Colour Futures 2009

Colour Futures is the result of ongoing colour trend research, produced by colour consultants from around the globe, both internal and external to ICI Paints, part of AkzoNobel. Now in its sixth year the Colour Futures team have a proven track record of forecasting evolving trends in colour and design.

The team draw on a variety of sources: from research groups, colour marketing associations, exhibitions and design influences from the worlds of fashion, technology, architecture, music, nature and popular culture.

The resulting colour palette is driven by society's changing moods and interests.

Colour of the year 2009
Colour Trends in 2009
Colour themes for 2009

The importance of all shades of green has grown in recent years, from soft citrus tints and attention grabbing natural tones to hi-tech futuristic shades. Green is a colour associated with both nature and science.

Colour of the year 2009

This particular cool jade has a sense of natural stillness, of healing and balance. Its soothing tone is represented in different shades in more than one theme.

In both exterior and interior decoration, jade green has an important part to play. In modernist terms it works with glass, steel, concrete and combines with a cool palette of grey, soft blues, taupe and chocolate; whilst for a softer and more domestic look it can be combined with warmer tones like plum, terracotta, peach and nude pink.

Colour trends for 2009

This particular cool jade has a sense of natural stillness, of healing and balance. Its soothing tone is represented in different shades in more than one theme.

Colour themes for 2009

The ColourFutures experts have identified five key themes for 2009.

These are Ecotecture, White Dimensions, Living Legacy, Equilibrium, Playhouse.

For each theme, a palette of associated colours has been proposed. These are not a colour scheme in themselves, but can be used as a starting point for a project based around the theme.

Ecotecture

Green energy and global citizenship are driving innovation in the built environment across the world. This trend is all about sustainable, environmentally friendly construction; the interweaving of man-made and natural elements to create structures that are better not only for the ecosystem but also for those who live or work within.

The Ecotecture palette contains shades of olive and willow, aquatic blues and greens, sit comfortably alongside the slate greys, straw and stone colours of natural construction materials.

White Dimensions

Inspired by futuristic, highly engineered, but yet poetic, constructions, this theme brings a touch of modern magic; where sculptured, layered, and multi faceted designs create an interplay of light and shadow.

The palette is made up soft and chalky whites, muted shadowy shades, offset by 'construction' colours of rust, clay and dark slate.

Living Legacy

This theme is all about the rediscovery of functional beauty and traditional crafts, where small scale, sustainable production and customised pieces encourage a relationship between the maker and user.

This palette is rich and varied, containing botanical shades like mustard, grape and cactus, enlivened by contemporary 'techno' tones.

Equilibrium

Exemplifying a new attitude to life and leisure, sharing time with family and friends but also finding time for oneself, this theme is about creating balance in a turbulent world and nurturing its future.

Equilibrium's palette is soft and gentle, with colours inspired by the tones of tea and skin like jasmine, rose, moss and mint.

Playhouse

Witty and whimsical, this theme is all about fun in functionality, creating possibilities for energetic self-expression, using strong colours and everyday objects designed to amuse.

The palette is full of vibrant, saturated shades of coral, kiwi and fuchsia, played off against the softer graphite, ecru and khakis.