Dunn-Edwards Releases its Color and Design Trend Report

LOS ANGELES - (May 7, 2013) Dunn-Edwards Paints^®' latest trend report, Simply Enlightenment 2014 provides a look at key colors and design trends we'll see next year, and how social, culture, and demographic changes influence these trends. Sara McLean, color expert and blogger at specs+spaces^®, explains that the palette is rich in earthy colors, with influences from the depths of the ocean to the vast skies above, with blues threading throughout.

“As we continue to experience a period of Renaissance, noted in our 2013 trend report, we are beginning to see a new age of enlightenment; a rebirth of the age of reason. Using science and technology in new, inspiring ways is helping to reshape the American lifestyles, promote intellectual revelations and reject the old ideas.” Simply Enlightenment 2014 features four key color and design trends: EN-ergy deciphered, EN-joy the memories, EN-chanting utopia, EN-deavor the cosmic connection.

EN-ergy deciphered is inspired by the need to seek order out of chaos. With a respect for nature's rawness, the forces of nature decide the shapes and textures in this design through pressure, compression and erosion. We reflect on man's impact on the planet, showing the significant changes to the landscape. EN-ergy deciphered focuses on the latest neutral trends, inspired by warm stone coloring, mineral elements, the absolute of architecture and post-industrial neutrals that have a worn look, aged by nature's elements.

EN-joy the memories captures the memories of the past, reflecting on the last true or real pre-tech era, 1960s and 1970s. This is a feel-good story with a joyful and playful take on color and lifestyle. As California transitions towards leading many American lifestyle brands and trends and European trends become less meaningful to Americans, we see what is “cool” in our own backyard. Colors are inspired by the pre-tech Polaroid images, with the invention and trend of Instagram. These colors are vintage, filtered light palettes showcasing nostalgia for California cool.

EN-chanting utopia provides an abundance of color and beauty, inspiring us to world travels. Noted for its intense coloring and extravagant designs, global backdrops include Sochi, Russia and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for upcoming world events. Russian color palettes exude deeper, oily hues and textiles are saturated and over-dyed with aged gold accents. Brazilian color palettes are influenced by plumage, exotic and jungle prints as well as sparkle and shine. We continue the search around the globe for inspiration.

EN-deavor the cosmic connection takes us on a journey to the skies above and oceans below. In design and architecture, demand increases for places of quiet contemplation in our hectic worlds. And as the search continues for peace, we forge new frontiers in outer space and in the water, which provide natural wonders and discoveries. 2014 carries us beyond and colors exude this transition with mineral pure color and hues of the sea. Blues play a key role, and are inspired by sky blues to deep ocean blues as well as watercolor surfaces and whitened blues representing wind, air and clouds.

To view or download the entire 2014 color and design trends report, click here.