Gok is influencing the make your own trend showing us how easy it is to create a home grown unique look on a budget, the young as ever will strike out bursting with creativity and bursting with new ideas. We all need something to take our interest away from austerity, the coming years will show the young as ever leading the way brightening our streets, On a personal note,I am pleased magenta will be seen everywhere, my all time favourite colour in any shade or hue it is fabulous, just love it!