Following is a loose quote on what my friend and colleague wrote in his newsletter. Dean is the author of a respected book on color and has a wonderful training school  near New York, Dundean Studios. I thought you might like to hear about color trends, so…

“Hi Folks,
We hope the season finds us all busy with projects and looking forward to the new year.  All our marketing now should be targeted towards Spring 2012. Trendy colors for 2012 continue to be warm and cool greys from Taupe to Platinum.   Cadmium reds and gray, Sky blue and gray, Light purple and gray…you get the idea. The color prognosticators see warmer blues (towards violet) juxtiposed
with stark whites coming back along with burnt oranges as a wake-up color (think rust).  Golden yellows/browns are out as well as Olive greens.  Of course they also predicted this back in 2001 right before golden yellows became the biggest sellars but
this time I think it is accurate. Natural palette colors will continue to be the easiest sell with soft luster metallics like pearl for a contemporary and elegant flair.  Try a metallic texture in the same color as the walls for a subtle accent. Natural-looking and “green” materials have enjoyed a resurgence as “Old World” finishes have died off.  Weaves and striaes using textures are big sellers but be sure to  keep the millage or thickness to a minimum for easy reversibility.  Damask patterns and harlequin repeats are great for making long hallways more cozy.  They will also dress up an accent wall.  Keep them subtle and faded.  Put a subtle glaze over them or cover them in patches of glass beads for an over-the-top look. I have never found much use for trends and fads in colors but it is always good to sound like you are knowledgable.  The above opinions are my own and are to be  taken with a grain of salt.

Cheers,
Dean”