Crestwood Cabinetry, Inc.

Color Trends 2009

When it comes to putting color in your kitchen, it’s no easy task to balance the timeless tones with the trendy ones. An avocado green appliance might make your kitchen kitsch, but a bland mass of white paint is more boring than classic. So how does one choose a stylish shade with all this color confusion?

Thankfully, the Color Marketing Group, Pantone Color Institute, and Sherwin Williams have done that work for you. These color experts have announced their color trends for 2009 in palettes that promise to endure long after being en vogue. Their predictions set the tone in color trends for fashionistas, car manufacturers, graphic artists—and kitchen designers. Whether you’re repainting your walls, reupholstering your dining furniture, or picking an appliance in a new hue, now you too can take inspiration from these color trend reports.

Color in 2009 tackles a time of time transition with playful, optimistic hues. Check out the shades that color experts have identified as the hottest trends for the coming year.

Shades of Optimism

With transition on the horizon, color experts have identified a need for optimism as yellow emerges as a popular color choice in 2009. Yellow both comforts and invigorates, with popular shades ranging from a bright, greenish citron to a soothing, orange-toned mimosa. As a hue found in nature, yellow also signifies a vibrant continuation of environmental awareness in design. Expect yellow to pop up in kitchen design as walls go from buttercup to bold and appliances take on striking yellow finishes.

Venture Into Violet

Last year’s dark blues have deepened into shades of violet. With either blue or red undertones, purples make a strong design statement in bright accents. For a strong foundation color, choose muted shades of smoky mauve to create a more subtle look. Shades of violet will spring up on wall coverings, backsplashes and accent kitchen décor.

Bring On More Blue

Blue continues to make a strong impact on the design world this year. While the dark blue of 2008 has deepened into purple, bright and light blues remain at the forefront of color design. Evoking the colors of sky and water, blue represents a commitment to environmental living. In addition to wall coverings, look for these shades on tiles and window treatments as a nod to their aerial and aquatic influences.

Signs of Greying

While the nature influences of past years won’t disappear, themes of technical advancement and industrial decay begin moving to the vanguard of design. As a result, gray appears as the new neutral for 2009. Found along both warm and cool gradients, gray bridges the gap between black and brown in a soothing transition. Expect muted metallic finishes on fixtures and gray concrete countertops to dominate kitchens this year. 

Brightness in Small Doses

Bright punches of color will continue to brighten up the kitchen as small accents this year. While red will remain a popular choice for these vivid bursts, cousins orange and pink emerge as striking choices that evoke Middle Eastern and Asian influences. Try these hues on small kitchen appliances or kitchen linens.