Countertop Design Trends: Selling the right color

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Countertop Design Trends: Selling the right color

When it comes to color, it sells and the right colors sell better,
says Renee Hytry Derrington, senior vice president, global design for
Formica Corp. In residential markets color preferences differ
regionally, while in commercial work it does not. The question is,
where do the trends start?

One way to forecast trends besides observing the marketplace, says
Derrington, is to connect the dots with an organization like the Color
Marketing Group. CMG is a forum for the exchange of information in all
phases of color marketing. It’s involved in forecasting color
directions for all industries.

Trends are often first spotted in fashion and commercial applications,
which are faster to change than other industries. "We are all looking
for the clues and cues to design for the future," says Derrington.
Often it’s in Milan and Europe that the newest trends emerge first.
Designers may get their inspiration from people or scenes on the
street.

Today consumers want choices in their colors. Aqua blue and soft
greens are making a strong showing because of designers’ attempts to
create an oasis or spa feeling. Once considered primarily an accent
color, red has reached the mass market. Red is also warming into
orange, especially as an accent color.

In Milan, it was all about orange and white, says Derrington.
Chartreuse is also big in Europe, where variations of green are
popular. When it comes to metallics, gold is taking over silver.

What can you expect to see coming to your neighborhood? Brown is being
used in every variation and is influencing the neutrals. White,
whether high-gloss, embellished or textured, is making a strong
showing along with black and white used together.

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