I’m glad to put 2009 behind me and begin not only a new year but a new decade as well. 2010 brings it’s own color trends, which we can use in planning our floral arrangements. Here’s a look at what to expect.

The trends that are seen in home furnishings and décor can provide clues as to how we can coordinate our floral designs so they become an integral part of
the room’s decorating scheme.

Considering that we’re coming out of the most severe recession since the Great Depression, these colors are surprisingly rich and opulent. One of the most definite trends is seen in the jewel tones. These are enjoying a revival. This is especially the case with emerald green.

At the home and furniture shows around the country some of the predominant colors in home furnishings were in the purple range—particularly the lavender and purple range.

Color trends also showed up in polls taken at garden centers in certain areas of the country. According to the polls, 37% of people chose purple as their preferred color.

As an overall color trend for 2010 the colors are becoming brighter and richer. In general the palette will be warm and natural, and will include a rich array of different shades. Royal Blue is expected to be one of the favorites.

The colors of 2010 will be very luminous, and will draw on many rich sources for inspiration. These sources include glass, jewels, gemstones, liquids, and metals. Metallics, including both gold and silver, will be seen in all sorts of furnishings and products for the home.

Gemstones were also seen at the home shows. This offers floral designers a chance to pick up the colors in the gemstones and repeat these in glass and marbles as well as in the containers that we choose for our floral designs.

The neutrals and whites will be used in 2010. But the new decade is lending its own twist to these traditional workhorses of home décor. For summer, the white will be a warm and natural shade. Other neutrals will have a cool, soft tint. Other popular neutrals will be yellowed parchment and paper white.

These colors can find many uses in our floral designs in 2010. These can appear in the containers as well as in the flowers, other floral materials, ribbons, and bows.

So far as the styles are concerned, the Oriental is expected to be very strong. But, don’t expect this to be minimalist for it isn’t. This style can be used to convey various moods from the contemplative and meditative to the austere. So get out your Ikebana books and start practicing.