What is Blue?

Ann Hurley, whom you may remember from Managing Consumer Expectations, is not only our manager of product design, but also a renowned industry color expert. She shares the following highlights from our Wear-Dated "What is Blue?" 2007 color forecast.

Here's what's hot for 2007!

In the Red color family:
· Red is still influenced by yellow and we’ll continue to see orange gaining in popularity for the next 2-3 years.
· Blue-reds will be more plum influenced with undertones of brown.
· Reds are frequently used to create a dramatic color statement and used in analogous combinations such as red, pink and orange that are reminiscent of the ‘60s.
· The red family will be greatly influenced by 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as other global trends from India and Central America.

In the Blue Color Family:
· Blues were forecasted to be the new “color of the Millennium”, reinforcing the automotive forecast that the blue family would gain significant influence by the late 2000s.
· Blues are moving in two parallel - yet divergent - directions, both yellow cast and violet influenced. These directions create a sense of calm, security and long term appeal.

In the Green Family:
The new greens are clearer & mid-to-lighter in value. They continue to be yellowed or blue, spa-like. Darker values are more complex with olive and bronze influences. With widespread design sensitivity and consumer environmental awareness, the green family is now widely accepted as a new neutral.

In the Neutrals:
· Beiges are either tinted with green, blue, or peach.
· Greys move lighter and warmer.
· These new neutrals are highly tinted and burnished, with undertones of steel, bronze and warm terra cotta.
· These neutrals express an atmosphere of relaxation when used in combination of light & deep values.
Pay attention to the textural quality as well as the contrasting combinations of cool and warm colors. Neutrals all mix well in combination with each other to create a sophisticated environment.

Now, you may remember that I am Mad For Color and that color forms the basis for my Fashion Statements. I am not alone! Color and texture form the basis for most consumers' fashion statements. And, if you are serious about connecting with your customers, serious about creating the kind of retail experience that women consumers can identify with, then be sure to showcase what's hot for 2007, especially in flooring!

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