10 Top Spring 2011 Color Trends

Each year the elements of our lives are a bit different. During 2011, we've heard that the economy is still lagging, but is pushing forward. We're getting our minds back in order after the terrible shooting in Tucson. So although the folks of our nation are pressing forward, we aren't out of the woods.

Spring gives us hope and brings new life.

We look forward to new green shoots pushing through the dirt and the beautiful pale to bright colors of spring.

We know why red is the prominent February color. It's bright, cheery and helps us to feel more energetic during a time when we can barely stand one more cold wintry day. We pull a bit of the red with us as spring comes. Sometimes we vary the hue to put some new colors in our home or our wardrobe.

That brings us to the top color trends of spring 2011.

Honeysuckle is the number one spring color. This blended pink color will give us a lift. It will be great for cosmetics, a spark in our wardrobe, and many will use honeysuckle as a great color for accenting their homes. A few of us will bring it on and paint an entire room pink or wear pink as a staple rather than a scarf or piece of jewelry. Look for lots of pink purses.

Regatta blue is on the opposite side of the scale. Men claim blue as their number one color and for women it's number two. Blues are mostly calming as we think of the blue skies and waters.

Coral rose is number three and it seems to be a color you either love or hate. Many would rather have the straight pinks or oranges, but this blend looks well on many of us and it blends well with other tropical colors. Coral rose is truly a spring-like take on the more vivid oranges or pinks. We note the many spring flowers of this color.

Honey yellow claims the number four color spot. This is a turn from the bright yellows often seen in summer and will blend very well with the colors already mentioned. Some yellow in your wardrobe or your home seems to bring the sunshine with you to share with others.

Peapod green is a green color with just a slight mix of yellow. With these yellow greens we immediately think of new beginnings and the new plant life pushing its way into our being. We can hardly wait for the tulips to poke through or the trees to bud. You will likely get lots of positive comments if you wear peapod green early in the springtime.

Blue turquoise just a bit more blue than the turquoise of the past season is sure to please most everyone. It reminds us of the beautiful tropical waters and you will likely find this color throughout the stores. The blue side of turquoise is often seen in bigger spaces inside homes as it is easier on the eye than the bright turquoise.

Russet can be a darker neutral color that goes well with all of the above colors. Russet looks great on the variety of skin tones that we bring to the stores and cosmetic counters. The pink tone softens the sometimes more harsh colors of brown.

Silver peach is the light neutral of the 2011 spring colors. This spring color adds a tint of brightness to the basic silver/gray color and blends easily. It is also a great background color for those great tropical blends above.

Lavender is the toned down bright purple color that was so popular during the winter of 2010. If the pinks don't look so great on your skin, adding the blue touch of lavender probably will make you come alive. Many of the spring flowers are lavender. The color is muted and bright at the same time and feels very comfortable for many of us. A pop of lavender in your home seems to make it more inviting. At the same time wearing some lavender often makes you seem more friendly.

Everyone will have their favorites. Maybe your favorite is the traditional red, white and blue of spring. The coming alive and blending of the various colors and hues of those colors gives the world and everyone in it a lift for our well-being. Go for a big splash, if you will, or perhaps you just want that little pop of spring. Enjoy!

These color choices were pulled from various pantone internet sites and include my own commentary.