Collection including color trends from Pantone. Honeysuckle as one of the new color trends for 2011-2012. Summary of the last years color trends. Color palettes for 2012.

Color trends: Color of the Year 2011

Energizing Honeysuckle Lifts Spirits and Imparts Confidence to Meet Life’s Ongoing Challenges

While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.

Pantone appears to have decided on the 2012 color by choosing to focus on a more “bold, refreshing and rejuvenating” mood as a relief from the difficulty the country has been through with the economy the past couple of years.

Pinks, and other bright neon colors were also given the nod by Pantone for various reasons; one being that pink is associated with breast cancer awareness.

You can download the Photoshop swatches from Pantone’s website

To read the Pantone’s Press Release about the color of 2011  click here.

How did the color trends prediction changed in the last 12 years?

Details of the colors for each year

• Color of the Year 2000: Cerulean Blue – Chosen for the millennium for its calming Zen state of mind
• Color of the Year 2001: Fuchsia Rose – A reversal from the previous year, more exciting, more feminine color.
• Color of the Year 2002: True Red – Recognizes the impact of 9/11 with a patriotic hue.
• Color of the Year 2003: Aqua Sky – A cool blue meant to restore hope and serenity.
• Color of the Year 2004: Tiger Lily – Acknowledges the hipness of orange with a touch of exoticism.
• Color of the Year 2005: Blue Turquoise – Reversal to a more calming shade
• Color of the Year 2006: Sand Dollar – A neutral color expresses concern about the economy
• Color of the Year 2007: Chili Pepper – Chosen for its pizzazz and sophistication.
• Color of the Year 2008: Blue Iris - Mix of blue and purple, suggests dependability and magic.
• Color of the Year 2009: Mimosa – Warm, cheerful shade, sparks imagination and innovation.
• Color of the Year 2010: Turquoise – Inviting, luminous hue inspiring soothing thoughts and tropical water.
• Color of the Year 2011: Honeysuckle – Uplifting and optimistic.

What are the Color Trends for 2012?

9 Pantone color palettes for visual inspiration for 2012 are: Nonchalance, Subtleties, Resilience, Indigo Effects, Transcending Time, Back to the Fuchsia, Reflections, Nouveau Neon and The Comics.

Nonchalance: a feeling of tranquility and relaxation with no suggestion of anxiety in the surroundings. The comforting pastel pinks, ethereal blues and soft egret white wrap us in carefree baby blanket colors, harmoniously blending with the more mature taupe, gray and grape tones.

Subtleties: a connectivity between the color families, sliding effortlessly into a seamless collection of hues. Effortless and compatible: hazy coral, soft yellow green, faded rose, stonewashed blue and tinges of gray and green set against a tasteful brown earthy red.

Resilience: sustenance and solidity in a range of natural, outdoor shades. There are nuances of the deepest browns, varietal mushroom tones, foliage green and greenish yellow. A dash of flamingo orange adds an exotic touch to this otherwise organic grouping.

Indigo Effects : evokes depth – enveloping and protective, yet mysterious. The colors are variations on a blue theme – celestial and majestic blues, purpled and deep blue indigos – all deftly brushed with contrasting strokes of maroon, mauve and moody gray.

Transcending Time: represents continuity – inspirations from the past, both style and color-wise, which continue well into the future – containing hues that heirlooms are made of, including elegant wine and plum, warm beige and wood tones, as well as classic rose.

Back to the Fuchsia energizing, provocative mix of dancing reds, purples and pink, all highlighted by a variety of fuchsias. Accentuates and complements the hotter hues.

Reflections: tones and tints that spark the imagination: Turkish sea, blue moon, garnet, beluga, cloud dancer as well as the classic silver and gold.

Nouveau Neon: collection of exuberant shades that bring a fresh new perspective to combinations. Asian-inspired bamboo yellow-green plays with orange Popsicle® and berry purples, while citrus colors toy with pink and raspberry.

The Comics: whimsical, which brings a smile and creates the need to take some time to play. Ominous phantom black provides the backdrop for sulphuric yellow and fiery red. A flash of green provokes a strong blue while an inky cyan plays up to honeysuckle and primrose. It’s quirky joy and spontaneity.

I hope you enjoyed this collection and you find inspiration from it. My personal favorites are the Back to Fuchsia, Resilience and Subtleties. If you have any suggestion what else I should include this article, just drop me a line.