Before I go into the popular colors for this year, let me clue you in on a little something I learned while in the fashion industry. Did you know that there are Color Forecasters at Color Forecasting Agencies that decide, months (even years!) in advance, what the specific color shades and tints will be for any given season and/or year? Did you know that many important and prominent design-related houses and manufacturers subscribe to this service so they make garments and housewares in *the right* colors for each season? Crazy, right? Its true.

Have you ever noticed that the same shade of sage green was offered at the height of the Shabby Chic fad from everything to t-shirts to bed sheets? Or that the same impossible shade of Robbins Egg Blue could be found in everything from floor rugs to desk accessories to scarves during the Brown and Blue craze? (I realize that some people are still subscribing to that trend, so its not “done” yet- I do have to admit it is a nice color combination.) When I first learned this as a young undergrad, I felt a little betrayed. Did I really have zero control over what I chose for myself and my home? Maybe this is the reason I’m not an overly trendy person, and why I generally subscribe to classic and timeless rather than flash-in-the-pan.

Talking about popular colors for any given year or season comes with a grain of salt, and I would also like to restate that I do not agree with implementing trends into your home unless it fits your style. With that said, lets talk about some color trends or 2009! Even if your space is already designed, you can add a little “pick me up” and incorporate new ideas and trends in small doses (think about that powder room you need to address, or your walk in closet that could use a color shot, or the guest room you are never quite sure what to do with).

According to my fashion and interior design sources, as well as my observations at “to-the-trade” showrooms for the design industry, here is what to expect for 2009:

-Gray will act as a dominant neutral, and perhaps the most important color, in both residential and commercial spaces, as well as fashion.

-Intense colors will tone down to more restrained and tonal shades.

-Blues will have a slight undertone of violet (in other words, they will lean more purple).

-Yellows and greens will be more yellow-based (think avocado), and some will have a touch of blue, too (think green gemstone shades like emerald).

-Neutrals will be inspired by nature such as stone, wood, and natural textiles like linen and pure cotton.

-Grays will range from light to dark and be utilized as a major neutral. The “it” grays will be warm (brown will be used to warm it up), and a true, medium toned, dove gray will also take center stage. Very cool and washed out grays will not be as important.

-Purple is huge and will be abundant this year. Shades of eggplant and aubergine will pop up and mix with neutrals such as gray and brown.

-True, vibrant yellows will also be important for 2009, in both interiors and fashion.

Now that you know the forecast, you will start noticing these trends in the marketplace. A great way to incorporate a new color is by mixing in accessories, changing out bedding, revamping throw pillows and throw blankets and painting up your space. Grab a fan deck to play with all the exciting colors and imagine ways to incorporate a new color in your space- have fun with it!

This article was written by Janelle Steinberg, an interior designer and guest blogger of MyPerfectColor.com. Since there are often many different styles and methods of doing things, the views expressed in this article may or may not correspond to the official recommendations of the MyPerfectColor.com staff. MyPerfectColor feels it is important to present its readers with differing viewpoints so readers can get the best advice for their particular needs.