Color Forecast: Hues to Use in 2005

About a year ago, I had the self-righteous idea to “forecast” the in colors of 2004. What I thought most people would simply brush off as “some random designer’s questionable hunch” wound up being quite a hit, and after many emails from supporters hoping for a 2005 edition, I decided to assuage their request.

To all of the nonbelievers, this forecast was derived from more than just a hunch. I take a considerable amount of time assessing design of the year past and the year to come. I take into consideration not only online design trends, but also trends in fashion, automobiles, and television. True, I pay attention to my personal thoughts on where design is headed, but, considering myself a fairly “trendy” and design-aware person, I think that’s permissible.

Take this forecast for what it is: a prediction, not a definition, of the year that follows. In some ways it may be dead on, and in others not further from the truth; regardless, design is in the eye of the beholder, and when it comes down to it every single color in the visible spectrum is a possibility. So, go forth with an open mind and, if nothing else, be inspired. Best, Adam.

The Purples

As everyone knows, there are two sides to every story, and this year’s forecast is no different: some say pink is still the color of the moment, while others insist that purple is the new pink. I agree with both, but, as you can see, moreso with the latter. The whole ooh-la-la pink trend is tired if you ask me, and purple is the perfect replacement.

Purple is one of those colors that will last through the year because it can change with and adapt to the seasons. Dark purples express warmth and sophistication for the winter, while brighter purples and lilacs will express a fresh playfulness for the spring and summer.

Desaturated purples such as DAD1E9 and 5E4D80 will rule all others. Get ready to see these duller purples in both the fashion and car world. They’re great for carrying those of us in the Northern hemisphere through the rest of winter, and, mixed with some more vibrant hues, will transition perfectly into the warmer seasons.

The Browns & Naturals

This year, deep browns and natural hues take the place of 2004′s blacks and grays. Online design can often be cold and “techy” as it is, and grays tend to reinforce that feeling, so this year look to browns and beiges to act as the base colors of your design. Throw in an ochre hue and a purple from above, and you’re set.

Like purples, browns and naturals will easily adapt to the changing seasons. Rich, dark browns are great for the colder seasons, while straw hues and brighter yellows will complement the warm months.

The great thing about this palette is that, like blacks and grays, it goes great with any color: colder hues such as blue and green, or warm reds and oranges. (If you’ve been paying attention, though, you’ll know to match it up with purple.)

A few words of warning: don’t let this palette steer you towards more natural designs; that’s not the point. Instead, mix it with vibrant hues to create a warm, contemporary look for 2005.

The Desaturateds

This palette consists of colors that have been… well, desaturated. These washed out hues are relaxed and warmer than their more vibrant brothers and sisters. For that reason, they’re great for the winter and fall seasons, but perhaps not so fitting for the warmer months. Therefore, these colors might disappear for a while, but reemerge later in the year.

This palette is partly based on the muted metallic fabrics that are popular in fashion right now, such as Gap’s sparkly scarves and Banana Republic’s metallic thread coats and skirts.

Make sure not to be overly vintage with this palette, which would be an easy thing to do seeing as these colors look very aged. Luckily, it’s easily avoidable by utilizing the other colors in this forecast.

The Trippy Tints

The previous palettes have more or less represented the toned down, more natural approach that is likely to be seen in 2005. Come June or July, though, people will grow sick of the whole thing and throw it out the window, instead looking towards these trippy tints for some rebellious fun.

These out-there colors won’t come alone, or even in pairs… they’ll be seen in packs. Designers, desperately searching for something fresh and new, will go balls out, applying this palette to tripped out patterns of stripes, polka dots, and plaids to create looks similar to those seen on the streets of Tokyo. I picture a sort of grunge-goes-neon theme, with shock value being a top priority among designers: who can pull off the most off-the-wall design without scaring their audience away? And don’t be surprised if black resurfaces for at least a couple months, as I see it being quite essential to making this palette work.

If right now you’re scared and asking yourself what the hell am I thinking, don’t fret: this palette is meant to be fun and freeing, like a release from the traditional rules of design. Instead of a pirate draped in red, white and black, picture one tripped out and draped in neon purple, yellow, and and yellow-green. With this palette, everything becomes a little less ordinary.