Discount Interior Design Ideas: Colors to Calm the Money Challenged

Duralee Spice Fabrics Baker Milling Road Spot Table

Newel Design's Gazelle Sideboard

Motif Designs' Atlanta Chair

Most trend experts are predicting that the current economic downturn will be one of the key factors in determining the "it" color schemes for 2010. As people are feeling more stressed and uncertain than every before about their jobs and finances, colors are trending towards:

Calming and predictable neutral shades and greens found in nature;
Earthy, spice colors and metallics that evoke total escape into the far-away and exotic; and,
Bright, unexpected colors that represent rebellion against the current depression.

Usually, we all tend to become more concerned with the longevity of our bigger ticket items when money is tight. We will instinctively choose more neutral furniture, rugs, etc., but experts predicts that we'll see this natural tendency carry over into all areas of home decor. More and more, we want to play it safe.

Pantone's is the preeminent authority on color matching, measuring, and trending. Their take on our need to neutralize the stress of our daily lives is seen in their Tinged Neutral palette in which the tones include comforting names such as olive gray, taupe gray,

silver gray, charcoal gray, tea, bog, champagne beige, and angora. According to Pantone, it will be "in" to tinge some of these neutrals with hints of blue or green. While I agree that we will see a dominant return to neutrals, I don't think they will be quite as drab as some experts predict. As shown below, some of the Pantone colors may be so low-key that they may potentially be a "downer" instead of a calming element.