Now is the new year and the color trends for 2011 have started to emerge. Believe it or not, but many of the sweaters we wear this year, the napkins and tablecloths we buy, and the pillows we layer in will be surprisingly the same color. Thanks to the “color of the year”, a color and a few color palettes will stand out from the crowd and become the colors that will fill our closets, homes and lives without most of us noticing. Some may think it is a marketing tactic, but colors really do become part of the times. So when you look back 10 years from now, the color of the year will make “sense.”

Last year the color of the year was turquoise, a color that symbolizes healing and compassion. This color is inspired by the water and the sky and represents an escape for many people. So what could be next?

Well, Pantone has released the Color of the Year 2011 and it’s called “Honeysuckle” (Pantone 18-2120). This color is full of confidence, courage and bravery. Honeysuckle’s bold spirit will fill you up, lift you up, and keep you motivated all year long. Full of vibrancy and vigor, Honeysuckle can be a bold contrast to the escapism of turquoise. Honeysuckle makes us deal with everyday problems and face them squarely. It contradicts the gloomy economy and the overabundance of soft colors in today’s market. “During stressful times, a color like Honeysuckle lifts people’s spirits and stimulates people,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Caught between a hot pink and a red, honeysuckle can be easily worn by both men and women. It’s a bold, eye-catching shade that looks good both day and night and will add lively flair to interior spaces when used on walls, pillows, bedspreads, small appliances, and table accessories.

Honeysuckle is an updated color that adds a bold and dynamic feel when used in large areas of a home such as an entryway, bedroom, or living room. It is perfect for use on artisan house plans. When used in the kitchen or dining room, it will stimulate your appetite. But, a great way to incorporate this color into the kitchen is to use it with placemats, bedding, glassware, candles, and even small appliances. If you need to cover old or shabby cabinets, try painting them with honeysuckle. Or, for an even bolder statement, paint an accent wall in Honeysuckle for a lively blast of energy in the kitchen, hallway, or living room.

Because Honeysuckle is probably considered a more feminine color, it may not be a decorator’s first choice when trying to organize a home to sell on the real estate market, but if the Honeysuckle color is used in subtle touches, the home in sale will. stand out from the crowd.

Other color palettes that will shine

Create a light-hearted, cheerful home by using a citrus yellow hue. Not only will it radiate positive energy, but it will keep your mood pleasant. Make your home interesting and use this color in unexpected areas such as a dresser or dining room. It also looks fantastic mixed with a soft blue and khaki color. Research has shown that yellow is uplifting, helping people fight fatigue, limiting anxiety, enhancing relaxation, and maintaining a positive mood. Who wouldn’t want that every day?

With the return of vintage, smoky violets, deep browns or burgundy, berry colors, and even bronze will transform your home interior into something rich and elegant. Elegant and sophisticated, combine these colors with dark wood furniture and leather upholstery and your home will exude style.

The complete opposite in many respects to the vintage color palette is the palette inspired by the country house plans. With today’s societal sentiment of trying to “go back to basics,” this color palette uses the colors often seen at a farmers market for inspiration. Playful oranges, leafy greens, bold blues, and textured browns will give your home that earthy, back-to-nature feel.

Last year, turquoise was the color of the year and symbolized a getaway, so if you want to stick with that fantasy, but switch gears a bit for 2011, why not try translucent colors with a pearl or satin finish? Creamy whites, soft grays and neutral sage tones will make your home feel like an escape while adding a soft retro feel.

Going back to basics in the way we live in 2011 will also resonate with another color palette that includes tribal colors and many other earth tones. The concept of “tribe” reflects the concept of today’s communities and reflects the importance of the people around us. Rich oranges, browns, indigo blues, and curries will dominate this palette and add excitement to any interior space in your home.

As you can see, 2011 is going to be a very diverse year. Whether you’re looking for new vacation home plans or just a way to renovate your current residence, you may find something exciting. From explosive pink hues to soft silvery gray hues, there is something for everyone in these color palette trends.