Colour of the year 2011 – Citrus Yellow

Each year, the world-renowned colour authority Pantone selects a colour of the year [for 2011 a pinkish red named Honeysuckle] And so does Akzo Nobel! In it’s yearly report Colour Futures, an international group of creative experts in the field of design, architecture and fashion present their ideas about how trends and colours are developing. The current year’s colour, 2010′s, was an airy blue. The colour of the year 2011 is, according to Akzo Nobel, a light, airy, citrus yellow.

Whilst Pantone is speaking of courage and about facing everyday troubles in 2011, Akzo Nobel has chosen a colour that encapsulates a mood of hope and optimism. It’s a carefree, vitamin packed shot of purity and freedom. It conveys a feeling of ‘fizzy sherbet, new growth, relaxed fun and the goodness and vitality of sunshine’.

Yellow in colour psychology terms is  associated with warmth and sunshine. Light and airy yellows are recognized as being refreshing, cheering and uplifting. They are good at promoting communication and learning, helping to combat fatigue and depression whilst at the same time engendering feelings of wellbeing and positive thought. This specific colour, H1.18.84 – 89YY 78/269, has a slight green edge that gives it newness over egg yolk tones of yellow and reflects our appreciation of nature and man-made materials, as it feels both organic and technological. Ideal colour combinations are true cool neutrals, deepest berry violets, crisp blues or airy sorbet pastels.

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