2021 Colour Trend Forecast
Unlike the fashion industry, where prescribed, on-trend colours are eagerly anticipated at the start of each season, colour trends for interiors are not always as easy to predict. We often look to pioneers in style and design innovation for inspiration such as Bauhaus during the 1920s & '30s. Postmodernism design emerged in the early 1970s, celebrating the unconventional use of salvaged and distressed objects. In the 1980s, distressed paint effects and shabby chic interior design style ruled with the help of vivid theatrical, even flashy colours were heavy trends. ~Think Miami Vice mirrored sunglasses and vivid pastels, and Tom Dixon's iconic copper shade are prime examples.
In 2020, our perception and understanding of the impacts that natural environments have on us as individuals, translated into a requirement for interior colours to reflect nature. "Hue cues" from Mother Nature help us build colour themes and design that create serene and calming surroundings. The use of rich accent colours evoke images like rocky landscapes, tropical blooms, and ocean waves, providing feelings of warmth and optimism.
As the year draws to a close, we have joined forces with colour trend expert Laura Trowsdale to provide insight into what she believes, will influence and inspire 2021 colour trends. Here's what she had to say:
“The 21/22 season continues to find inspiration in the natural world. Despite current conversations on climate change being overshadowed by the socio-economic issues surrounding the global pandemic, sustainability and eco-responsibility remain of utmost importance. The pandemic has and will act as a catalyst for… values to shift, and we as consumers will seek comfort, security, positivity and reassurance,” said Trowsdale.
“The natural shades within the palette with their connotations to earth offer much-needed stability whilst little injections of brighter hues offer optimism and hope.” Laura further explained how “Nuances of tone and texture also add an element of the unexpected in a modern utilitarian, yet natural aesthetic.”
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Laura is a textile designer and trend researcher trained in woven design, with a First Class BSc degree from the University of Huddersfield, UK. Laura has a diverse range of experiences with working for high street retailer Marks & Spencer, she has developed projects used in trend forecasting for varying industries, and most recently collaborating with design development teams at a silk weaving mill, in the UK.
If you enjoyed this forecast as much as we do, we invite you to follow Laura on her Instagram by clicking here or following her @lauratrowsdalecreative. To collaborate with Laura, connect and contact her through LinkedIn by clicking here.
Where do you find your
inspiration?
Or, what are some of your favourite influencers?
“As a designer and researcher I am constantly keeping an eye out for inspiration, increasingly over the last few years Instagram has been a great source of inspiration for me especially to seek out new and upcoming designers from across the globe. I have recently set up a creative Instagram account @lauratrowsdalecreative allowing me to keep anything I see in one place. I am also heavily inspired by visiting exhibitions and is something that I have really missed during lockdown. Examples include the annual London Design Festival, last year Kirkby Design transformed the interior of a former London Underground 1967 Victoria line carriage. Other stand out favourites include Breathing Colour by Dutch designer Hella Jongerius and the retrospective of Anni Albers at the Tate Modern.”
- Laura Trowsdale
Tell us about some of your design collaborations?
What previous projects are you most proud of & what does it reflect in you as a textile designer / colour researcher?
My favourite design collaboration was with the Society of Dyers and Colourists who partnered with Archroma. The theme of the project was ‘Colour Communication’ and was inspired by the growing importance of mental and physical well-being. The collection combined traditional leno weaving techniques and digital dye sublimation print.
All over gradations created a mesmerising impact, playing on optical perceptions and intrigue, allowing the viewer to question how the cloth had been created.
With strong links to digital detox and increased emphasis placed on experiences, the designs took inspiration from ‘ChromaYoga’ and an exhibition entitled ‘Harmonics in Space’ by Fred Butler at London’s NOW Gallery. The exhibition explored chromotherapy and light as an antidote to SAD – seasonal defective disorder – and to urban living. “We need a balance of all the colour vibrations in sunlight to nourish us energetically. As with shape Butler believes that colour has a profound affect on our moods, emotions and daily life”.
I completed this project in 2018 and at the time I envisioned the fabrics could be used within technical sportswear or offer new possibilities for zoning screens within the home or workplace - something which is very relevant in today’s times. I think it’s incredibly important as a designer to be aware of current issues even if the work created may not seem ‘relevant’ to the viewer at first instance.”
- Laura Trowsdale
*images by Laura Trowsdale references labelled on photos above
Last question…
Best practices or any final words to share with our audience?
“I think one of the best practices I have learnt is to keep a reference of the designers name or company that they represent if using their work in any of your own work. It’s important for creatives to get the recognition they deserve. Another one which perhaps isn’t a process but within the creative industry, I think collaboration is very important, even more so in these current times.”
- Laura Trowsdale
Are you ready to An·i·māte ?
Explore more with our
Universal Color® system.
Here you will be able to explore our colours and creating a palette of your own with our wide array of beautiful colors.
For design assistance or to set-up a consultation, please contact our Team of experts through our “Contact” page.
Be sure to join us again after the holiday on January 7th, 2021 for our next featurette. We will be showcasing two of our favourite product finishes - exclusive only to Universal Fibers.
We will also introduce you to our newest Team member, Narcis Alleyn.
