While creating high-performance paint is a highly technical process, predicting which colors will become the next big trend is more of an art than a science. Color forecasting teams work to guide both consumers and professionals through the overwhelming array of options available for interior paints and finishes. Their goal is to identify the upcoming color trends that will shape everything from homes to commercial spaces.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating process behind color forecasting, how experts identify trends, and what influences shape the color palettes we see each year.
The Continuous Process of Color Forecasting
Color forecasting is an ongoing process that involves observing trends across various industries and translating them into color palettes. According to Donna Schroeder, manager of color and design for Pratt & Lambert Paints, trends constantly evolve throughout the year. This means that MK Sports forecasters must stay in tune with shifts in society, design, and culture to ensure their predictions are accurate.
Forecasting teams often work months, or even years, ahead of time to predict the colors that will be in demand. However, as Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams, points out, the fast-paced nature of trends requires some flexibility. “If we forecast too far in advance, it might not be relevant when the time comes,” she says.
Inspiration from Unexpected Places: What Drives Color Trends?
Color forecasters draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, many of which may surprise you. Trends in politics, the economy, pop culture, and even environmental issues all play a role in shaping the hues that dominate the industry. For instance, Erika Woelfel, director of color at Behr Paints, notes that discussions around the decline of bees have influenced the popularity of honey-golden tones.
Fashion remains one of the most significant influences on interior color trends. If a color appears consistently in fashion for two or more seasons, it’s likely to find its way into interior design and home décor. According to Woelfel, this trickle-down effect from fashion to interiors ensures that consumers’ color preferences stay aligned with what’s in vogue.
The Practical Side of Color Forecasting
Although color forecasting often seems abstract, it is a practical and hands-on process, especially for paint companies. Forecasters work closely with physical samples to ensure the colors they predict will translate well into products used in homes and commercial spaces. As Woelfel puts it, “At the end of the day, we’re a paint product, and we have to work with actual samples and products.”
Sonu Mathew, senior interior designer at Benjamin Moore, emphasizes that color forecasting is not a subjective process. Instead, it’s about closely observing societal and cultural shifts. While individual interpretations may vary between companies, the overarching goal is to predict how the world’s evolving landscape will influence color choices.
Industry Insights: The Importance of Forecasting for Professionals
Color forecasting isn’t just about guiding consumers—it’s also crucial for professionals in industries like hospitality, retail, and healthcare. Companies like PPG Pittsburgh Paints offer forecasting services tailored to commercial sectors. According to Dee Schlotter, brand manager of PPG’s Voice of Color program, 70% of their business comes from professionals, making trend forecasts an invaluable tool for large-scale projects.
Meanwhile, Pantone, the ultimate authority on Daman Games color, issues several forecasts each year. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, emphasizes that these forecasts provide inspiration and validation for manufacturers and designers. While creativity and instinct play a role, color forecasts help set a clear direction for product development across industries.
Conclusion: What’s Next in Color?
As for the hot color of the moment? That varies depending on which forecast you consult. Whether it’s Lemon Sorbet, Awesome Violet, or Monaco Blue, one thing is certain: color forecasters are always hard at work, looking ahead to predict the next big trend. While today’s predictions are shaping homes and businesses now, the teams behind the scenes are already researching what’s to come in the future of color.