"Away in a meadow all covered with snow the little groundhog looks for his shadow. The clouds in the sky determine our fate if winter will leave us all early or late." Roy R. Gibson So the "little groundhog" has determined six more weeks of winter , eh! That's not the determination I was hoping for! February is notoriously referred to as "frozen", "dreary", or "bleak". (However, notice that in french the title "The frozen month of February" sounds absolutely delicious!)
I guess that is why in February I begin to look for the new colors that have been predicted to appear in 2010. I look forward to the new fabric sample books that will be arriving in my showroom with the latest textures and color combination. Greenhouse Fabrics books should be arriving any day with this year's latest and greatest colors and Carole Fabrics (a Hunter Douglas company) has just posted their gorgeous new web site, carolenet.com, which is definitely worth a look.
Color predictions for textiles in 2010, I am happy to say, are bold and bright, and will incorporate the use of environmentally friendly, organic fabrics. Geometric prints in bold patterns - herringbone, ikats and bargello - will take the spotlight according to Robyn Griggs Lawrence, editor-in-chief, of Natural Home. Bargello, you say? I had to look that unfamiliar one up. Bargello is a needlepoint embroidery stitch that produces zigzag lines.
Purple is remaining in the palette and gray will also continue to figure largely. Color authority Pantone has named turquoise its color of the year for 2010. "Turquoise combines blue's serenity with green's invigoratio
n, soothing us and restoring our sense of well-being." Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute says it this way:
"In many cultures, turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color. It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that turquoise represents an escape to many - taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even it only a fantasy."Makes me want to head straight for Mexico! Si?
Even Hunter Douglas window fashions have introduced rich and unexpected color combinations in their product lineups. Names like, rich mocha, shiraz, spice, and cumin describe the Duette palette, while parisian summer, french roast, and fired clay draw our attention to the Silhouette line.
One trend that has fluctuated over the years but is back in 2010 are antiques. Old is new again! "Antiques and vintage pieces add soul to any space, " explains interior designer Jay Jeffers. I love that description! It's like another whole spiritual dimension comes with an antique piece!
So February is beginning to hold some promise - color is on our horizon - even for the landscape and definitely for interior design! Roy R. Gibson says it best: "Keep your faith in beautiful things; in the sun when it is hidden, in the Spring when it is gone."
