COLOR SURVEYS
700 Readers Share Their Top Colors

Because this is the color issue, we thought it only fitting that we ask our fellow trendspotters what you think about color and window fashions. So we conducted an informal Window Fashions poll-and, boy, did you have a lot to say! More than 700 of you responded (of those, 89 percent of you were women). Some answers we expected, and some were a surprise. Here's a snapshot of what we asked and what you replied:

What is your favorite personal color?
1. Red 23%
2. Blue 18%
3. Green 17%

Even though America's favorite color is blue (see sidebar), our readers favor red to blue. (But interestingly, about.com has an ongoing color poll, and as of press time, red and blue were neck and neck.) Gaining ground is green. With America's consumers asked to think green, go green, buy green, even eat green-how long will it be before green captures the top spot?

What is your best-selling color for hard treatments?
1. Whites/off whites 76%
2. Reds/bricks 10%
3. Greens 6%

No surprises here. Linen, ivory, off white, beige or neutral-call it what you will. But it's white or one of its shades or tints. What's interesting are the colors coming in second and third. On the warm side of the color spectrum, reds or terra cottas come in second, followed by greens in third place. Several readers commented that green is becoming the new neutral.

What is the best-selling color scheme in soft window fashions?
2. Red and gold 35%
3. Earth tone schemes 32%
4. Chocolate and blues 26%

Red and gold was the top combination followed by earth tones, which could be a reflection of the somewhat somber economic news. The majority did respond with color combinations that were on the warm side of the spectrum, possibly reflecting the clients' wanting to create a comfortable environment. The chocolate-blue color combination seems to be giving way to chocolates paired with citron or chartreuse greens. There is the green popping up again. On the horizon, color schemes noted were grays and yellows or black-and-white schemes. Neutrals will always be a contender because we design with our clients in mind, and they often aren't the risk takers we are. Respondents' comments on these color schemes tell the story:

•"Red and gold is a popular combination, and I'm seeing a LOT of turquoise combined with both chocolate browns and chartreuse greens or sandy beiges."

•"Rust/red with sage or olive green and gold tones probably comes across my workroom table most often."

•"My color selections reflect the vibrational energy of my clients. Each is different and each has a tone and value unique to their space and their lifestyle."

•"Currently, medium spa blue with dark, as in semi-sweet chocolate. Not milk chocolate."

•"The red-green-gold color scheme is classic and my bestseller. The color combination is the same but the shade of the colors are more of a tomato red and grayish (money color) green, and the gold color is not heavy."

What color do you dare NOT use for window treatments?
1. None 39%
2. Purple 21%
3. Orange 16%
Pink (9%) and black (7%) bring up the rear in colors too daring to be used in window treatments. But our readers are fearless when it comes to color, with comments including:

• "There are no colors that I would absolutely not use."

•"There isn't a color that couldn't be used in combination with others."

•"I enjoy using all colors, and if I'm stumped I use the color wheel."

•"If the client likes it, there isn't one."

What color says "high-end" to you?
1. Gold 37%
2. Black 21%
3. Red 17%
"Color is now seen as an item of luxury," said David Shah, a forecaster based in Amsterdam, whose View publishing company produces magazines on color and retail trends. Yes, like an orange Hermès or Robin's egg blue Tiffany box.

The phrases "high-end" and "luxury" get bandied around an awful lot in this industry. What exactly do they mean? What is high-end to one client or designer is not necessarily to another. We think that "high-end" and "expensive" are not the same. We tested that hypothesis while trying to define both in terms of color and color psychology.

What color says "expensive"?
1. Gold 46%
2. Red 20%
3. Brown 8%
Other colors bringing up the rear but mentioned multiple times that are worth noting are silver at 6% and white at 7%.

One Window Fashions survey respondent said she got her color inspiration from sports teams. Surprisingly, she's not alone.

Look for trend gurus Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz monthly in Window Fashions. Reach Deb at debbb6@aol.com.. Reach Susan at susan@spacedowntown.com.