Designer Q&A
Tuned in to Color
Barb Slavkin, Allied Member ASID and president of June Roesslein Interiors, shares the most recent color news.
BY
Vicki Pickle
PHOTOGRAPHY
Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton

What was one of the most enlightening ideas that came out of the 2007 Color Market Group (CMG) conference?
Color, as an entity, has “taken on a conscience” and in a sense, has been given a name; by association, it has meaning beyond what is in front of us. And colors, such as: pink for breast cancer; red for AIDS in Africa; and green for the environment, are representative of causes that touch our lives.

How can consumers become more Earth-friendly?
This can be accomplished by the use of fabrics, carpets and paints, for example, that do not emit harmful toxins. Manufacturers are helping in this cause to educate buyers as to which products to consider using. It is our job to pay attention.

What can we learn about color and color trends?
Color doesn’t start and stop – it is constantly moving and changing. And all of the beautiful shades on the color spectrum continue to combine and complement each other for more interesting design.

What’s coming in 2008 in regard to color?
Special effects will be as important as color – with hammered, honed, flamed, burnished, antiqued and oxidized finishes, along with luminescent whites. Two classic colors – black and white – are intended to make a resurgence in 2008. Classic colors are best-selling colors that stay the same and have stayed strong in the market for a sustained period of time.

What was the most “eye-opening” news from the CMG in regard to the direction of color and color trends?
While design colors traditionally spring from the colors on the fashion runway, the current news is that the fashion industry will be seeking inspiration from both the architectural and automotive fields.


Designer Sketch: Barb Slavkin, ASID

Education:
Bachelor of Science from Indiana State University and Interior Design degree from St. Louis Community College at Meramec

Most proud of:
Member of the Color Marketing Group (CMG) – which allows me to track color with experts from around the globe.

Conferences I attended most recently:
Color Marketing Group conference & International Builders Show

The “new greens”:
Green has become more “blue” – combining the colors of the sea and the sky – and blue-greens are now so popular.

What’s huge right now:
Opposites: luxury/simplicity; matte/gloss; contemporary/traditional; black/white