Color Trends: Think Spring 2011

Many of you may be familiar with the name Pantone in association with color for designers. "In 1963, Lawrence Herbert, Pantone's founder, created an innovative system for identifying, matching and communicating colors to solve the problems associated with producing accurate color matches in the graphic arts community. His insight that the spectrum is seen and interpreted differently by each individual led to the innovation of the PANTONE® MATCHING SYSTEM®, a book of standardized color in fan format." (http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=19295&ca=10) Pantone has become the industry standard in color matching for artists and designers of all kinds.

  Pantone also surveys leading fashion industry experts in order to determine the top inspiration color trends for each season and each new year. From this information they develop their Pantone color forecast chart with standardized hues that can be reproduced by professionals in graphic arts, architecture and home furnishings, paint manufacturers, fashion marketing, and industrial design. According to Pantone's market research, the 2011 color of the year is "honeysuckle," a vibrant reddish pink. Honeysuckle is described as "encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life."  (http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20821&ca=4)

From the Pantone website

According to Pantone, the top 10 fashion colors for spring 2011 as chosen by New York designers are honeysuckle, coral rose, peapod, beeswax, silver peony, russet, regatta, blue curacao, lavender, and silver cloud. (http://www.pantone.com/pages/Pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20752&ca=4) Let's take a look at how BBEST artisans are using these colors within their chosen mediums.

Of course, we must have honeysuckle represented, as it is the main color theme for the year. 

Coming Up Roses Felted Wool Needle Book
by JN Originals

Waiting Cat  - Original Mixed Media
by Sixsisters

Hand Designed Silk Scarf
by Mystic Silks 

"Coral Rose" is said to be a sophisticated shade of orange that takes its inspiration from African, Indian and Asian influences.

Shades of Spring Original Watercolor
by Yankeegirl

Orange Sunflower Earrings
by ZudaGay



 
"Peapod" is a fresh, medium green tone meant to evoke thoughts of travel and adventure.

Bulgarian Sunflower Bracelet
from EverSoDear

Painting: Cute Chicks Series - Violet Green Swallow
by Backroom Treasures

"Beeswax" is a modernized ochre or golden tone which is cheerful and playful.

Amber Colored Glass Hearts Earrings
by Fantasy Creations 1

Fused Glass Small Amber Sushi Plates (Set of 2)
from Designs by Christine

"Silver Peony" is a pale and feminine shade of pink described as "ethereal" and "dreamy."

 Pearl Earring - Dusty Pink, for Bridesmaids

from Bridal Jewelry by PBJ

 Rose, Pink, Gold Fiber Art Flower Brooch/Hair Accessory

from Imaginuity

 "Russet" is a deep, earthy brown, considered a "new" neutral.

 Native American Beaded Bracelet: The Digusdi (Cousins in Cherokee)

from Ghi-Goo-ie Designs by Joni Stinson

 Chocolate Brown Chunky Neckwarmer

by The Crafty Bargain Basement

"Regatta" is a refreshing blue reminiscent of  the Mediterranean Ocean.

Blue and White Square Pure Silk Scarf

by Colours and Textures

Blue Flower Lampwork Swarovski Crystal Bracelet

by Magdalene Jewels

"Blue Curacao" is a lovely turquoise tone that reminds us of tropical locations.

Blue Lagoon Long and Skinny Scarf for Her

from ByTheBy

Turquoise and Pink Shells and Crystal Earrings

by Jill's Treasure Chest

"Lavender" is a soft and sensual shade of purple.

Pretty Crocheted Necklace with Lavender Beads

from Stitches by Julie

Natural Amethyst Bead Woven Bracelet

by Pixie Market

"Silver Cloud" is a brownish gray described by Pantone as the "quintessential neutral that consumers can rely on to coordinate with everything in their closet." (http://www.pantone.com/pages/Pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20751&ca=4)

 Buck Naked Sheep Skeins - Handspun Icelandic Wool Yarn

from The Knotty Sheep

Queen Anne Lace Scarf Taupe

from Bags & More by Pam

At Home with BBEST

Our homes are our castles, our refuges from the hustle and bustle of the world, and our sources of nourishment and relief from stress. They are places where we gather with family and friends to share laughter and create happy memories. It is no wonder that our homes need to be not only physically comfortable, but also filled with colors and textures that are visually pleasing and expressive of our personalities. Does your home reflect who you are? Does the decor soothe your soul, bring you joy, and make you feel rejuvenated? If not, then it may be time to give your home a new look.

Bringing a sense of sanctuary to your home need not be expensive or time-consuming. Here are a few suggestions for simple changes that can bring a new perspective to you and your living area:

• Use color to set the mood. Paint a wall or a cabinet in a new tone; add an accent piece in a favorite hue, or experiment with a new one. Choose colors that appeal to you and that evoke a sense of well-being. Display colorful, translucent items, such as glasses or bottles, in sunlit areas to bring in splashes of color.
• Remove rugs to reveal wood floors, or add colorful scatter rugs to break up large expanses of bare flooring. Layer area rugs over wall-to-wall carpet to give dimension to single-color areas.
• Rearrange existing furniture and accessories; move them into different rooms for a new perspective. Regroup items or remix for a less uniform look. Take furniture from attics and basements and slipcover if needed.
  
• Get a new frame for an existing picture; paint or decoupage an old frame to give it personality.
• Dig into storage and bring out pictures, knick-knacks, and memorabilia that have been locked away.
• Display a collection, or assemble one based on a theme that inspires or soothes you.
  
• Create a sense of light and warmth with candles or additional lamps. Move lights from unused areas to illuminate often used rooms. Give a favorite lamp a new shade to refresh its appearance. Clean glass shades and sconces for sparkle.
  
• Use a variety of textures and shapes when decorating. Table linens, pillows, throws, glassware and pottery add dimension to plain spaces.
  
• Bring nature indoors with fresh flowers or plants, water features, wood accessories, shells, wicker baskets, or patterns reflecting the natural world.
• Banish clutter and clean out the corners. Sort through those piles of papers and magazines that provoke feelings of being overwhelmed. Put away items that are no longer being used or that remind you of negative emotions.
  
• Add handmade or vintage items for a relaxed and personal feel. Accents that have character and individuality speak to us on a deeper level, and kindle positive feelings. 

Whatever changes you make in your home, remember to keep them a reflection of you and your family. Use decorating magazines and books as inspiration, but let your heart guide you in creating a loving and comforting space that will welcome you home each day.

BBEST has many wonderful accents for every room in your home.

Floral accessories and cheerful colors brighten
and bring nature into the bedroom.

Welcome Spring - Original Watercolor of Pansies

by Yankeegirl's Watercolors

Sweet Violets Painted Table

by Herons Treasures

Perfect Pink and Purple Posy Accent Pillow

by ByTheBy

 Pink Cotton Candy Trinket Bowl

by Designs by Christine

Pink Button Yoyo Bouquet with Vase
by Big Island Rose Design

Distinctive lighting, hand painted and vintage accessories
create a delicious dining experience.

Unity Pattern 12 Panel Multi Color Lamp
by Diana's Creations

Vintage Tidbit Tray, Green with Leaf Pattern by USA Pottery
from Sweet Rice

Hand Painted Grape Wine Glasses
by Glitz n Glass

Original Lavender Watercolor
by The Creators Palette

Vintage Fire King Gold-edged Dinner Plates
from By The Wayside


Deep colors, wood tones and eclectic desk accessories
are elements of a soothing office area.

Shawnee River Original Painting Watercolor
by Mystic Silks

Deep Dark Pink Porcelain Vase
by Aquarian Pottery Works

Vintage Fairy Tales Book - Illustrated Hans Christian Andersen
from Vintage Legacy Studio

Prairie Lamp
by Nonnie's Treasures

Vintage Art Deco Clock Hammond Junior Black Bakelite
from Junkyard Gypsy

Fabric-covered Vintage Apron Print Mouse Pad
by Scottie Acres Boutique


Fun and fresh, blue and white in the kitchen 
brings in the colors of the sky and sea.

White Fish Hooked Rug
by Beth Anderson

Maple Leaf Candy Plate
by Artsie Lady

Country Cottage Crocheted Cotton Table Mat
by JN Originals

Stoneware Shaker
by Fehu Stoneware

Blue Koi Silk Painting
by Janine Maves

Bottlescape I Fine Art Print
by Diane Clancy's Art