Look at all the pretty colors

Each year Pantone comes out with their guidebook, which includes their guesses about what the trendy colors for the upcoming year will be. I don't know why I find this interesting, but I've always been fascinated with colors and what aspects of a particular hue make it the most popular. Does it relate to something culturally in the world? Who starts the trends? What makes a color that's so popular one year be totally shunned the following? I'm also interested in how colors relate to interior design and also graphic design. I was hyped up to take this "color theory for interior decorating" course this summer and then I found out it was only offered during the year and since I have to start the job search by August I can't take it! Anyway, according to the folks at Pantone, the trends this year include:



Simply Elegant: Color treatments are equally unique in beautiful blends of mahogany and silvered mink, silvery blues, elegant purples and deep bronzed tones set off by the glint of pale gold, frosty almond and copper.

Classic Chic: Gray provides a real presence in both light and deeper tones, while the sister shade of silver and a lustrous champagne add a glamorous sparkle. A mineralized yellow and a sensuous red bring a ripple of excitement to cappuccino brown. A classic palette would not be complete without the ubiquitous yang and yen of black and white, often used with the cappuccino colors.

Melange: In addition to the warm fruit flavors, and feeding the need for fresh, vital combinations, there is a toasty tan, a vibrant poppy red, a vivacious yellow, a balancing blue –– all well–grounded by a rustic khaki.

Grass Roots: Grass Roots starts with the variations on a green theme, moves on to mineral blue and various wood tones that are enhanced by unexpected mixes including grape, rose and terra cotta.

Light Touch: Take the classic pastels of foamy aquas and greens, pinks and lavenders, powdery blues, sun–tinged yellows and angora whites to the next level by infusing them with a touch of champagne, or by introducing the sophistication of a silvery gray or rosy taupe.


With college graduation looming, I had to make a decision about where I was going to live after I move out from my apartment. My options were to find a cheap apartment somewhere in LA and pick up a few roommates or to move back home. After much back and forth, I decided to move home for several reasons. I want to take a little breather this summer and spend May-August perfecting my portfolio and creating new projects so I don't end up ruining my chances of being hired at a place I really want to work at. I'll also being taking classes in motion graphics and letterpress. Secondly, if I live at home, I'll save a huge amount on rent and food and utilities. It means having to put up with fucking republican yuppie Valencia when i'd be much happier in Silverlake or somewhere cooler and artsier, but I've already resigned myself to the fact that I'll have no life for a year because I'll be working so much. It'd be nice to commute for the first year and be able to make a dent in the student loans while saving up for furniture and my own apartment. I'm worried if I do it any other way, I won't be able to do it all and end up living in a box. This means I'll be spending the first few weeks majorly overhauling my bedroom so I can fit all my college stuff into the room without having to live on a pile of crap. Maybe I should use the pantone color trend guide to decide what color to paint.