Colour themes for 2008

The four strongest trends identified by our ColourFutures experts for 2008 have been named 'Explorer', 'Growing Respect', 'Ebb & Flow' and 'Art Form'.

For each theme, an associated palette of colours is proposed.

While not a colour scheme in themselves, they can be used as a starting point for a project based around the chosen theme.

Explorer
Growing respect
Ebb and flow
Art form

Explorer

This theme is about travel to collect experience not banal tourism; a blend of different cultures which, like fusion music, give a new perspective; a youthful adventure to 'capture the moment'.

The palette perfectly captures this diverse mixture of influences; sometimes plastic, sometimes natural, sometimes chalky - it is used with a sense of joyous abandon without due concern as to whether the combinations are 'tasteful' or not.

Growing respect

This theme emerges from the yearning for a time when life was simpler and communities were supportive and sustainable.

This sense of responsible simplicity and respect is reflected in a palette that balances the weathered mid-tones of bark, shale, rust and mustard with the paler botanical shades of pollen, apple and moss.

Ebb and flow

This theme is inspired by the molecular aspects of water in terms of its movement, colour and reflectivity and its ability to carve out organic forms of great sculptural complexity and beauty.

These shades are both ultra contemporary and timeless - a layering of tones and hues that allow our imagination to swim free.

Art form

This theme is inspired by the Modernist movement of the last century and Bauhaus in particular. Warm dusty greys are offset by hints of yellow - lemon, mustard and mimosa. Their use is disciplined and the overall effect is one of seamless, open and welcoming simplicity that offers a visually challenging concept of stillness.