COLORMIX '09
Sherwin-Williams Mixes It Up for 2009

Jackie Jordan, Sherwin-Williams Director of Color Marketing, shares Sherwin-Williams' latest color trend forecast-"Colormix '09":

"Our goal with Colormix '09 is to empower designers to use the forecast colors in their own unique and creative way," says Jordan. "Organized by color families rather than trends, the collection speaks to the dynamics behind several key market insights and how they influence the 2009 color forecast."

Defining architecture and design for the coming 2009 season, here are the four trends (with 24 hues) brought to the mix with Sherwin-Williams Colormix '09.

Techno-Color
Technology not only allows for the development of new colors, it also drives innovation in design. New fiber technologies are on the rise—such as soya and casein—and recycled fibers including cotton and wool have become more prevalent. "Techno-Color is inspired in part by new materials and manufacturing ideas," Jordan says. "Environmentally-preferred materials are now available in color due to technology, and several hues in Colormix '09 are influenced by this emerging concept."

Conscious Luxury
The boom of consumers making eco-statements through upscale purchases inspired the Conscious Luxury trend. It is reflected by botanical hues, evoking the exotic destinations of eco-tourism and the sheen of brilliant, conflict-free gemstones. "In some cases, environmental awareness is becoming a status symbol," Jordan said. "Conscious Luxury shows how being 'green' can translate into being chic."

Global Tapestry
In contrast, hues from far-flung outposts provide the inspiration to craft the Global Tapestry trend. Shades from Russia and East Asia continue to be dominant threads, melding with those of a new hot zone, Latin America. "While our local environment serves as inspiration, so do international influences," Jordan said. "Global Tapestry features hues from around the world, and we're especially seeing an increase in colors inspired by Buenos Aires."

Local Momentum
Eco-friendly, urban green rooftops and farmers' markets are the look of the Local Momentum trend. Recycled materials and handmade items, such as ceramics and wooden sculptures by area artisans abound, along with locally inspired color palettes. "Local Momentum is about our personal surroundings," Jordan said. "The colors in our neighborhood landscape and architecture define our unique definitions of local."

For more information on color trends, read the August edition of Window Fashions magazine.