As we head into a new decade, the color trends 2020 are already waiting to spring into action. The biggest color trends for 2020 not only send a message, but really speak up, whether they’re bold and brave or soft and subtle.
First impressions are everything, and color can often make an impression even before a shape, a word or a spelled-out message. In a consumer-driven culture, color can make or breake a brand persona. While some classic color palettes are here to stay, there are many design settings where distinct shades will continue to evolve. Color trends are no different from fashion trends, design trends and more—they’re fast-paced and ever-shifting.
Origin: https://99designs.com/blog/trends/color-trends/
Here are the top 8 color trends we can expect to see in 2020:
- Glowing neons
- Transparent color overlays
- Futuristic color schemes
- Vintage-inspired palettes with a modern twist
- “Dark mode” color schemes
- Unique monochromatic color palettes
- Colors that carry meaning
- Classic Blue—Pantone’s color of the year 2020
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1. Glowing neons
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Sure, exploring color trends is all about looking to the future, but in doing so, we also look to the past for inspiration. This is because many design and style trends are cyclical. The trends can go away, reappear, then go away again in a heartbeat.
Color trends for 2020 are pulling from one of our favorite decades: the 80s. Everyone remembers tapered jeans, feathered bangs, the Care Bears and “Thriller.” But color-wise, the name of the game was neon and it’s on the rise once again. Neon sign-inspired colors don’t necessarily have to be fluorescent and blinding. Whether they’re bright or deep, it’s the outline which creates a luminous effect.
The Game Academy logo design by elASTROlabio
Geil branding design by makimay
Sci-fi typography logo design by Kroks
Single lined RM symbol design by Mazymaze
There is a lot of demand for the aesthetics of the 1980s. The heritage of the 80s lives on because people are collecting and consuming vinyl, cassette tapes, video game consoles, vintage computers, arcade machines and pinball machines again. – Bo_rad, Top Level designer at 99designs
Neon sign colors feel right at home in a variety of design settings such as packaging, book covers or logos. The glowing finish catches the eye without going completely overboard. So go ahead, bust out that retro flamingo light and put it on display. It’s right on trend.
Creature Music logo design by Kinetec
Grow Warrior logo design by Doris Gray
Book cover design by kellydid
Lovers & Neighbors Book Cover design by nevergohungry
Thirst kitchen logo design by A3”
Neon fabric markers packaging design by ankepanke
Arena logo design by Vi.
Joystick logo design by bo_rad
2. Transparent color overlays
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Remember how we said trends were cyclical? Well, they’re also evolutionary. As one trend develops, it can lead to another noteworthy trend. In past years, we saw lots of pastels, which have evolved into a trend of layered, see-through color and transparent color overlays. The layered effect feels lightweight and subtle, while also remaining deep and visually intriguing. Due to the intricate layering involved in the blend of colors, it works best in flat settings like posters, album covers, book covers or murals.
The overlay trend has lasting appeal in that it creates interesting, unexpected visual effects. At times, it’s almost glowing. It’s complex, but approachable. Each time a viewer sees a design of this nature, they may notice a different nuance to its composition. Design-wise, this is the gift that keeps on giving.
The Security book cover by Cakamura
Color Talk packaging design by zelda zgonck
My Place Among Men book cover by Dissect Designs
‘Say what you say’ album artwork by šaška™
3. Futuristic color schemes
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The isometric trend has been going strong for a while, and it has now blossomed into futuristic color schemes within various designs which are simultaneously flat and 3D (yep, it’s possible). Saturated blues, rich purples and blazing pinks have taken the futuristic look to another level. The result feels fresh, multi-dimensional and fun in a visionary way.
Futuristic color schemes and designs will be on trend next year, continuing with the isometric trend and bringing in colors like blues and purples and hot pink to give designs that futuristic glowing feel. – Adrianne Mesnard, Art Director at 99designs
Remember: “futuristic” doesn’t have to mean self-driving cars, bitcoin and virtual reality. It can be evoked through a strategically placed palette which evokes a dimensional, glowing aesthetic.
Namaste T-shirt design by Monkeii
Cannabis Gummy Candy packaging by Terry Bogard
UI/UX design by Hazki
Color Rhythm Fashion design by Chrisyang Coco
Wxrdtales websign design by MercClass
Inkyy web page design by MercClass
4. Vintage-inspired palettes with a modern twist
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Vintage-inspired colors take us back to a simpler time—and honestly, it’s a much-needed throwback to an era when we didn’t spend hours upon hours staring at our phones. Remember that?
I think the vintage style with modern elements and colors (and vice versa) will be very strong in the next year. – KisaDesign, Top Level designer at 99designs
Sure, there’s nothing new about vintage, but what makes it noteworthy for 2020 is the updated, modern approach to established ways. It’s all about taking something we know and love and making it even better. Picture muted, retro-style colors like mustard and cream, then imagine them in a fresh setting with interesting contrasts, pops of bright or pastel colors, minimalist shapes and sans-serif fonts. It’s like sifting through grandpa’s basement but only taking the really, really good stuff home to display on the mantle. Vintage yet absolutely modern-looking.
Art deco poster design by green in blue
Jus Solis poster design by CUPEDIUM
Vintage-style label design by Agi Amri
Multimalt can design by Blukki
Branding for spirits producer design by OtomPotom
Vocab logo design by SilverFox Design
Farmers Union Coffee Roasters logo design by CBT
Country Ranch popcorn packaging by Milena Milosavljevic
5. “Dark mode” color schemes
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Dark mode grants the user the ability to experience an interface which is predominantly black or grey instead of white. The contrast allows for fascinating color combinations with saturated colors that pop on the dark background. Dark mode has become incredibly popular in web and app design. It’s easier on the eyes, more energy-efficient, and it also feels less harsh in environments with low lighting. But in 2020 dark color schemes aren’t restricted to websites anymore, we’ll see them basically everywhere.
Dark backgrounds make design elements stand out more, creating a higher contrast ratio with the use of other colors, but still improving visual ergonomics by reducing eye strain. – DarkDesign Studio, Top Level designer at 99designs
In continuing the trend, this aesthetic has also been front and center on several hit TV shows which feature a vintage and/or dystopian theme (do Stranger Things, Handmaid’s Tale and Black Mirror ring a bell?). It’s a winner, really. You can achieve the aesthetic by aiming for dark, edgy and gloomy color schemes with deep accents of color.
Drum and Space poster by Shwin
Growing Up book cover by deselect
Bond + Kingsley branding by Ian Dougl
as
A Midsummer Night’s Dream poster by Shwin
Music data app design by Tikusmati
Email app design by Adam Muflihun
6. Unique monochromatic color palettes
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Nothing says harmony like a monochromatic color scheme embracing many shades of the same color family. It’s easy to look at, simple to comprehend and it just feels right. Monochrome designs are a timeless trend that will never go away. But in 2020, designers are venturing away from simple black and white designs, focussing on more unique color families.
This color trend allows designers to boost their variation, contrast and interest while maintaining balance and unity. Another perk: this trend is tidy, but not nearly as one-dimensional as ordinary black-and-white designs. It offers a splash of color without being too colorful—basically, a win-win.
Website background design by LittleFox
Resonate logo design by sheva™
Your Default Settings book cover by Mky
Geometric wings design by svart ink
Lunaris logo design by Terry Bogard
Pronto coffee label by Mila Katagarova
7. Colors that carry meaning
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Think about today’s digital world: it’s cold, disconnected and often impersonal. To counteract this, we need colors which carry meaning—colors which move us. The meaningful color trend does just that by offering carefully placed colors which convey meanings and feelings.
Think about the strategic shade of red in the logo and branding for the American Heart Association. The red heart is a trigger, but in a good way. The color creates an emotional connection with the viewer, emphasizing the overall importance of the design.
To utilize meaningful colors in your next design—be thoughtful. Think about the shade of the color and place it strategically, so it can convey a meaningful message.
Australian wine label design by green in blue
Illusione illustration by Ales Brce
Tools of Titans book cover by nevergohungry
Brewbirds movie poster design by subsiststudios
The Dream Bean Machine logo design by Dudeowl
Mountain scene T-shirt design by Dudeowl
Collision of love and hate album cover by Gundriveth
Beautiful Boy book cover by Proi
Poetry book cover by Cross the Lime
Darknet Diaries podcast logo design by odibagas
8. Classic Blue—Pantone’s color of the year 2020
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Of course we can’t talk about color trends without mentioning Pantone’s color of the year. In 2020, Pantone chose “19-4052 Classic Blue”, a soothing, timeless shade that falls somewhere between mid-tone and deep blue on the color spectrum.
We gravitate to colors that are honest and offer the promise of protection. Non-aggressive and easily relatable, the trusted PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue lends itself to relaxed interaction. – Pantone
According to color psychology, a classic shade of blue like this one represents intelligence, trustworthiness and maturity. That explains why blue is by far the most popular of all colors when it comes to branding, appearing in over half of all logos.
Classic Blue clearly captures the global mood of 2020. It evokes feelings of tranquility, trust, confidence and relaxation—things we all seem to crave heading into the new decade. Get ready to see lots of Classic Blue this year!
via PANTONE
by BryanMaxim
by CostinLogopus
by nahp
by damuhra
Dream in color for 2020
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Diversity in design is a beautiful thing, and the 2020 color trends promise to deliver variety, depth and intrigue. From translucent pastel layers to repurposed vintage hues, there’s something for everyone. Dive in and have fun! This is your year for incredible design.