How colour reflects the spirit of the times

You could say that there are two poles: on the one hand, there is the slow culture, which includes mindfulness and deceleration. Safety also plays an increasingly important role and this is reflected in natural, soft colour arrangements. The polar opposite is the speed of the digital age, which we are exposed to every day. But even the digital and technical spheres are becoming less abstract and progressively more approachable and human, which is reflected in their colour schemes. The third trend represents a great longing for optimism. We’re looking forward to the time after the pandemic and to a light-hearted mood. This new enjoyment of life is mirrored by intense and bright tones. Especially in combination with the soft and natural colours, this is an interesting and beautiful development.

We already know some of the trends, such as the return of warm, soft colours, from the 1970s and 1990s. Why do some things come back and how are these trends still given a modern touch?

In the 1970s, the oil crisis really made people aware of the sustainability issue for the first time. Even then, there was a change in how we approached natural materials such as wood in inside spaces. Natural shades like brown and green hues became more popular. Today we’re going through this development again, because the topic of sustainability is growing in importance and can no longer be neglected in interior design. Colour is also a mirror of society, so it’s no wonder that some of the trends are returning. However there are still differences, for example due to changes in materials and application areas. The classic terracotta colour in the 1990s was associated with a Mediterranean style and had the character of a country house. Today, however, terra is presented in a completely different style and often used in a product and technical setting. Exactly the same colour from the past is now often applied with a new, high-quality finish. This is how the design language evolves, achieving a completely new effect in its appearance.

Do the trends differ according to the cultural context or should the developments be seen on a global level?

We see globalisation as a megatrend: it has become very apparent that colour preferences have merged a great deal on an international level. Trend panels in Colombia, for example, show trends similar to those we are also seeing here, and this although we are on a completely different continent. Of course there are always certain cultural differences. Those are visual habits and taste patterns that have regional variations to some degree. In the north, puristic and functional colours tend to dominate because we learned that we feel comfortable in these colours. In the south, however, it can be a little warmer and bolder. In some styles, such as the trend towards maximalism, you can see that cultures can also mix in very appealing ways. The Japandi trend is another example where this works well.

Can you predict colour trends to a certain degree and if so, what do you forecast for the next few years? In your work on COLOR OPINIONS, were there also things that surprised you?

We have watched the market for about 15 years, in turn gaining crucial empirical values. With continuous observation and regular trend panels, you’re able to make a good assessment of the market. This means that the trends of the next 3 to 5 years can be predicted quite reliably, including when a certain trend has reached its peak. You can see exactly when something new appears, gains volume and then gradually disappears again. Pink was a trend colour that slowly picked up speed ten years ago and then developed great popularity and acceptance with a peak 3-5 years ago. Now the colour has become engrained in our visual habits and almost evolved into a timeless colour that accompanies various designs with subtle nuances. We can also develop longer-term scenarios for the next 5-20 years in the area of futurology. We also like to say: Only those who know the past can properly assess the present and anticipate the future.