The first sighting came in the dead of winter, a sight for sore eyes in parts of the country weary of drab, vegetation-challenged landscapes. Eye-popping color and bold patterns, the likes of which are usually embraced in summer months, were all over Pottery Barn bedding and furnishings and in other catalogs, as well.
It was more than a hint of renewal. It was unexpected, coming months before the arrival of outdoor palettes generally associated with grilling, sunning and summer fun.
These were not furnishings assigned only to the outdoors. And the brilliant, sometimes neon, hues have continued to show themselves in home designs.
Most recently at the spring High Point, N.C., furniture market, there were microbursts of color — splashes of coral, lime, fuchsia, robin’s-egg blue and primrose yellow.
There were watermelon toiles at Highland House furniture, and electric yellows at Shine Home. Even Los Angeles designer Barbara Barry wove persimmon accents into her Realized line at Henredon, known for sage and baby blues that she has skillfully morphed into beige-equivalent neutrals.
One thing is certain. In spite of sometimes-glum economic news, the outlook for color in home interiors is bright, according to color forecasters.
