Color me 2010

Pantone (the “authority” on colors) provides the world of fashion, home décor and graphic design with oodles and oodles of color inspiration (not to mention those handy little color chip books that make matching colors oh-so-easy).

Twice a year they come out with the color trends for fashion and home and once a year they debut the color of the year. So…if any tells you that 2010 is the year of the tiger, I would kindly let them know that it is actually the year of turquoise and that they should forget about animal prints because turquoise is IN!

In all seriousness, color trends really are inspiration for us. We embrace some, scoff at others, but when it’s all said and done these color trends get our wheels turning.

For instance, we used notes of blue and turquoise (PANTONE 15-5519) on a book cover we designed last year (always trend forward, eh?!) However, since turquoise is a relatively feminine color we paired it with a complementing, bold red. The color turquoise is soothing, representative of water and a sense of rejuvenation. Red on the other hand is strong, powerful and controlled. The use of these two colors on opposite sides of the spectrum perfectly fit the title of the book: Navigate. See, there is a method to our madness at the turtle!

So…amongst the color trends that Pantone has introduced, here are some of my new faves: 

Amparo Blue, PANTONE 18-3945

or

Deep Blue, PANTONE 19-1620

Keep an eye out for the new Windermere Marathon website and the much anticipated Flying Goat logo. You’re in for a treat with the rich, vibrant shades of blue.

Tomato Puree, PANTONE 18-1661

A beautiful silky take on tomato (..or apple).

Pink Champagne, PANTONE 12-1107

Delicate and delicious shades of ivory, beige and blush.

Golden Glow, PANTONE 15-1050

or

Lemon Curry, PANTONE 19-4316

In the near future we plan to integrate some of those mustard-y, rich yellows into a brand. The right one just needs to come around…

Charcoal Gray, PANTONE 18-0601

Crisp, clean charcoal gray. Always a fave.

Purple Orchid, PANTONE 18-3027

Shout out for purple. Gotta love it!

What are you favorite colors? Don't worry...you aren’t limited to a box of Crayola crayons, so have some fun and check out the Pantones. You might just find some inspiration of your own.

-colorful thoughts from Erin