If color trends are inspired by emotions

In the color trends for 2021, plenty of space has been devoted to tones directly correlated with neuro-aesthetics: let’s find out how and why

The palette for the 2021 is an engaging rainbow of warm, deep hues. A far cry from the tones that dominated in 2020, where there had been more space for cool, forceful tones, representing a society in conflict, in pursuit of balance. There is a close connection between the emerging movements of society and the colors that set chromatic trends: the research and interpretations have been carried out by ColorWorks®, and grouped in 4 macro-themes, or Stories, literally translated into 20 colors (5 per story) to reflect the spirit of each theme (read the complete article).

If Dumb numb and C-True – namely the first two Stories of ColorForward™ 2021 – address, in one case, the extensive dependency on screens and digital devices that makes human relationships into a privileged action, in the other, the research examines the distrust of the society regarding information and brands, and hence a growing demand for authenticity and transparency, the third Sense Appeal puts the accent on neuro-aesthetics.

Every human action is connected to emotions. A factor big companies are trying to quantify and analyze through technology to get more connected with consumers. Researchers working in the discipline known as ‘neuro-aesthetics’ are attempting to identify the systems and mechanisms of our brain that respond to aesthetic input (color, design, visual art, architecture, music…), to find out how human beings react.

The palette of colors to identify this trend spreads through a soft coral pink of the emotional intelligence to a metallic green; then comes the intense violet, the orangey shiny copper and apparently white hue that contains pigments of copper nuances.

Chester Line by Poltrona Frau
Chester Line by Poltrona Frau

Poltrona Frau | Chester Line
The Chester Line family is growing up with new two curved sofas, with and without armrests. The classic sofa with its sculpted design becomes a genuine system of modular sofas with various different elements: chaise longue and armchair, pouf and now two corner elements.

Tile Tale by Wall&decò, Design Studiopepe
Tile Tale by Wall&decò, Design Studiopepe

Wall&decò | Tile Tale
Reinterpreting the modernist aesthetic of the 1980s, the Tile Tale paper by Studiopepe takes up the iconic element of the tiles typical of many projects from that decade. A sort of trompe-l’oeil with a modern twist, a pattern of tiles creates a plane of cross-references to outline an idea of architecture.

Getlucky by Moroso, Design Patricia Urquiola - Photo © Alessandro Paderni
Getlucky by Moroso, Design Patricia Urquiola – Photo © Alessandro Paderni

Moroso | Getlucky
The Getlucky armchair (design Patricia Urquiola) stands out for the simplicity of its forms. Created as a “dining” small armchair, its nature stands in its minimal shapes. A soft backrest wraps around the back like a ribbon before interweaving with the comfortable seat. Precise lines, which embody the grace of the sign and the elegance of shape.

Nadar by Rubelli - Photo © Beppe Brancato
Nadar by Rubelli – Photo © Beppe Brancato

Rubelli | Nadar
Nadar is a décor damask, flameproof and easy to use, connected with the world of nature. This time the reference is to the art of photography and its techniques. The lens is pointed at an expanse of flowers (waterlilies, perhaps), which when ‘printed’ become vaguely floral, rarefied and blurred forms.

Papercut by Wall&deco, Design Studio Salaris & Sans Nom Studio
Papercut by Wall&deco, Design Studio Salaris & Sans Nom Studio

Wall&decò | Papercut
A multitude of fragmented forms – restructured and casually reassembled in several layers – generate new imagery and graphic compositions. The Papercut collection is a material wall which, live a canvas, becomes a place of formal experimentation. Designed by Studio Salaris & Sans Nom Studio.